New Jersey Shoplifting Lawyers

Shoplifting Defense Attorneys in Clark, NJ Providing Skilled Legal Defense in Essex County, Hudson County, Middlesex County, Union County, and Throughout NJ

New Jersey courts are tough on defendants accused of shoplifting and other forms of theft. Beyond the possibility of jail time and significant fines, convictions of shoplifting can impact your ability to secure a job, your reputation and even your immigration status. However, there’s still hope. With experienced New Jersey shoplifting lawyers on your side, it may be possible to pursue favorable outcomes such as dismissal or reduction of the charges, lighter sentences, or a not-guilty verdict.

The skilled defense lawyers at Team Law prioritize building a robust defense, setting the stage for a resolution that minimizes the negative consequences of the charge. We’re eager to begin advocating for you and safeguarding your legal rights. Contact us today to get started with a free, confidential consultation.

Shoplifting Charges in Clark, NJ

In New Jersey, shoplifting cases can be more complex than you initially realize. Variances in the value of the stolen property can make a significant difference in the severity of the possible penalties for shoplifting. You might even be facing mandatory minimum jail time for what seems like a minor shoplifting charge.

Shoplifting as a Crime of Moral Turpitude

In New Jersey, shoplifting, like other theft crimes, is classified as “a crime of moral turpitude.” Generally, crimes of moral turpitude are crimes that are considered to go against the rules of society and morals.

Joining shoplifting and theft in this category of crime are violent crimes and offenses against the government, such as fraud and counterfeiting.

In short, this means that even a seemingly minor shoplifting charge can be extremely damaging.

The Stigma of Shoplifting

Facing any type of arrest can be overwhelming and embarrassing, but shoplifting is a highly stigmatized conviction to have on your record. You need a non-judgmental advocate like the New Jersey shoplifting lawyers at Team Law to listen to your story and seek out ways to pursue a more favorable resolution to your case. A telephone consultation with our legal team is free and confidential, and you can count on us to approach your case with the utmost professionalism and compassion for the stress you’re under due to these charges.

Areas Our New Jersey Shoplifting Lawyers Serve

For more than 60 years, Team Law has been fighting to protect clients’ rights across New Jersey, including in the following areas:

Wherever you’re facing shoplifting charges, our NJ attorneys have the skills needed to pursue the best results possible for you.

What Constitutes Shoplifting Under New Jersey Law?

Shoplifting is a type of theft crime that generally pertains to stealing from a retail establishment of some kind. Statute N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11 of state law broadly defines the offense of shoplifting to encompass more than simply taking someone else’s property. The legal definition of shoplifting in NJ is designed to capture any situation where theft deprives the merchant of the fair value of the property in question.

Shoplifting includes theft by:

Physically taking merchandise from the store or establishment without paying the full retail value
Concealing merchandise with the intent of stealing it
Altering the labels on merchandise in an attempt to avoid paying full retail value for the property
Transferring goods into another container in an attempt to deprive the merchant of all or a portion of the full retail value of the property
Under-ringing merchandise at a lower price with the intent of depriving the owner of full value, whether as a store employee or a customer using self-checkout registers
Removing a shopping cart from the premises, intending to permanently deprive the retailer of its use or possession

The circumstances involved in one shoplifting charge may vary drastically from those of another. Our shoplifting defense attorneys in Clark, NJ, know how important it is to treat every case as a unique matter and develop a customized defense strategy that gives each client the best chance of a favorable resolution.

Grades and Penalties for Shoplifting in NJ

Any shoplifting charge is a serious matter, but how serious—and what consequences you could face—depend upon the grade, or degree, of the charges against you. Generally, shoplifting and other forms of theft are graded based on the value of the stolen goods, with some exceptions. The grade of the charge you’re facing, as well as whether you are a repeat offender, affects the punishments you could receive if convicted of shoplifting.

In New Jersey, the penalties that could be imposed for the different degrees of shoplifting convictions include the following.

Penalties for Disorderly Persons Charges

If the value of the stolen property is less than $200, the crime is graded as a disorderly persons offense, also known as a misdemeanor.

