Shoplifting Defense Lawyers in Passaic County
Whether you have been charged with shoplifting in Wayne, Clifton, Paterson, Little Falls, Totowa or elsewhere in Passaic County, New Jersey the Law Offices of Proetta & Oliver can help. The potential penalties that an individual faces if they are convicted of shoplifting in New Jersey are severe. They include potential incarceration, high fines, community service, probation and they can even include immigration consequences as well. If you have been charged with shoplifting, possession of burglary tools, theft by deception or receiving stolen property, in Passaic County, it is crucial that you speak to an experienced shoplifting defense lawyer as soon as possible. The attorneys in our office have extensive experience defending those accused of shoplifting in towns like Wayne, Clifton, Passaic City, Bloomingdale and West Milford. If you would like to speak to one of our New Jersey shoplifting defense attorneys today then please contact us at (732) 856-9959. Our attorneys are well aware what a criminal conviction for shoplifting can do to one’s life. For more information on the offense of shoplifting, please see below.
Is Shoplifting a Felony in NJ?
The offense of shoplifting is just like every other theft related offense in New Jersey. The degree in which a Defendant is charged with will depend directly on the dollar amount of the merchandise in question. In New Jersey, shoplifting can either be a disorderly persons offense or a second, third or fourth degree felony. Here is a chart that will breakdown the different degrees of shoplifting.
- Disorderly Persons Offense (DP)
- The amount of the merchandise in question is less than $200.
- 4th Degree Felony
- The amount of the merchandise in question is greater than $200 but less than $500.
- 3rd Degree Felony
- The amount of the merchandise in question is greater than $500 but less than $75,000.
- 2nd Degree Felony
- The amount of the merchandise in question is greater than $500 but less than $75,000.
What Court will I have to appear in if I am Charged with Shoplifting in NJ?
All felony-level shoplifting charge must be sent up to the Passaic County prosecutor’s office for review, regardless of the degree and where the incident occurred. So, for example if a Defendant is arrested for shoplifting in Wayne, New Jersey and the value of the merchandise is greater than $200, then they will have to appear in the Passaic County Superior Court, which is located in Paterson. Conversely, if the Defendant is charged with a disorderly persons offense shoplifting, then the matter will be heard in the local Municipal Court where the incident happened. In addition, it is possible that an experienced New Jersey shoplifting defense attorney can convince the Passaic County prosecutor’s office to remand the felony shoplifting charges back down to the local Municipal Court. If they are successful in doing so, the felony shoplifting offense have to be downgraded to a disorderly persons offense. Some more information on downgrades, please contact our office at (732) 856-9959.
Will I go to Jail if I am Convicted of Shoplifting in NJ?
A Defendant’s criminal history and the degree of the shoplifting charge will play major role in whether or not the State is seeking jail time or not. The potential exposure that a Defendant faces when convicted of a shoplifting offense in New Jersey will be as follows:
Disorderly Persons Offense (DP)
- Up to 6 months in Jail
- Up to $1,000 fine
- Criminal record
- Restitution
- Community service
3rd Degree Felony
- 3 to 5 years in a New Jersey state prison;
- Up to a $15,000 fine;
- Felony criminal record;
- Restitution;
- Community service
4th Degree Felony
- Up to 18 months in a New Jersey state prison;
- Up to a $10,000 fine;
- Felony criminal record;
- Restitution;
- Community service.
2nd Degree Felony
- 5 to 10 years in a New Jersey state prison;
- Up to a $150,000 fine;
- Felony criminal record;
- Restitution;
- Community service
Wayne NJ Shoplifting Lawyers
If you have been arrested and charged with shoplifting in Wayne, Clifton, Wanaque, Bloomingdales, Totowa or elsewhere in Passaic County, we can help. Our attorneys are well aware of what it conviction for shoplifting can do to one’s future. It can become near-impossible for anyone to gain meaningful employment with a felony shoplifting conviction on their criminal record. We are ready and willing to fight to protect your rights. If you would like to speak to one of our experience New Jersey shopping lawyers then please contact us at (732) 856-9959.