Skilled Representation For The Defense Of Burglary, Shoplifting, Credit Card Theft, Bad Checks & Other Theft Charges in Milltown New Jersey
Former Middlesex County Prosecutors At Our Firm Are Ready To Defend You
Shoplifting, bad checks and burglary are only some of the theft offenses an individual can face in Milltown New Jersey. There is also a laundry list of charges that leave no doubt from their label that they are also among this category of criminal charge, including theft by deception, credit card theft, identity theft and theft of services. Whether you were arrested one of these charges or another involving some form of stealing or fraud, a conviction will carry serious consequences such as the possibility of imprisonment and substantial fines, not to mention a record for stealing. Your best bet for avoiding these ramifications is to hire an accomplished criminal attorney to defend your Milltown theft offense.
When you need innovative and top-notch representation, the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall has a team of veteran defense attorneys with more than a century of experience defending people against theft charges in Milltown Municipal Court and at the Middlesex County Superior Court. We certainly possess extensive familiarity with how to defend theft and fraud related violations. To discuss the facts surrounding your arrest with a lawyer, contact our office anytime 24/7 for a free consultation. Lawyers are available to assist you now at 732-246-7126.
Theft Charge in Milltown New Jersey
It is essential to always keep in mind that criminal charges are merely unproven allegations. Prosecutors have a heavy burden to meet in order to convict you of committing a theft charge in Milltown. Unless there is evidence proving beyond a reasonable doubt that you took or exercised control over property belonging to another person or entity without the owner’s consent or permission, you typically cannot be convicted.
Do not, however, take a theft offense lightly. Prosecutors handle scores of theft cases, so they know how to present evidence and witnesses to prove their case. This is why it is critical to be defended by experienced criminal defense lawyers who know how to challenge the evidence, cross examine witnesses and employ a defense strategy designed to weaken the case the state wants to build against you.
Common theft offenses typically investigated by police in Milltown include:
- Auto theft
- Credit card theft
- Burglary
- Bad checks
- Theft by deception
- Theft of services
- Shoplifting
- Robbery
- Identity theft
- Theft of movable property
Evidence seized by police cannot be used to prove the charges against you unless it was obtained in compliance with the law. Unlawful searches and seizures can be used as a legal defense by your attorneys to have the court prevent prosecutors from using it to prove the elements of the crime. Statements you might have made to police can be challenged and suppressed if police did not follow constitutionally imposed rules police must follow when questioning someone suspected of committing a crime.
How A Milltown Theft Offense Is Graded
The severity of theft crimes can range from disorderly persons offenses, the equivalent of misdemeanors, up to indictable offenses, which are felonies. The penalties and severity of the charge depends upon how the theft offense is graded. Grading is based upon the value of the property taken. The following is how value affects theft charges:
- Indictable crime of the second degree: Property valued at $75,000 or more
- Indictable crime of the third degree: Property valued between $500 to less than $75,000
- Indictable crime of the fourth degree: Property valued at $200 but less than $500
- Disorderly persons offense: Property valued at less than $200
Penalties For Theft In Milltown NJ
Depending upon the grade of the theft offense, judges may impose penalties as follows:
- Crimes of the second degree: Five to 10 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines
- 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
Experienced criminal defense lawyers at our firm will defend the case on its merits and will also explore diversionary programs such as Pretrial Intervention and Conditional Dismissal. If you are eligible for a diversion program, our attorneys passionately argue on your behalf to convince the judge and prosecutor to allow you to participate. A diversion program offers you the opportunity to serve a sentence of one year on supervised probation with the charges being dismissed without a record of conviction upon successful completion.
Milltown Theft Defense Lawyer
A theft lawyer at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall will dedicate their efforts to securing a favorable result and avoiding a criminal record that can effect future employment, immigration or a professional license. Whether your charge/offense involves theft of movable property, credit cards, bad checks, burglary or even shoplifting, an attorney on our team has the tools to protect you. To discuss your case with one of our attorneys immediately, call 732-246-7126.
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