Union County NJ Shoplifting Lawyer

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Attorneys for Shoplifting in Union County

If you have been arrested and charged with shoplifting in Union County, New Jersey the attorneys at Proetta & Oliver can help. Our attorneys have been defending clients accused of shoplifting in towns throughout Union County for years now. We routinely appear in courts like the Union Township Municipal Court, the Elizabeth Municipal Court, the Cranford Municipal Court, the Westfield Municipal Court and the Carteret Municipal Court and defend clients accused of shoplifting. Being charged with a shoplifting offense can be not only intimidating but stressful as well. Most individuals charged with shoplifting simple had a lapse of judgment and have never been involved with the criminal justice system before. However, hiring the right attorney, one who not only knows how to defend these types of charges but who also knows the ins and outs of the courts can go a long way to alleviating that stress.


If you have been charged with shoplifting, possession of burglary tools, burglary, robbery or receiving stolen property in Union County then let the attorneys at Proetta & Oliver help. Our attorneys will sit down with you, go over the facts of your case and give you our honest feedback on how we think we can help. We are well aware that no two cases let alone no two clients are the same. As such, we can craft a defense that works best to fulfill your wishes. To speak to one of our New Jersey shoplifting defense attorneys today about your options then please contact us at (800)463-0506.

Shoplifting Lawyer in Union Township NJ  

If you have been charged with shoplifting in New Jersey it is crucial that you speak to an attorney as soon as possible about your options. The offense of shoplifting is governed by NJSA 2C:20-11b in New Jersey. The statute states in pertinent part that:

  • Any person to purposely take possession of, carry away, transfer or cause to be carried away or transferred, any merchandise displayed, held, stored or offered for sale by any store or other retail mercantile establishment with the intention of depriving the merchant of the possession, use or benefit of such merchandise or converting the same to the use of such person without paying to the merchant the full retail value thereof.

The value of the alleged merchandise in question will help dictate not only what degree of shoplifting a Defendant if facing but also where the charges will be litigated at. Here is helpful chart that will not only breakdown the different potential degrees of shoplifting offenses but what the penalties are as well.

2nd Degree Felony Shoplifting Charges in NJ

  • Value of the merchandise has to be over $75,000.
  • If convicted, a Defendant faces the following:
    • 5 to 10 years in prison,
    • $150,000 fine,
    • Community Service,
    • Felony Criminal Record,
    • Restitution.

4th Degree Felony Shoplifting Charges in NJ

  • The value of the merchandise must be greater than $200 but less than $500.
  • If convicted, a Defendant faces the following:
    • 18 months in prison,
    • $10,000 fine,
    • Community Service,
    • Felony Criminal Record,
    • Restitution.

3rd Degree Felony Shoplifting Charges in NJ

  • The value of the merchandise must be greater than $500 but less than $75,000.
  • If convicted, a Defendant faces the following:
    • 3 to 5 years in prison,
    • $15,000 fine,
    • Community Service,
    • Felony Criminal Record,
    • Restitution.

Disorderly Persons Offense Shoplifting in NJ

  • The value of the merchandise must be less than $200.
  • If convicted, a Defendant faces the following:
    • 6 months in the Union County Jail,
    • $1,000 fine,
    • Community Service,
    • Criminal Record
    • Restitution.

Why Do I have to Go to Elizabeth for my Shoplifting Charge?

All disorderly persons offense (misdemeanor) shoplifting charges will be litigated in the local municipal court where the incident occurred. However, all felony shoplifting offenses will be transferred to the Union County Superior Court for disposition. With that being said, it is possible for the Union County Prosecutor’s Office to remand the felony shoplifting charges back down to the local municipal court. If that is to occur, the felony shoplifting charges will now be considered misdemeanor charges. For more information on how charges get remanded in New Jersey please contact our office at (800)463-0506.

Courts we Frequently Appear in Union County NJ

We appear in courts throughout Union County on a regular basis however the courts we frequent most often include the following:

Elizabeth NJ Shoplifting Defense Lawyers

The attorneys at Proetta & Oliver understand the severity of the charges and the ramification if convicted. As such, we will do everything within our power to protect your rights. We will aggressively challenge the evidence presented against you in order to achieve the most favorable outcome. If you would like to come into our office for a free consultation today, then please contact us directly at (800)463-0506. We serve all of Union County, including Scotch Plains, Clark, Berkeley Heights, Plainfield, Linden and Roselle Park.