Monmouth County New Jersey (NJ) Shoplifting Lawyer

Shoplifting is considered one of the most important offenses prosecuted in New Jersey's municipal courts, making it imperative to obtain the services of a qualified shop lifting crimes attorney who will help you defend yourself in court through the exploration of all of your legal options like only the most experienced shoplifting lawyer can do.

The seriousness of the problem of shoplifting, which includes petty theft, retail theft, and shop lifting involving the use of weapons or guns, is reflected in the laws passed by the legislature recently, which transformed shoplifting from an exclusively disorderly person offense, to a crime that can carry the weight of a second-degree criminal offense, which may require a prison sentence.

Here's a breakdown of shop lifting charges and penalties:
A shop lifting crime constitutes a charge of the second degree if the full retail value of the merchandise that has been stolen amounts to $75,000 or more, or the shoplifting is committed in the furtherance of or in conjunction with an organized retail theft enterprise, and the full retail value of the merchandise is more than $1,000.

For Petty Theft, Retail Theft, Misdemeanors and Felony Crimes

Shop lifting constitutes a charge of the third degree if the full retail value exceeds $500 but is less than $75,000, or the shoplifting is committed in the furtherance of or in conjunction with an organized retail theft enterprise and the full retail value of the merchandise is less than $1,000.

Shoplifting constitutes a crime of the fourth degree if the full retail value of the merchandise is at least $200 but less than $500.

Shoplifting is only viewed as a straight disorderly person's offense (not a crime) if the full retail value of the merchandise is less than $200.

If you should be detained under a charge of shop lifting, remember not to physically resist anyone trying to take you into custody. Should it be determined that you used force of any kind during the course of a theft it could be reconstituted as a charge of robbery, a second-degree crime requiring a prison sentence even for a first offender.

Clearly, shoplifting is a serious crime and carries potentially serious consequences, making it imperative that if you or a loved one have been accused of this type of crime that you immediately consult the services of an experienced shop lifting crimes attorney, and ensure that the shoplifting lawyer you select explores every angle of your case to full represent you in court.