Lustberg Law Offices, LLC

New Jersey Shoplifting Defense Lawyers

Whether it is stealing merchandise or pushing a security guard on the way out, shoplifting is a serious criminal offense. The penalties are stiff, particularly for repeat offenders. A conviction also leads to a criminal record that can impact future employment, housing, and even college applications. The best way to put a shoplifting charge behind you is to partner with a qualified New Jersey shoplifting attorney near me.

The criminal law of New Jersey defines shoplifting as taking merchandise from a store without paying for it. This can include concealing or otherwise removing the merchandise from its packaging; switching tags, containers, or under-ringing items; and removing or altering anti-theft or inventory control devices. New Jersey criminal defense lawyers can use a variety of legal strategies to fight charges based on this statute.

Often, the defendant is a first-time offender and may be eligible for diversionary programs like Pre-Trial Intervention or Conditional Dismissal. A shoplifting attorney near me can determine if you are eligible for these programs and guide you through the application process. If not, a skilled shoplifting attorney near me will fight to have your case dismissed at trial or have it downgraded to a less severe offense.

A conviction for a second-degree or third-degree crime of this nature can result in substantial fines, incarceration, and a permanent criminal record that will follow you through life. A third-degree offense also carries with it a loss of civil rights such as the right to vote, work in certain professions, and apply for certain public benefits.

It is important to partner with a New Jersey shoplifting defense lawyer as soon as possible after you are arrested for this offense. A skilled shoplifting attorney near me can quickly review your case and identify any potential legal strategies to have the charges against you dropped.

Even if your NJ shoplifting attorney near me can’t get your case dismissed outright, the slightest defect in the State’s case such as a lack of probable cause or even the way in which store security officers detained you can help you avoid prosecution. Even if your NJ criminal lawyer cannot completely get the case dismissed, they can work with the prosecutor to downgrade or plead down the charges to a lesser offense so that it does not negatively affect your livelihood and future employment.

While most people who shoplift do so out of a compulsion or for fun, it is still considered theft and a serious crime. Convictions for shoplifting carry heavy fines, jail time, and a criminal record that can impact future job opportunities and even professional licensing. A skilled New Jersey criminal defense lawyer can make all the difference in a case involving shoplifting, receiving stolen property, or any other theft-related offense. Contact a firm to set up a free consultation. Many experienced lawyers are well-versed in defending theft cases and all other crimes.

Legal Defense For Shoplifting Charges in NJ

While many people view shoplifting as a minor offense, this is far from the truth. Depending on the value of the merchandise stolen, even a misdemeanor shoplifting conviction can result in significant fines and prison time. For that reason, it is important to consult with a shoplifting attorney near me as soon as possible if you are arrested for shoplifting in New Jersey.

An experienced New Jersey shoplifting attorney near me can review your case, discuss your options, and build an effective defense. A lawyer with extensive experience defending this type of crime will know how to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, such as security footage, and argue that you did not have intent to deprive the store owner. A shoplifting attorney near me can also help you determine if you are eligible for diversionary programs such as Pre-Trial Intervention or Conditional Dismissal, which can help to reduce or even dismiss shoplifting charges from your record.

The penalties for shoplifting depend on the amount of merchandise stolen and whether or not the person has a prior record. For example, stealing merchandise worth less than $200 is a misdemeanor, while stealing goods of more than $500 is a fourth-degree crime in New Jersey. Additionally, if a person is found to be involved in an organized retail theft enterprise, they can face up to five years in prison and $150,000 in fines.

If you have been charged with shoplifting, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you fight the charges. The right shoplifting attorney near me can help you avoid a conviction and the negative consequences that could follow, including a record that can impact college applications, employment, and professional licensing.

New Jersey shoplifting law states that in order to be convicted of this crime, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant “knowingly and purposely took possession of the property of another with the intention of converting it to his own use without paying the merchant the full retail value thereof.” Defending against this type of charge requires an understanding of the laws and how the prosecution will try to use them against you.

Some of the common shoplifting defenses include arguing that you did not intend to deprive the store owner of property, that you forgot an item was in your pocket, or that the police violated your rights when they stopped you. An experienced lawyer can also challenge the accuracy of the shoplifting detection equipment used by the store, as well as arguing that the police did not follow proper procedure when they obtained any evidence in your case.

If you have been arrested for shoplifting in New Jersey, contact a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer to schedule a free consultation. Understanding how serious a criminal charge such as this can be, a shoplifting attorney near me will work tirelessly to defend your rights. They will fight to get your charges dismissed and protect your future. Call today or contact a shoplifting attorney near me to learn more about available services. 

Navigating Shoplifting Charges With NJ Lawyers

While many people might assume that shoplifting is a minor crime, the state of New Jersey takes this type of theft very seriously. Those who are convicted can face significant legal consequences, including fines and jail time. In addition, a criminal record can have negative long-term impacts on an individual’s life. That is why it is important to hire an experienced shoplifting attorney near me as soon as possible.

A knowledgeable New Jersey shoplifting attorney near me could fight to reduce the severity of the charges against you. In some cases, he or she may be able to convince the prosecutor to drop the charges entirely. If the charges are not dismissed, he or she could also work to minimize the penalties imposed by a judge or jury.

The severity of a shoplifting offense in New Jersey is determined by the value of the merchandise stolen. Generally, any theft of merchandise that is worth more than $200 is considered a second-degree crime. Merchandise valued between $500 and $75,000 is considered third-degree theft. And any theft of merchandise that is valued over $75,000 is considered a second-degree felony.

Moreover, those who steal more than one piece of merchandise from a store in a single day can be charged with a “continuing course of conduct” offense. In such cases, the prosecutor can add up the total retail value of the merchandise and use it to determine the grade of the shoplifting offense.

Additionally, stores can file restitution charges against those who are arrested for shoplifting. In some instances, stores can even bar individuals from returning merchandise for a cash refund or store credit.

It is important to note that while adults are charged with shoplifting offenses in criminal court, juveniles (those under the age of 18) will likely have their cases handled through Family Court. Regardless of the grade of the shoplifting offense, a juvenile’s case can have a major impact on his or her future.

In any case, even a shoplifting conviction can have a serious impact on your personal and professional life. That is why it is essential to contact an experienced New Jersey shoplifting attorney near me as soon as possible.

A skilled criminal defense attorney could challenge the evidence against you, such as arguing that the police report or complaint describes the wrong items or that the value of the merchandise was inaccurately reported. Furthermore, the shoplifting attorney near me could argue that the evidence was improperly obtained or that you lacked intent to steal.

Finally, an experienced shoplifting attorney near me can also help you pursue a diversionary program like Conditional Dismissal or Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) to avoid a criminal record for shoplifting. These programs offer first-time offenders a chance to have their cases dismissed after completing certain conditions, such as community service and counseling. This is an excellent option for those with minimal prior criminal history who are willing to turn their lives around.

Lustberg Law Offices, LLC

Lustberg Law Offices, LLC

One University Plaza Dr Suite 210, Hackensack, NJ 07601, United States

(201) 880-5311