Accomplished Woodbridge Shoplifting Defense Lawyers That Include a Former Prosecutor of the Town’s Municipal Court & A Former Director of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office
One of the busiest municipalities in the entire state for shoplifting charges is Woodbridge. There are a number of factors which contribute to the high amount of individuals charged with shoplifting in Woodbridge. The presence of an inordinate number of retailers (e.g. Macy’s, JCPenney, etc.) is definitely the biggest factor along with being one of the biggest traffic hubs in the state. Irrespective of what brought you to Woodbridge Township and resulted in your being arrested for shoplifting, you need to consult a shoplifting lawyer immediately. A conviction for violating N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11 results in a record for stealing and a slew of other consequences that even include the possibility of jail. Hiring a skilled attorney is probably your most powerful recourse for avoiding the negative consequences of a shoplifting arrest.
Highly Knowledgeable Woodbridge Shoplifting Attorneys
The lawyers at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have the tools you need to avoid a finding of guilt for shoplifting in the township of Woodbridge. We are one of the state’s largest defense firms and have been successfully representing clients on shoplifting violations for several decades in Woodbridge Municipal Court and at the Middlesex County Superior Court in New Brunswick. But our qualifications go far beyond the typical rhetoric that you will find on the internet and include:
- 15 attorneys whose practices are limited exclusively to criminal defense
- Over 200 years of combined experience defending shoplifting charges arising in Woodbridge and other locations in Middlesex County
- An attorney who formerly served as prosecutor of Woodbridge Municipal Court
- Jason Seidman, a former Director in the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office
- Certified criminal trial attorneys
- A long and rich history of dismissals and other favorable outcomes in Woodbridge shoplifting cases
If you had the unfortunate experience of being charged with shoplifting in Woodbridge NJ, a talented lawyer at our firm is ready to help you. Call our Woodbridge Office anytime 24/7 at 732-751-4458 for a free consultation with an attorney who possesses the know-how to successfully defend you.
What Is A Valid Reason For Arresting You For Shoplifting in Woodbridge?
The New Jersey Shoplifting law sets forth six types of conduct that constitute shoplifting. The first and most common sense variety is purposely taking merchandise. Concealing goods in a shopping bag, pocket book, carriage or by other means is the second form of shoplifting that can result in a Woodbridge arrest. The third type of shoplifting is altering or transferring a price tag. Putting merchandise in another container or box is the fourth potential basis for a charge. The fifth way is under-ringing merchandise at a cash register. The sixth and final way that shoplifting can arise is through theft or removal of a shopping cart.
How Are Shoplifting Charges Graded In Terms Of Severity?
A shoplifting offense can result in a misdemeanor or felony depending on the value of the items stolen. The chart which follows summarizes the grading and penalties if you have been charged in Woodbridge or elsewhere in NJ.
| Grade of Offense | Value of Merchandise | Fine | Jail |
| Disorderly Person | Less than $200 | $1,000 | Up to 6 months |
| Fourth Degree Crime | $200 but less than $500 | $10,000 | Up to 18 months |
| Third Degree Crime | $500 but less than $75,000 | $15,000 | Up to 5 years |
| Second Degree Crime | $75,000 or more | $150,000 | 5-10 years |
In addition to the penalties set forth in this chart, there is a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment that applies upon conviction for a third or subsequent offense of shoplifting. The minimum period of incarceration is 90 days
Conditional Dismissal & Pretrial Intervention. There are two diversion programs that are available to help an individual avoid a criminal record and penalties for shoplifting in Woodbridge and throughout New Jersey. Conditional dismissal is the program that applies where someone is charged with a disorderly persons offense for shoplifting and Pretrial Intervention applies where someone is facing an indictable charge (e.g. fourth degree, third degree or second degree crime for shoplifting). An individual must complete a period of probation in both programs and, upon successful completion, the related Woodbridge shoplifting charge is dismissed without a record of conviction. The lawyers at our firm know exactly how to present a successful application for these programs so that you have the ability to move on with your life without the pitfalls of a shoplifting conviction on your record.
Immigration Consequences. The potential for negative consequences stemming from a shoplifting offense are enhanced if the accused isn’t a citizen of the United States. The reason for this circumstance results from the fact that shoplifting is considered a crime of moral turpitude that can lead to removal from the country under federal immigration law. It is therefore exceptionally important that you speak to an accomplished Woodbridge shoplifting lawyer if you aren’t a citizen and have been charged with shoplifting.
Shoplifting Lawyers in Woodbridge Township
If you are looking for shoplifting lawyers in Woodbridge Township, we definitely fit the bill. We have not only been appearing in the municipal court of Woodbridge for decades but also favorable resolved countless clients charged under 2C:20-11. A lawyer who knows his way around the court system and how to effectively defend your case. For immediate assistance from an attorney on our staff, call 732-751-4458. The consultation is without obligation so do not hesitate to contact us.
