Edison NJ Shoplifting Lawyer

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Shoplifting Attorneys in Edison NJ

Shoplifting is one of the most common criminal offense issued in Edison, New Jersey. That is probably do in large part to the fact that the Menlo Park Mall is located in the heart of the township, coupled with several large retail stores such as Walmart, Home Depot, and Target that call Edison home. If you or a loved one has been issued a summons for shoplifting in Edison it is imperative that you speak to an experienced Middlesex County shoplifting defense attorney as soon as possible. As you will see below, anyone charged with shoplifting in New Jersey will not only be facing a criminal record and high fines but jail time as well, even for a first time offender. Furthermore, shoplifting is considered a crime of moral turpitude, therefore, it could lead to deportation proceedings being filed as well.  As you can see, this is a very serious crime and should not be taken lightly. If you would like to discuss your options with one of the criminal defense lawyers at Proetta & Oliver then please contact us at (732) 856-9959.

At Proetta & Oliver we fully understand that for most of our clients that are charged with shoplifting this will be their first time dealing with the criminal justice system. That is because most shoplifting offenses occur as a result of a split second lapse in judgement or a misunderstanding. As such, we are dedicated to making sure that a simple mistake does not jeopardize your future. Our attorneys have been representing clients charged with shoplifting in the Edison Municipal Court for years now. Our office is located right down the road at 3840 Park Ave. If you would like to come in and speak to one of our New Jersey shoplifting defense lawyers about your options then please contact us at (732) 856-9959. We can go over the specific facts of your case and we will give you our honest feedback on how we think we can be of assistance. Do not let a simple mistake ruin your future, let Proetta & Oliver help.

Is Shoplifting a Felony in NJ?

All shoplifting charges in New Jersey will be governed by NJSA 2C:20-11b. Depending on the dollar amount of the merchandise in question, a Defendant could be facing either a disorderly persons offense (misdemeanor) or a second, third or fourth degree felony shoplifting offense. If the Defendant is charged with a felony offense then their charges will be transferred to the Middlesex County Superior Court which is located in New Brunswick for disposition. Conversely, all disorderly persons offense shoplifting charges that occur in Edison will be litigated in the Edison Municipal Court, which is located at 100 Municipal Boulevard. With that all being said, an experienced Middlesex County criminal defense attorney maybe able to convince the Middlesex County prosecutor’s office to remand the felony shoplifting charges back to the Edison Municipal Court. If that is to occur, the felony shoplifting charges would be downgraded to a disorderly persons offense. That could be a tremendous benefit as you will see below.

What are the Penalties for Shoplifting in NJ?

Shoplifting can either be a disorderly persons offense or a second, third or fourth degree felony. What will dictate what degree a Defendant is charged with will be the dollar amount of the merchandise in question. Furthermore, the degree of the underlying shoplifting charge will also dictate what the potential penalties will be. Here is a helpful chart that will not only breakdown the different degrees but the potential penalties as well.

 

Degree of Shoplifting

Dollar Amount of the Merchandise 

Potential Penalties

Second DegreeMore than $75,000
  • 10 Years in Prison
  • $150,000 Fine
  • Felony Criminal Record
  • Restitution

Third Degree

More than $1,000 but Less than $75,000

  • 5 Years in Prison
  • $15,000 Fine
  • Felony Criminal Record
  • Restitution

Fourth Degree

More than $200 but Less than $1,000

  • 18 Months in Prison
  • $10,000 Fine
  • Felony Criminal Record
  • Restitution

Disorderly Persons Offense

Less than $200

  • 6 Months in Jail
  • $1,000 Fine
  • Criminal Record
  • Restitution

Edison NJ Shoplifting Attorney

Being charged with a shoplifting offense can be terrifying. However, hiring the right attorney, one that not only knows how to defend these types of charges but one who also knows how the Edison Municipal Court operates can go a long way to alleviating some of those fears. At Proetta & Oliver our attorneys are dedicated to making sure that no stone is left unturned when it comes to defending these types of charges. If you have been charged with shoplifting, robbery, possession of burglary tools, fencing, theft of moveable property or receiving stolen property in Edison, we can help. If you would like a free initial consultation with one of our shoplifting defense lawyers then please contact us at (732) 856-9959.