Facing a Shoplifting Charge in Jackson?

Jackson Township, which was traditional known as one of the moral rural towns in Ocean County, has seen its fair share of development over the years. That development has probably played a significant role in the increase in the crime rate, which includes shoplifting offenses. Jackson is spread across more than 100 square miles in the southwest section of Ocean County and not only is it home to the Jackson Premium Outlets but also stores like ShopRite, Walgreens, Spirits Unlimited and the Dollar Tree. When you combine all the shopping opportunities and the rise in the population, it explains the increase in shoplifting offenses that the Jackson Municipal Court is forced to preside over each year. Stores like ShopRite, Claire’s, Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren, Sunglass Hut, Pacsun and Disney spend a tremendous amount of money on their loss prevention departments, so when they are finally able to apprehend a would be shoplifter, then tend to make sure they are aggressively prosecuted. Furthermore, they also believe the tough on crime approach will serve as a deterrent as well.  Anyone convicted of shoplifting in New Jersey will be facing not only jail time and high fines but also immigration consequences as well. Shoplifting is considered a Crime of Moral Turpitude, which means that anyone convicted of this offense could be facing deportation proceedings on top of the jail time. That is why we strongly recommend that if you have been charged with the crime of shoplifting, that you speak to an attorney as soon as possible about your options.

At Proetta & Oliver, our attorneys understand the anxiety that most feel when they are placed in handcuffs and ushered away in the back of a police car. As such, we are dedicated to being very hands on with our clients in order to try and make this process as painless as possible. If you have been summonsed to appear in the Jackson Municipal Court to defend shoplifting, possession of burglary tools, theft of movable property, receiving stolen property, fencing or any other criminal offense for that matter, we can help. If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our New Jersey shoplifting defense attorneys today, then please call our Point Pleasant office (732) 856-9959. Our attorneys are available immediately for free initial consultation.

Jackson Township NJ Shoplifting Defense Attorney

All shoplifting offenses, whether the allegations are that the Defendant concealed the merchandise, altered a tag or fraudulently returned items, will be governed by NJSA 2C:20-11. The crime of shoplifting is considered a hybrid offense in New Jersey, meaning depending on the value of the merchandise, a Defendant could be charged with either a disorderly persons offense (misdemeanor) or an indictable offense (felony). The underlying degree of the offense will also dictate where the charges will be litigated at. All disorderly persons shoplifting offenses that occur within Jackson Township will be heard in the Jackson Municipal Court and all felony shoplifting offenses will be heard in the Ocean County Superior Court, which is actually located in Toms River. So, the specific store that a Defendant is alleged to have shoplifted at will have no bearing on what court actually has jurisdiction over the case. If you would like to speak to one of our shoplifting defense attorneys about your options, then please feel free to contact our office at 800-463-0506 or email us. Our attorneys will be glad to go over the specific facts of your case and we give you our honest feedback on how we can be of assistance. New Jersey as a whole takes this offense very seriously and as such, we strongly recommend that if you or anyone finds yourself in this situation that you contact an experienced shoplifting defense attorney as soon as possible.