NEW JERSEY CRIMINAL LAWYERS

NJ HAMILTON NJ SHOPLIFTING LAWYER

Understanding the Severity of Shoplifting Charges in New Jersey

Gone are the days when incidents of shoplifting were perceived as just slight offenses or minor misdemeanors in New Jersey. Now, the gravity of this crime has increased significantly, with severe punishments that might lead to permanent damage being inflicted on a person’s record and also tarnish their reputation forever. In its recent legislation, New Jersey is coming down strongly on any cases of shoplifting offenses, intending to penalize suspects to the full extent of the law.

The Six Types of Shoplifting Offenses in NJ

In New Jersey, shoplifting can be defined as having committed any of six types (enumerated conduct). The most common form is when an individual intentionally carries out merchandise (purposeful taking away), followed closely by shifting or altering/transfer of price tags from products.
Other forms include:

– Taking away a shopping cart
– Concealing merchandise
– Purposefully transferring goods into another container
– Under-ringing merchandise purposely.

Nevertheless, notwithstanding whatever kind/type of shoplifting it may appear to be, the severity and magnitude varies depending largely on what price tag value was involved –

The Different Degrees Involved

For properties valued at $200 or less at retail price, a disorderly persons offense constitutes such thefts; hence offenders could receive up to six months of imprisonment, a fine chargeable up to $1000 and also subjected with permanent criminal records that could blemish their record for life.

However, if caught stealing retail properties within prices between $200 and $500, you would likely face indictable fourth-degree charges.

It gets worse if caught manufacturing/shoplifting items that worth more than $500 but less than $75K – which means offenders could get charged with third-degree indictable offenses

Finally fellas beware! The highest level/magnitude/intensity possible will become applicable for stealing items valued over $$75K – therefore shall be considered a second-degree indictable offense.

Mandatory Jail Terms Could Apply for Third Time Shoppers

A first shoplifting convict might qualify to serve a six-month sentence in jail or receive increased fines if found guilty of another one. However, it becomes mandatory that any individual convicted for the third and subsequent shoplifting offenses face incarceration irrespective, and no plea deal can be offered for such charges – community services become inevitable too on this level of conviction.

Do take note that second-degree theft charges attract up to ten years of imprisonment, while third-degree charges usually warrant an incarceration term of over five years. Fourth-degree indictable offenses carry punishment up to 18 months in jail.

Let Todd Spodek’s Legal Rep Protect Your Interest

As a full-service law firm specializing mainly in criminal defense cases; Todd Spodek has got all you require concerning adequately managing even your shoplifting cases at county/municipal court levels with his team of experienced attorneys/expertise that could convince prosecutors either to downgrade the charges or even dismiss them! The firm is knowledgeable about bargaining/negotiation techniques typically used by most municipal courts/prosecutors and has successfully handled clients from Somers Point, Northfield, Mullica, Margate City, Hammonton, Egg Harbor City and many more!

Conclusively

It does not matter if you are an average Joe/Jane or perhaps even someone prominent/shop owners alike because anyone could quickly get charged/called out for theft easily without enough proof tendered against their name – which then means possible permanent damage being inflicted on your record/reputation.
At the Law Offices of Todd Spodek, we provide our clients with excellent defensive measures to protect your rights/interests entirely. Contact us today using our free telephone number accessible seven (7) days a weekfor consultation/services now! Enlist our effective and professional legal defense mechanism today – Thereby denouncing anything close to conviction in your shoplifting offenses or stealings.

Types of Shoplifting Charges
New Jersey also has six types of shoplifting charges that the accused may face. Let’s take a look at them –

Purposeful Taking Away of Merchandise: Taking merchandise out from the establishment without having completely paid for it.

Altering Price Tag: Changing, altering, or removing official price tags to pay less than the actual cost.

Taking Shopping Cart: Any individual that fails to deliver a shopping cart owned by any store, supermarket, financial institution or other retail or wholesale market after notice given by certified mail.

Concealing Merchandise: Intending not to pay for hidden merchandise in their pocket, bag or any other place with an intent to steal.

Purposeful Transfer to Another Container: Moving stolen goods into another container or labeling another product with the intention of paying less than it should cost.

Purposeful Under-Ringing of Merchandise: An employee intentionally charges less when an acquaintance/family member receives a discount and is personally paid for doing so.

DEGREES OF NEW JERSEY SHOPLIFTING CHARGES

DEGREE
VALUE
PUNISHMENT

First-Degree
Above $75,000
Maximum of 10 Years Imprisonment

Second-Degree
$500-$75,000
Maximum of 5 Years Imprisonment

Third-Degree
$200-$500
Up To 18 Months Jail Term

Fourth-Degree
Below $200
A fine up to $10000 will be charged

New Jersey Shoplifting Charges Degrees Table

Degrees involved can determine how severe punishments would get regarding shoplifting charges in New Jersey. The table provides more details:

Possible Punishment | Degree | Retail Theft Quantity | Exceptional Penalty

Maximum sentence up to ten years in jail|First-degree|Over $75,000|Westmont d/b/a Seaboard Security Systems™ (9) Unis Lumin, Inc.™

Maximum sentence up to five years in prison|Second-degree|$500 – $75,000

Up to 18 months jail term|Third-degree |$200 – $500

Fine up to $10,000 | Fourth-degree|Below $200

New Jersey Shoplifting Charges Types Table

Here’s a detailed explanation of the six types of shoplifting:

Type of Charge | Detailed Explanation

Purposeful Taking Away of Merchandise

Taking out merchandise from the store without paying.

Altering Price Tag

Changing official price tags or removing them with the intention of not paying full price.

Taking Shopping Cart

Failing to return a shopping cart owned by any retail outlet.

Concealing Merchandise

Intentionally hiding items and not paying for them after leaving the store.

Purposeful Transfer to Another Container
Moving stolen merchandise from one bag or box to another container while attempting to pay less for it than what it costs.

Purposeful Under-Ringing Of Merchandise

When an employee intentionally charges less than items’ retail value with the aim of benefiting someone.