New Jersey Robbery Defense Lawyers
Each and every year we come across several situations where clients are charged with robbery stemming from what started out as a minor shoplifting incident. When a client who is in the midst of committing a shoplifting offense uses some form of force to get away from a security guard, things quickly go from bad to worse. Shoplifting in and of itself is a serious crime in New Jersey. However, robbery is by far one of the most serious criminal charges under the New Jersey criminal code. If a Defendant is alleged to have used some form of force, even a simple push, while in the commission of a shoplifting offense, they will most likely be charged with robbery in the second degree. We unfortunately see this type of situation all to often. If you or a loved one has been charged with robbery, theft by deception, shoplifting, theft of moveable property, receiving stolen property, fencing or any other offense for that matter, the Law Offices of Proetta & Oliver can help. Our New Jersey criminal defense attorneys have been defending clients accused of theft related crimes in courts throughout New Jersey for years now, including courts in towns like Paramus, Freehold, Woodbridge, New Brunswick, Elizabeth, Trenton, Hamilton, Toms River and Wayne. If you would like to speak to one of our New Jersey shoplifting defense lawyers about your potential options then please contact us at (800) 643-0506. This is a very serious charge and one that if not handled properly could land a Defendant behind bars for up to twenty (20) years.
Robbery Defense Attorneys in New Jersey
Here is just a quick example to put it into perspective how drastically a simple push changes things. Say someone is in the midst of shoplifting a pack up gum from a store and the clerk steps in to prevent the shoplifting. In an effort to flee the store, the would be shoplifter pushes the clerk out of the way. The individual will be charged with robbery in the second degree as opposed to shoplifting. Under this example, the individual went from facing a fine at a worst case scenerio to up to a decade behind bars. The offense of robbery is governed by NJSA 2C:15-2.
In order to be convicted of robbery in the second degree, the prosecution must prove the following elements:
- That the Defendant was in the course of committing a theft;
- That during the course of committing the theft, the Defendant:
- Knowingly inflicted bodily injury or used force upon another; or
- Threatened another with or purposely put another in fear of immediate bodily injury; or
- Committed or threatened immediately to commit the crime of the first or second degree.
So as you can see from reading above, it does not take much for a shoplifting offense to quickly turn into a robbery. If you have been charged with a robbery in New Jersey and you would like to speak to one of our criminal defense lawyers about your options then please contact us directly at (800)463-0506.
Is Robbery a Felony in NJ?
Robbery is either a first or second degree felony offense in New Jersey. If a Defendant is convicted of a second degree robbery charge in New Jersey, they will be facing a prison sentence anywhere from five to ten years, a fine up to $150,00 and a felony criminal record. Furthermore, the crime of robbery is subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA). NERA requires that a Defendant serve at least 85% of their sentence before they can become eligible for parole. Conversely, if a Defendant is convicted of a first degree armed robbery, a Defendant will be facing ten to twenty years in prison, a fine up to $200,000 and a felony criminal record. A first degree robbery falls under NERA as well.
Robbery Defense Lawyer in New Jersey
The Law Offices of Proetta & Oliver has been defending clients accused of crimes like shoplifting, possession of burglary tools, shoplifting, theft by deception and receiving stolen property in courts throughout New Jersey. If you would like to speak to one of our New Jersey robbery defense attorneys about your options then please call us at (800)463-0506 or email us. We serve all of New Jersey, including counties like Mercer County, Hudson County, Somerset County, Morris County, Bergen County, Passaic County, Union County, Monmouth County and Middlesex County.