Theft Charges in the Plainsboro New Jersey
A recent news report recounted a Plainsboro New Jersey case in which an engagement ring and two necklaces worth $5,000 were stolen during a burglary of a home on Groendyke Lane. In another Plainsboro case, a disgruntled boyfriend was charged with theft of movable property after stealing the cellphone of his estranged girlfriend. The common thread in both Plainsboro theft charges, as in most, was allegations that the defendant took the property of another without authority. If you have been accused of a theft offense in Plainsboro, your case definitely also involves an accusation of this nature whether you were arrested for shoplifting, receiving stolen property, theft of services, writing a bad check or another violation. The key for you at this point in time is finding a lawyer with the ability to ensure you escape a conviction. We are former prosecutors and criminal attorneys that have over 100 years practicing at the Middlesex County Superior Court in New Brunswick and in municipal courts throughout the region. In fact, two of our lawyers are former prosecutors in the county. You can contact our New Brunswick office is 732-246-7126 for a free consultation with an attorney anytime 24/7.
Plainsboro Theft Offense
There is virtually an endless array of theft offenses that can arise in Plainsboro. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall defend all of these matters including:
- Theft by Deception
- Credit Card Theft
- Burglary
- Receiving Stolen Property
- Robbery
- Theft of Movable Property
- Auto Theft
- Theft of Services
- Shoplifting
- Bad Check
- Forgery
As previously stated, the common element found in almost all theft offense cases is some intent to deprive another of their property. The most basic form of theft or fraud is contained at N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3 (“Theft by unlawful taking or disposition”). This charge is committed when a person “unlawfully takes, or exercises unlawful control over, movable property of another for the purpose to deprive him thereof.” Almost all other thefts are derivatives of in some form of 2C:20-3. Theft by deception simply adds the elements of deception, fraud or misrepresentation. Theft by extortion adds a requirement that the appropriation be accomplished through threat. Theft of services involves the same basic elements with the consideration illegally procured being utilities, professional services or the like. To prove credit card theft, the item stolen is a credit card. A Plainsboro shoplifting offense entails a theft involving the same elements except that the item stolen is retail merchandise.
Penalties for Theft Offenses. N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2 lays out the potential penalties for all types of theft offenses. The determining factor in terms of the grading and seriousness of most theft charges is the value of the property stolen. The headings below set forth how an offense is typically gauged:
| Grade of Offense | Value of Property | Fine | Incarceration |
| Second Degree Crime | $75,000 or more | $150,000 | 5-10 Years Prison |
| Third Degree Crime | $500-$75,000 | $15,000 | Up to 5 Years Prison |
| Fourth Degree Crime | $200-$500 | $10,000 | Up to 18 Months |
| Disorderly Persons Offense | Under $200 | $1,000 | Up to 6 Months Jail |
The general breakdown set forth in the chart does not apply certain forms of theft, for example, burglary, robbery and automobile/car theft.
Plainsboro Theft Offense Attorney
Theft can be a serious offense and can lead to significant penalties, including time in prison. If you have been charged with theft in Plainsboro, you need to make sure there is an experienced theft attorney with you who can argue your side of the case, and do whatever it takes to minimize the negative outcome of such a case. The lawyers at the Marshall Firm have this pedigree of skill. To obtain an immediate consultation with a lawyer on our staff, call 732-246-7126.
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