Morris County Shoplifting Charges

Morris County NJ Shoplifting Lawyers

Being charged with shoplifting can be stressful no matter where the offense happens. However, if you have been charged with shoplifting in Morris County, in towns like Rockaway, Mount Olive, Morristown or Madison, it is crucial that you speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. These towns tend to prosecute shoplifting offense to the fullest extent of the law. As you will see below, anyone charged with shoplifting will be facing jail time, high fines, community service, probation, court mandated therapy, a criminal record and restitution, even for a first time offender. Furthermore, anyone convicted of shoplifting will also be facing up potential deportation proceedings if applicable. To speak to one of our attorneys immediately, please contact us at (732) 856-9959.

If you have been accused of shoplifting, burglary, receiving stolen property, theft by deception, theft of moveable property, trespassing, burglary tools or robbery, the attorneys at Proetta & Oliver can help. As you can see these are serious offenses and as such require the assistance of an experienced Morris County criminal defense attorney. At Proetta & Oliver we fully understand that these offenses are most likely the first time that our clients are ever dealing with the criminal justice system. More often than not, a shoplifting offense occurs based on a split second lapse in judgement. As such, we are dedicated to making sure that this incident does not have a lasting affect on your life. To come into our office and have a face to face consultation with one of our attorneys then please contact us at (732) 856-9959. Now here is some more information on shoplifting charges in Morris County New Jersey.

Is Shoplifting a Felony in NJ?

All shoplifting charges in New Jersey will be governed by NJSA 2C:20-11b. The legislature has chosen to break this offense down into really four different degrees. A disorderly persons offense, which is New Jersey’s version of a misdemeanor and either a second, third or fourth degree felony. Not only with the degree play a major role in the potential penalty that a Defendant faces but it will also help dictate what court will have jurisdiction over the matter. For example, all disorderly persons offense shoplifting charges will be litigated in the local municipal court in the township where the offense occurred. Conversely, all felony shoplifting charges will be litigated in the county courthouse in the county where the incident occurred. So, if the Defendant is alleged to have stolen more than $200 at Macy’s in Rockaway Township, then the charges will be heard in the Morris County Superior Court in Morristown. With that being said, it is possible to have felony graded shoplifting charges downgraded down to disorderly persons offenses. If that is to occur, the charges will be remanded from the Morris County Superior Court down to the local municipality where the incident occurred. If that is to happen, the potential penalties will drastically be reduced. Here is a brief chart that will not only breakdown the different degrees but the potential penalties as well.

• Second Degree Felony Shoplifting Lawyers
  • The merchandise was more than $75,000.
    • The Defendant will be facing anywhere from five to ten years.
• Third Degree Felony Shoplifting Attorneys
  • The merchandise is in excess of $500 but less than $75,000.
    • The Defendant is facing three to five years in prison  
• Fourth Degree Felony Shoplifting Charge
  • The merchandise is more than $200 but less than $500.
    • The Defendant is facing 18 months in prison
• Disorderly Persons Offense Shoplifting Lawyer Morristown: NJ Version of  Misdemeanor
  • The merchandise is less than $200.
    • The Defendant is facing 6 months in jail.

With that being said, there are several diversionary programs that a Defendant may be able to take advantage of depending on the underlying facts of their case and their prior criminal history. Those programs include the Pretrial Intervention Program, the Conditional Dismissal Program and Drug Court. For more information on these programs, please contact us at (732) 856-9959 or click the links for more information.

Common Courts we Appear in on Shoplifting Charges in Morris County

The attorneys at Proetta & Oliver has been defending clients accused of shoplifting in courts throughout New Jersey for years now. When facing a shoplifting charge in New Jersey, hiring the right attorney can help alleviate a stressful situation. Hiring the right attorney, one who not only knows how to defend shoplifting charges but also who knows the ins and outs of the court can go a long way to obtaining a favorable resolution. Here are some of the most common courts that we frequent in Morris County:

Shoplifting Lawyer in Rockaway NJ

If you have been charged with shoplifting in Morris County, the attorneys at Proetta & Oliver can help. Our team of New Jersey shoplifting defense attorneys have the experience and skill set needed to make sure that these charges do not ruin the rest of your life. A shoplifting conviction can drastically affect your ability to maintain or gain meaningful employment, obtain certain professional licenses and can also have a significant affect on your immigration status. We serve all of Morris County, including towns like Morristown, Madison, Rockaway, Long Valley, Parsippany, Montville, Jefferson and  Mendham. For a free consultation today, please contact us at (732) 856-9959.