Shoplifting Lawyer for Freehold Raceway Mall
Each year hundreds of people are charged and arrested for shoplifting from the Freehold Raceway Mall. These people face very serious penalties if convicted of shoplifting, which can include community service, restitution, fines, a civil penalty and even mandatory jail. To make matters worse for these defendants, there is a prohibition against plea bargaining for shoplifting crimes, which means that the only way you can typically get these charges dismissed or downgraded is by challenging the state’s evidence against you. This makes having an experienced New Jersey shoplifting lawyer almost an essential requirement if you plan to seriously fight your charges. The situation can become even more complicated for individuals who are not U.S. citizens because shoplifting is considered a “crime involving moral turpitude” and can result in substantial immigration problems if you are convicted of shoplifting. To learn more about what we may be able to do for you or your one, feel free to contact our office today at (732) 856-9959 for a free initial consultation.
Why is Shoplifting So Prevalent at Freehold Raceway Mall?
Since first opening its doors in 1990, Raceway Mall in Freehold Township, New Jersey has seen a steady increase in popularity which has resulted in the already immense mall expanding two more times and adding several more “anchor stores”. These days the mall is busier than ever and sees several thousand visitors and shoppers each day with even bigger crowds on the weekends and holidays. In fact, Freehold Raceway Mall has been ranked nationally by news sources as one of the worst congested malls for black Friday. The main stores or anchor stores at Freehold Raceway Mall include JCPenny, Lord & Taylor, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Primark, and Sears. For obvious reasons, these stores typically have the most shoplifting offenses and arrests each year. However, with approximately 225 stores and almost 2 million square feet in retail space, there are numerous shoplifting incidents at various stores throughout the mall as well including Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sephora, and Abercrombie & Fitch.
What Happens After I Am Arrested For Shoplifting At Raceway Mall?
If you have been arrested for shoplifting at one of the many stores in Freehold Raceway Mall then you will be required to make a mandatory court appearance. However, the circumstances or allegations of your case will control what court you have to appear in. For instance, if the merchandise that you were alleged to have taken is less than $200 then you will be required to appear in the Freehold Township Municipal Court since the charges will be considered a disorderly persons offense shoplifting. But if charges alleged that you stole or attempted to take merchandise worth more than $200 – your charges will be considered an indictable crime (or felony) and you will most likely be required to appear in Monmouth County Superior Court, which is located in Freehold Borough, a short distance away. Once you receive your paperwork it is important that you assess how serious are your shoplifting charges and based on that decide whether or not you need an attorney for your shoplifting case.
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