If convicted, you could be sentenced to up to six months in county jail, a $1,000 fine, and at least 10 days of court-ordered community service.

Sentences for Fourth-Degree Shoplifting Charges

If the value of the stolen property is between $200 and $500, the crime is a fourth-degree felony-level charge.

Conviction of this indictable offense carries penalties of up to 18 months in prison, a maximum $10,000 fine, and court-ordered community service.

Consequences of a Third-Degree Shoplifting Charge

If the value of the stolen property is over $500 but less than $75,000, the crime is a third-degree felony-level charge. If convicted, you could be facing three to five years in prison, a maximum $15,000 fine, and court-ordered community service.

Penalties for Second-Degree Felony Shoplifting Charges

If the value of the stolen property is $75,000 or more, the crime is a second-degree felony-level charge. Sentences related to this offense can include five to ten years in prison, a maximum $150,000 fine, and court-ordered community service.

Consequences of Repeat Offenses

In addition to the possibility of jail time and monetary fines, the New Jersey shoplifting law imposes mandatory community service requirements upon conviction.

While conviction of a first shoplifting offense at any grade will result in at least 10 days of community service, a second shoplifting conviction mandates at least 15 days of community service.

Third and subsequent offenders will be sentenced to up to 25 days of community service and, regardless of the value of the stolen merchandise, must serve a mandatory minimum 90-day jail sentence (although they could go to jail for much longer, depending on the degree of the charge).

Beyond the sentences imposed by the court, shoplifting poses additional consequences. Shoplifting convictions must generally be disclosed to employers, landlords, and even the bank when you apply for a loan in some cases. Even a single conviction on your record can make you a less attractive candidate—in addition to the embarrassment that you might feel every time you disclose your past.

When faced with shoplifting charges, both your freedom and your reputation may be on the line. Your ability to practice in certain professions may even be jeopardized by a theft crime conviction. Team Law will take the time to develop a custom defense strategy specifically designed for your case.

How Team Law Can Help You Defend Against Shoplifting Charges

With significant fines that escalate depending on the grade of the charge against you and the potential for imprisonment if convicted of even the lowest-level shoplifting charge, this offense constitutes serious legal trouble. You need the guidance of seasoned shoplifting defense attorneys in Clark, NJ, to identify a path forward that minimizes the impact of these criminal charges on your life.

Team Law is here to help you navigate the legal system and confront a shoplifting charge. From dealing with an overly aggressive prosecutor to developing the smartest defense strategy, our lawyers are committed to protecting your legal rights.

Personalized Defenses for Shoplifting Charges

Our approach to every shoplifting defense case is to thoroughly evaluate the facts so we can devise the strongest possible legal strategy. The possible defenses against shoplifting charges include:

Lack of intent to steal
Accidental taking of merchandise
Mistaken identity or false allegations
Consent given by the retailer or employee to your taking of the merchandise
Offense committed under coercion or duress
Entrapment by police

Additionally, our meticulous review of your circumstances may reveal procedural errors or rights violations that give us grounds to raise procedural challenges. This avenue could potentially lead to the suppression of improperly obtained evidence against you or even the dismissal of charges.

If you paid restitution to the retailer in the form of a civil fine or penalty, we may be able to successfully make the case that the matter has already been resolved and seek dismissal of the charges.

By exploring all options, our team can also identify any diversion programs you may be eligible for. If you’re a minor, our knowledge of the juvenile court system equips us to guide you through the separate legal process that applies to minors.

Regardless of your situation, our experienced defense lawyers will work to develop a defense strategy specific to your case.

The Legal Process With Team Law on Your Side

Wondering what the legal process might look like? Our New Jersey shoplifting lawyers provide skilled representation throughout all stages of your case, including:

Initial case evaluation
Fact-finding and evidence-gathering investigations
Preparation of your defense strategy
Representation in all legal proceedings
Negotiations with the prosecution as needed
Advocacy for lesser charges, lighter penalties, and other outcomes that benefit you

Putting your criminal case in our capable hands can give you peace of mind that, no matter what the upcoming procedures bring, you have a knowledgeable resource to turn to in Team Law.

