Although many people view shoplifting as a minor crime, it is actually a very serious offense. If you are convicted of this offense, it can lead to jail time, fines, community service, and a criminal record. For these reasons, it is important to consult with an experienced New Jersey shoplifting attorney near me if you are facing shoplifting charges.
The right attorney will thoroughly review your case and build the strongest possible defense on your behalf. He or she will also know how to negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or diversionary programs. As a result, you can avoid the maximum penalty allowed under state law for stealing and protect your record.
In many cases, a shoplifting attorney near me who is experienced in handling shoplifting charges can get the charges dismissed completely or have them reduced to a civil violation. He or she can also help you apply for a diversionary program like Pretrial Intervention or Conditional Dismissal, which are available to first-time offenders of certain crimes, including shoplifting.
To be convicted of shoplifting in New Jersey, the prosecution must prove that you intentionally took merchandise without paying for it. However, there are a number of ways to make an honest mistake that could demonstrate your lack of intent. For example, forgetting to pay for an item under your cart or misunderstanding store policies can be used as a defense to show that you did not have criminal intent.
It is also important to remember that even a misdemeanor shoplifting conviction can lead to stiff penalties if the amount of merchandise stolen is substantial. Additionally, the merchant from whom you stole can sue you in civil court for damages resulting from your actions.
While it may seem tempting to represent yourself in the case, this is rarely a good idea for anyone accused of a crime. A skilled New Jersey shoplifting attorney near me can evaluate your case and create a strong strategy to protect your rights and your freedom.
Contact a law office today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows how to defend clients against shoplifting charges in New Jersey. An experienced shoplifting attorney near me can provide extensive experience representing clients charged with theft crimes of all types and will fight tirelessly to protect your future and reputation. In addition, they may have deep familiarity with local court staff and loss prevention officers who regularly appear in court. This knowledge can be used to your advantage. Let a shoplifting attorney near me help you put your shoplifting case behind you. Call now to schedule your free consultation. Many attorneys represent individuals throughout New Jersey and offer free initial consultations to discuss your case.
In New Jersey, shoplifting is a criminal offense that can have serious consequences. If you are convicted, you could face fines, community service, a criminal record, and other penalties that can affect your career, your reputation, and your ability to find employment or secure housing. It is important that you take the time to speak with a skilled shoplifting attorney near me to protect your rights and your future.
The best way to avoid a shoplifting conviction is to work with a skilled and experienced shoplifting attorney near me who understands how the state’s criminal laws apply to your case. Your lawyer can review the evidence and explore all possible defense strategies, helping you build a strong case for your freedom. The right shoplifting attorney near me can also protect you from restitution and civil penalties.
Often, shoplifting is a misdemeanor if the value of the merchandise involved is less than $1,000. However, if the item is more than that amount or you engage in shoplifting as part of an organized retail theft enterprise, it can be considered a crime of the second or third degree. A conviction of either of these crimes could result in a lengthy prison term, substantial fines, and other life-altering consequences.
If you are charged with shoplifting, your attorney will examine the evidence and make recommendations about how to proceed. It may be possible to get the charges reduced or dismissed entirely. If you are a first-time offender, you may be eligible for diversionary programs like Pre-Trial Intervention or Conditional Dismissal, which involve meeting certain conditions in exchange for the dismissal of the charges. A shoplifting attorney near me can determine if you are eligible for these programs and guide you through the application process.
In many cases, if you shoplifted from multiple stores in one day, the prosecutor will treat it as a single course of conduct and add up the total value of the merchandise. In that case, you could be charged with a higher-level offense, such as a crime of the fourth or fifth degree.
The law defines “shoplifting” as removing or concealing merchandise inside a store without paying the required price for it. This includes removing anti-theft tags, altering or transferring prices or bar codes on merchandise tags, and under-ringing merchandise to avoid paying full price for it. It is also illegal to possess devices that facilitate shoplifting, such as tools that demagnetize merchandise security tags or other implements designed to subvert anti-shoplifting countermeasures.
In addition to criminal penalties, a person who is convicted of shoplifting in New Jersey might be ordered to pay restitution to the store and may also face civil penalties up to $500 for each item that they fail to purchase or return. An experienced shoplifting attorney near me can defend you from these civil penalties, as well as other forms of restitution that might be imposed by a store. If you have been arrested for shoplifting, it is important to consult with a qualified New Jersey shoplifting attorney near me as soon as possible to begin building your defense.
New Jersey law defines shoplifting as the unauthorized removal of merchandise from stores. This can include removing anti-theft tags, altering price tags or labels, transferring merchandise from one container to another, and concealing merchandise. Shoplifting is classified as a theft crime and carries serious penalties if convicted. A shoplifting attorney near me can help you fight your charges and avoid a conviction.
Even a first-time offense can have major consequences for your life. A criminal record will be permanent and can make it hard to find work, apply for college, and get housing. A seasoned New Jersey shoplifting attorney near me can build a strong legal defense to protect your rights and your future.
The penalties for shoplifting can vary widely, depending on the value of the merchandise and your record. First offenders may receive a disorderly persons offense, while repeat offenders can face second-degree or third-degree crimes, and the most severe penalty is mandatory jail time. The state also requires that convicted shoplifters pay restitution and all court costs, as well as perform community service. Stores can also sue shoplifters for restitution, lost revenue and any other damages they believe the perpetrators caused them.
A New Jersey shoplifting attorney near me can examine the evidence, question witnesses and argue your case in court. During the process, they can challenge the validity of the evidence, such as security footage or eyewitness accounts, and attempt to have any illegally obtained evidence excluded from your case. They can also explore diversion programs that could allow you to keep your charges off your record if you successfully complete a program.
In some cases, a New Jersey shoplifting attorney near me can persuade prosecutors to downgrade your charge or drop it altogether. Prosecutors are often willing to downgrade a fourth-degree shoplifting offense when less than $500 worth of merchandise was stolen, for example, to a disorderly persons offense. They may be more likely to do this if it is your first or second offense, and you have no prior theft or criminal record.
If you have been charged with a shoplifting offense, it is important to consult with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. Your shoplifting attorney near me can review the details of your case and advise you on the best course of action. They can negotiate with prosecutors, explore plea deals and trial options, and create a strong legal strategy to fight your charges.
If you are a minor and have been accused of shoplifting, you should speak with a New Jersey criminal defense lawyer immediately. Unlike adult offenders, juveniles are charged through family court and have an entirely different set of legal protections and penalties. Your teen’s shoplifting charges can have significant effects on their future, including making it harder to get a job or go to school. They can also affect their immigration status if they are not a US citizen.
Lustberg Law Offices, LLC
One University Plaza Dr Suite 210, Hackensack, NJ 07601, United States
(201) 880-5311