Burglary, Robbery, Theft by Deception, Shoplifting, Bad Check, Theft of Service or Another Theft Offense in Metuchen New Jersey
Contact A Former Middlesex County & Metuchen Prosecutor At Our Firm For Assistance
The consequences of a Metuchen theft offense can be catastrophic. Employers, licensing boards and others often jump to the conclusion that someone convicted of burglary, shoplifting, writing a bad check or another theft charge are dishonest and untrustworthy. Do not allow allegations of stealing effect you in this manner by retaining an attorney who can avoid a conviction for theft.
The criminal defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have over 100 years of combined experience. Our team even includes former Middlesex County and Metuchen prosecutors. If you were arrested and charged with a theft offense in Metuchen, call 732-246-7126 for a free consultation with one of our attorneys. A lawyer is ready to assist you 24/7 without obligation.
Theft Charge in Metuchen New Jersey
Some of the common theft offenses we see in Metuchen include:
- Auto theft — N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2.1
- Credit card theft — N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6
- Shoplifting — N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11
- Theft by deception — N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4
- Theft of services — N.J.S.A. 2C:20-8
- Burglary — N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2
- Robbery — N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1
- Bad check — N.J.S.A. 2C:21-5
- Theft of movable property (a.k.a. theft by unlawful taking) — N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3
In order to convict you of a theft offense, prosecutors must have evidence proving you took or exercised control over property belonging to another person or entity, such as a business, without the consent or permission of the owner. You must intend to deprive the owner of the property.
Our forceful and hard-hitting defense strategies are directed at challenging the evidence prosecutors need in order to prove each of the elements of the crime. This includes filing motions asking the court to prevent prosecutors from using statements you made to police as evidence against you if they were obtained in violation of your Fifth and Sixth Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution.
Grading of a Metuchen Theft Offense
Theft offenses are classified as either a disorderly persons offense or an indictable crime (e.g. crime of the second degree, third degree or fourth degree). These classifications are the equivalent of misdemeanors and felonies. Disorderly persons offenses fall under the jurisdiction of the Metuchen Municipal Court whereas indictable charges can only be dealt with at the Middlesex County Superior Court in New Brunswick.
The seriousness of a theft offense and the severity of the penalties imposed at sentencing depends upon the value of the property taken. The following are examples of grades of theft charges:
- Indictable crime of the second degree: Property valued at $75,000 or more. Robbery and burglary can also fall within this grade irrespective of the value of the property in controversy.
- Indictable crime of the third degree: Property valued between $500 to less than $75,000. A charge for credit card theft and auto theft can fall within this grade independent of the value of the property stolen.
- Indictable crime of the fourth degree: Property valued at $200 but less than $500
- Disorderly persons offense: Property valued at less than $200
Penalties If Convicted of a Theft Charge
Based on the seriousness of the offense, judges may impose the following penalties if you are convicted of a theft crime of the following degrees:
- Crimes of the second degree: Five to 10 years in prison and up to a $150,000 fine
- Crimes of the third degree: Up to five years in prison and fines up to $15,000
- Crimes of the fourth degree: Eighteen months in prison and a fine up to $10,000
- Disorderly persons offenses: Up to six months in jail and a fine up to $1,000
An important element of our defense strategy is to explore opportunities offered by the law that allow you to avoid the consequences associated with conviction of a theft offense. Diversion programs such as Pretrial Intervention and Conditional Dismissal offer a way to accomplish this if you are eligible, and if we can successfully persuade the judge and prosecutors to allow you to participate.
Metuchen Theft Defense Lawyer
A Metuchen theft defense lawyer at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall has the skills, the know-how and the commitment you need to provide thorough protection against a conviction. Our attorneys have decades of experience defending burglary, theft by deception, credit card theft, shoplifting, bad check and other theft charges in Middlesex County, including the municipality of Metuchen. Contact us now for a free consultation with an accomplished attorney. To speak to one of our lawyers immediately, call 732-246-7126.
