Shoplifting in Monroe New Jersey is typically charged as a disorderly persons offense (a misdemeanor) since most retail thefts in the township involve merchandise with a value of under $200. However, if the merchandise is valued at $200 or more, the charge passes the threshold to being an indictable crime (e.g. fourth degree, third degree or second degree) that can only be resolved at the Middlesex County Superior Court in New Brunswick. Irrespective of the grade of Monroe Township shoplifting offense charged in your case, selecting the right lawyer to defend you is pivotal to your future.
A conviction for shoplifting carries serious penalties such as the possibility of incarceration. A guilty finding will also leave you with a criminal record for stealing. Employers tend to view this very unfavorably because dishonesty is not a desirable characteristic for an employee. You should also know that a record for shoplifting in Monroe NJ can also hinder efforts to secure a professional license, maintain immigration status or engage in other endeavors. A skilled attorney can provide you with optimum protection against negative ramifications like these.
If you or your loved one was arrested in Monroe NJ for shoplifting, the lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall are well situated to defend you. Our team includes former county and municipal prosecutors that have been representing clients charged with shoplifting throughout Middlesex County for over 100 years combined. The attorneys on our staff are available around the clock to assist prospective clients. Contact us at 732-246-7126 to reach a lawyer in our New Brunswick Office for a free consultation.
Shoplifting Charge in Monroe, New Jersey
New Jersey’s shoplifting law is contained at N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11 and a violation occurs when someone engages in the following acts with the intention of depriving a retailer of his/her merchandise:
- Purposefully takes merchandise from a store without paying for it.
- Conceals merchandise.
- Modifies or swaps a price tag or label.
- Transfers merchandise into another container.
- Conspires with the cashier to under-ring merchandise.
- Steals a shopping cart.
Shoplifting in New Jersey may be charged as a crime of the second degree, third degree or fourth degree crime, or as a disorderly persons offense. The penalties for each grade of shoplifting are contained in the chart below.
| Grade of Shoplifting | Fine | Incarceration |
| Second Degree Crime | $150,000 | 5-10 Years Prison |
| Third Degree Crime | $15,000 | Up to 5 Years Prison |
| Fourth Degree Crime | $10,000 | Up to 18 Months Prison |
| Disorderly Persons Offense | $1,000 | Up to 6 Months County Jail |
If you are facing shoplifting charges in Monroe Municipal Court or at the county courthouse, it is extremely important that you retain the services of a competent lawyer who can help you avoid the hefty fine and possible jail time that a shoplifting conviction will be subject to.
Defending a Shoplifting Charge in Monroe, New Jersey
A shoplifting charge can arise out of a simple misunderstanding. For instance, a person may unknowingly walk out of a store without paying for an item and be immediately apprehended by store security and eventually charged with shoplifting, even though they never intended to take the item without paying for it. In these cases, the savvy shoplifting attorneys like those at our firm can build a sound defense to ultimately result in the charges being either downgraded or dismissed completely.
Shoplifting Defense Attorneys in Monroe, New Jersey
The lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have the experience to help you successfully defend your Monroe shoplifting offense. With over a century practicing in both Monroe Municipal Court and at the Criminal Division of the Superior Court in New Brunswick, our attorneys are highly familiar with the court system. It also helps that the members of our defense team have successfully defended hundreds and possibility thousands of shoplifting charges over the past several decades. To speak to a lawyer with the knowledge and skill to fully protect you, call 732-246-7126. An attorney is available immediately to assist you.
