Charged With A Crime of the Second Degree, Third Degree, Fourth Degree or a Disorderly Persons Offense for Shoplifting in Highland Park New Jersey
The criminal charge of shoplifting is often perceived as no big deal until someone is charged with the offense in Highland Park or another municipality. The aftermath of an arrest for shoplifting invariably involves the realization of the potential impact a conviction can have on future employment, securing a professional license or renewing immigration documentation. Protecting yourself against these life altering consequences absolutely requires that you enlist the most qualified attorney you can find.
The Former County & Municipal Court Prosecutors in Middlesex County At Our Firm Are Ready To Defend You
Here at that the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, our lawyers are highly accomplished in shoplifting defense to insure that you have maximum protection against a conviction. Our staff not only includes criminal attorneys with over a century of experience defending shoplifting in Highland Park Municipal Court, as well as at the Middlesex County Superior Court, but also former prosecutors who have served at both levels in the county. We obviously know what it takes to help someone charged with a crime of the second degree, third degree, fourth degree or a disorderly persons offense for shoplifting in Highland Park.
Contact our firm anytime 24/7 at 732-246-7126 to speak to a skilled lawyer immediately. An attorney on our team is ready to assist you by without obligation now.
Shoplifting Charge in Highland Park New Jersey
A charge for shoplifting in Highland Park New Jersey always arises out of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11. This law outlines six individual circumstances in which someone can shoplift in violation of this New Jersey Law. The following are the ways in which someone can commit the offense of shoplifting:
- Purposely carrying away merchandise without paying for it;
- Concealing merchandise;
- Transferring boxes or containers in order to distort the true value of merchandise;
- Swapping price tags of merchandise;
- Engaging in an under-ringing scheme; or
- Removing shopping carts from the property of a merchant.
A conviction for shoplifting results in different potential penalties depending on the grade of offense. Irrespective, a conviction also results in all of the collateral consequences of a record for stealing (e.g. impact on employment, immigration status, etc.). The chart below outlines the grading and penalties you face if convicted of shoplifting in Highland Park or anywhere else in New Jersey.
| Grade of Offense | Value of Merchandise | Max Fine | Incarceration |
| Disorderly Persons Offense | Under $200 | $1,000 | 6 Months |
| Fourth Degree Crime | At Least $200 But Less Than $500 | $10,000 | Up to 18 Months |
| Third Degree Crime | At Least $500 But Less Than $75,000 | $15,000 | 3-5 Years |
| Second Degree Crime | $75,000 or More | $150,000 | 5-10 Years |
Defending a Shoplifting Charge in Edison, New Jersey
The presence of loss prevention officers is on the rise in large retail establishments like Stop & Shop in Highland Park. They have sophisticated technology and usually have store detectives in plain clothes on the shop floor looking for shoplifters.
As experienced lawyers and former prosecutors, we have handled hundreds of shoplifting cases. We understand how shoplifting occurs and also know that law enforcement and loss prevention officers often make mistakes.
Shoplifting charges are not only the result of lapses of judgement but also the result of misunderstanding or over-reaching by merchants. Many of our past clients have gone to stores where they regularly shop, picked up an item to purchase, and then unknowingly left without paying, even though they fully intended to purchase the item.
In some cases, a client only stepped outside (where there was a better signal) to answer a phone call before paying for the merchandise. The loss prevention officer then detained them and called law enforcement without giving them a chance to explain themselves.
These kind of misunderstandings can have serious consequences for your future. It is, therefore, extremely important that you retain the services of a competent shoplifting defense lawyer who can help you avoid the fines, possible jail time, and other collateral consequences of being convicted of a shoplifting charge.
Our shoplifting defense attorneys may be able to speak with the prosecutor on your behalf to explain the misunderstanding and/or why you should otherwise be extended the benefit of an acquittal. Often, the prosecutor will agree to dismiss the charges against you if you have no further violations of the law for a certain period of time after the incident. This is commonly referred to as Conditional Dismissal and an attorney who is adept in securing this relief is available out of our firm.
In some instances an amicable resolution cannot be reached. When this occurs, our lawyers utilize their tools as seasoned litigators to obtain a dismissal by motion or trial.
Shoplifting Lawyer in Highland Park
If you or someone close to you was arrested and charged with shoplifting in Highland Park, a lawyer at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall can help. As veteran criminal attorneys and former prosecutors who have been appearing throughout Middlesex County for over 100 years collectively, we know what information prosecutors are looking for and how to persuasively present your case so that the best possible outcome is achieved. For immediate assistance an attorney at the firm, call our office at 732–246-7126. Lawyers are ready to assist you around the clock.
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