Charged with Shoplifting in Paramus New Jersey?
Have you been arrested for shoplifting in Paramus, New Jersey? If so, the Law Offices of Proetta & Oliver can help. The Paramus Police Department issues a tremendous amount of shoplifting charges each and every year. That is due in large part to the fact that Paramus is home to so many different shopping centers, including Westfield Garden State Plaza, the Outlets at Bergen Town Center, Paramus Park and Paramus Town Square. If you have been charged with shoplifting in Paramus, it is crucial that you speak to an experienced New Jersey shoplifting defense attorney at soon as possible. The Paramus Municipal Court, which has jurisdiction over all disorderly persons shoplifting charges, takes these offenses very seriously and tends to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. As you will see below, anyone convicted of shoplifting in New Jersey will be facing a steep fine, community service and jail time, even for a first time offender. In addition, shoplifting is considered a crime of moral turpitude, which means a conviction could trigger serious immigration consequences as well. If you would like to speak to one of our Paramus shoplifting defense attorneys, then please contact us at (800)463-0506.
At Proetta & Oliver we are well aware of the stress that most people feel when they are charged with a criminal offense like shoplifting. Not knowing who to turn to or who to trust can only add to the stress. But we feel that hiring right lawyer, someone who not only knows how to defend shoplifting charges but someone who is also familiar with the specific court can go a long way to alleviating a lot of those fears. If you would like to sit down with one of our Paramus shoplifting defense attorneys and discuss your options then please contact our office at (732) 856-9959. We can go over the specifics of your case and we will give you our honest feedback on how we think we can be of assistance. As always, our initial consultations are free of costs. So, if you have any questions whatsoever, please do not hesitate to call.
Shoplifting Attorneys in Paramus NJ
Where do I go to Court?
Pursuant to NJSA 2C:20-11b, shoplifting offenses can either be a misdemeanor or a felony offense. The dollar amount of the merchandise in question will dictate what degree a Defendant is facing. It will also dictate where the charges will be litigated as well. A Defendant alleged to have shoplifted less than $200 worth of merchandise in Paramus will be forced to defend their case in the Paramus Municipal Court, which is located at 1 Jockish Square. That is because the Paramus Municipal Court has original jurisdiction over all disorderly persons offense matters that occur within the township. Conversely, if the Defendant is alleged to have stolen more than $200 worth of merchandise, then their matter will be transferred to the Bergen County Superior Court, which is located at 10 Main Street in Hackensack for disposition. With that being said, it is possible for a defense lawyer to seek to have the Bergen County Prosecutor’s remand the felony shoplifting charges back to the Paramus Municipal Court. If that is to occur, the pending felony charges will downgraded to a disorderly persons offense. If you would like to speak to one of our New Jersey shoplifting defense lawyers about your options then please contact us at (732) 856-9959.
Will I go to Jail for Shoplifting in NJ?
Here is a breakdown of the difference between the degrees of shoplifting and the potential penalties that exist if convicted in New Jersey.
- Second Degree Shoplifting Charge:
- Value of the merchandise must be greater than $75,000.
- If Convicted a Defendant faces 10 years in prison and a $150,000 fine
- Third Degree Shoplifting Offense
- Value of the merchandise must be greater than $500 but less than $75,000
- If Convicted a Defendant faces 5 years in prison and a $15,000 fine
- Fourth Degree Shoplifting Offense
- Value of the merchandise must be greater than $200 but less than $500
- If Convicted a Defendant faces 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine
- Disorderly Persons Offense Shoplifting
- Value of the merchandise must be less than $200
- If Convicted a Defendant faces 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine
Paramus NJ Shoplifting Defense Attorneys
As you can see from above, shoplifting is a serious offense and should not be taken lightly. If you have been charged with shoplifting at JCPenny’s, Macy’s, Apple, Sephora, Home Depot, Neiman Marcus, Lowe’s or elsewhere in Paramus, the Law Offices of Proetta & Oliver can help. If you would like to speak to one of our New Jersey shoplifting defense lawyers about your options, then please contact us at (732) 856-9959. Do not let a simple misunderstanding jeopardize your future. Let the Law Offices of Proetta & Oliver help. We also defend clients on receiving stolen property, theft of moveable property, robbery and possession of burglary tools.