Why Choose Team Law as Your New Jersey Shoplifting Lawyers?

At Team Law, we’re dedicated to giving the accused a voice through strong defenses against charges of shoplifting and other criminal matters. Choosing us as your shoplifting defense attorneys in Clark, NJ, offers distinct advantages.

Unrivaled Legal Knowledge

Team Law has more than 60 years of experience handling criminal cases of all kinds. Whether the shoplifting charges against you are disorderly persons offenses or more serious felonies, our goal is to develop the most effective defense strategy possible.

Multiple Perspectives to Benefit Your Case

Our team of more than a dozen highly qualified attorneys is dedicated to seeking favorable outcomes for you. Criminal cases are multifaceted, so shouldn’t your legal team approach your defense strategy from multiple perspectives, too?

Dedication to Advocacy for Individuals

Every attorney on our team got into the practice of law to help people, not corporations or state entities. That’s why we approach cases involving shoplifting charges with compassion, a desire to find the best possible outcome for you, and a commitment to developing a personalized defense strategy that reflects the unique facts of your case.

Contact Our New Jersey Shoplifting Lawyers at Team Law Today for a Free Consultation

If you have been arrested for shoplifting, don’t wait. Team Law offers a free initial telephone consultation so you can get help to understand your legal rights and options at no cost.

For assistance from experienced shoplifting defense attorneys in Clark, NJ, contact Team Law online or call us today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shoplifting Charges in New Jersey

What is considered shoplifting in New Jersey?

State law identifies shoplifting as any form of unlawful theft of merchandise with the intent to deprive the retailer of the property or full payment for the property. Concealing merchandise with the intent to steal, under-ringing merchandise at self-checkout registers, and tampering with barcodes or price stickers for the purpose of paying less than the full retail price are all examples of activities that could potentially lead to shoplifting charges under the state’s broad definition of the offense.

Is shoplifting a felony or misdemeanor?

Whether shoplifting constitutes a felony or a misdemeanor depends primarily upon the value of the merchandise. Property valued at a total of under $200 constitutes a disorderly persons offense (a misdemeanor), while property over $200 exposes you to felony charges. Even for misdemeanor shoplifting charges, you could face serious consequences, especially for repeat offenses.

How much are shoplifting fines?

For the lowest-level shoplifting offenses involving less than $200 of stolen merchandise, you could be fined up to $1,000. If convicted of a fourth-degree offense, you could be fined up to $10,000. Fines for third-degree shoplifting offenses can amount to $15,000. A conviction of a second-degree felony shoplifting charge could get you fined $150,000.

Can you go to jail for shoplifting?

You could absolutely be facing jail time for a shoplifting charge, even a relatively minor one that involves less than $200 of merchandise. Depending on the value of the items stolen, you could be sentenced to a prison term of up to six months, up to 18 months, three to five years, or five to 10 years. For a third or repeat offense, you will face a mandatory prison sentence of at least 90 days.

Will I have to go to jail if I am a first offender arrested on shoplifting charges?

Just because you could go to jail for a shoplifting offense doesn’t mean you necessarily will, especially as a first offender. In many cases, our lawyers can negotiate an alternative form of punishment if your prior criminal record is clear. Depending upon the value of the stolen goods and circumstances surrounding the shoplifting offense, potential sentences you could serve instead of jail time may include probation and additional community service. In some instances, admission into a diversionary program that can help you avoid prosecution and conviction may be possible.

What does it mean that shoplifting is a crime of moral turpitude?

A crime of moral turpitude is one that is deemed to be especially shocking because it is inherently contrary to the rules of morality and society. Shoplifting and other theft crimes are taken extremely seriously in New Jersey. Your immigration status can be jeopardized. You might lose the right to work in certain professions where you must be trusted to handle money or property that belongs to someone else.
The bottom line? Shoplifting charges must be taken seriously, seriously even if the value of the stolen goods is relatively low.

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