NEW JERSEY CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Hunterdon County Shoplifting Lawyers

Charged with Shoplifting in Hunterdon County, NJ
Shoplifting may be a popular criminal offense in Hunterdon County, particularly in Flemington. Liberty Village Outlet Marketplace, Costco, Home Depot, Walmart and Lowes Home Improvement are some of the typical places where many shoplifting crimes take place. However, retail theft is also common in Clinton Township and Raritan Township. If you are facing a shoplifting arrest in any part of the county, hiring an expert criminal defense attorney will significantly increase your chances of avoiding a criminal record for shoplifting, imprisonment and other associated repercussions.

According to N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11, committing a shoplifting offense results in charges that can lead to either a disorderly persons offense or an indictable felony crime of the second-, third-, or fourth-degree based on the full retail value of the merchandise involved. This law covers cases where people intentionally deprive merchants of merchandise or their value by removing them from stores, concealing them or altering price tags.

In addition to these actions:

– Some individuals modify packages.
– Others change package contents.
– Under ring items.
– Take merchant owned carts.

A disorderly persons offense charge applies if property worth less than $200 is involved. Typically this charge would require appearing before local municipal courts such as Tewksbury or Readington. On the other hand, if the goods exceed $200 but are not more than $500 in price tag then this constitutes fourth-degree offenses which must be managed within Hunterdon County Superior Court located in Flemington. Similarly, third-degree offenses relate to goods valued between $500 and $75,000 while second-degree offenses relate to those valued at $75,000 and above.

Penalties for Shoplifting in Hunterdon County
The penalties associated with shoplifting vary based on the seriousness and degree of charges brought against offenders. A conviction resulting from a disorderly persons offense can earn an offender six months in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000. For shoplifting of the fourth-degree, sentencing can range up to 18 months imprisonment with fines of up to $10,000 at the Flemington county courthouse.

A third-degree shoplifting charge can result in imprisonment for up to five years along with fines of up to $15,000. However, a second-degree shoplifting offense tends to be rare but carries severe penalties including 5-10 years in prison time and a possible fine amounting to $150,000. Offenders charged with third or higher degree of shoplifting must serve at least 90 days upon conviction.

Fortunately, there are two different diversionary programs meant for first-time offenders that you may qualify for after cases like disorderly persons offenses. First is the Conditional Dismissal option while Pretrial Intervention (PTI) is available for those facing indictable crimes of third or fourth degrees shoplifting charges.

Shoplifting Attorneys in Flemington
Facing an arrest or conviction related to shoplifting can be overwhelming and confusing, particularly without expert guidance from attorneys familiar with handling such charges in Hunterdon County for decades. You need legal representation that understands how crucial it is that your rights are protected every step of the way during this period. Spodek Law Group is here for you if you require a formidable team of accomplished criminal attorneys who can handle any retail theft matter charged against you in Hunterdon County counties promptly. Contact us today for more information on how we can help protect your rights during this critical moment.