Theft crimes are fact sensitive, so an experienced criminal lawyer is important to get involved in the beginning of the process. Some theft crimes also have unique sentencing requirements such as any person convicted of Shoplifting in New Jersey for a first theft offense at least ten days of community service; second theft offense at least 15 days of community service, and a third or subsequent offense a maximum of 25 days of community service and any person convicted of a third or subsequent shoplifting offense shall serve a minimum term of imprisonment of not less than 90 days. This applies to shoplifting in addition to the punishment provided in the sentencing criminal code.
ARE NJ THEFT OFFENSES SERIOUS?
Depending upon the facts of the case Theft Offenses can involve imprisonment and significant penalties. Moreover, theft offenses are very broad even including the Unauthorized use of ATP Card or Food Stamp with a Value of 150.00 or more. In some cases individuals are falsely accused of theft offenses, and in all cases the offense affects the reputation and integrity of the accused.
WHAT ARE NJ SHOPLIFTING OFFENSES?
Gradation (1) Shoplifting constitutes a disorderly persons offense if the full retail value of the merchandise is less than $ 200.00; (2) Shoplifting constitutes a crime of the fourth degree if the full value of the merchandise is at least $200.00 but does not exceed $500.00 (3) Shoplifting constitutes a crime of the third degree if the full retail value of the merchandise exceeds $500.00 but is less than $75,000, or the offense is committed in furtherance of or in conjunction with an organized retail theft enterprise and the full retail value of the merchandise is less than 1000.00;(4) Shoplifting is a crime of the second degree if the full retail value of the merchandise is $75, 000 dollars or more, or the offense is committed in furtherance or in conjunction with an organized retail theft enterprise and the full retail value of the merchandise is $1000 or more.
If a person is an immigrant or undocumented immigrant in all cases the person should discuss any plea offers from the State with an Immigration Lawyer before pleading Guilty.
In all accusations of theft, a person should seek legal counsel. Call The law office of Charles Dawkins Jr. if you have been accused of any theft crime. Charles Dawkins Jr., Esq. defends theft crimes in Elizabeth, Newark, Plainfield, New Brunswick, and the entire state of New Jersey.
Contact Charles Dawkins Jr. today at 908-962-9929 or online for legal services provided by a New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer and Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer.