In New Jersey, shoplifting can be a minor offense resulting in a disorderly person charge, to a serious, indictable crime that carries years in prison if convicted. In general, if the value of the merchandise stolen is less than $200, you will be charged with a disorderly person offense. If the value of the merchandise is between $200 and $500, you will be charged with a fourth-degree, indictable offense. Shoplifting involving merchandise between $500 and $75,000, is a third-degree, indictable offense. Shoplifting involving merchandise over $75,000 is a second-degree offense involving jail time, if convicted.
If you’ve been arrested for shoplifting, don’t talk to police or representatives of the retailer until you’ve have a chance to consult an experienced shoplifting defense attorney. There are a number of issues that can affect how your case is handled and how you will be charged. To schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case, contact Union, New Jersey, shoplifting defense lawyer Mark M. Cheser today.
Shoplifting Charges, Petty Theft, And Retail Stores
The criminal defense law office of Mark M. Cheser defends people arrested for shoplifting involving the following:
- Jewelry
- Clothes
- Electronics — flash drives, calling cards, cellphones, CD players
- DVDs, CDs
- Tools
- Shoes
- Target stores
- Wal-Mart stores
- Kohl’s stores
- JCPenney stores
- Sears stores
Combining Shoplifting Charges — Aggregation And Indictable Offenses
Prosecutors can aggregate the value of merchandise in shoplifting cases. Suppose, for example, a person decides to steal from different stores in the mall. Although he may steal items that are less than $200 individually, if he steals from four or five different stores, a prosecutor will likely add the value of the items stolen to determine the level of offense involved. As a result, you could face a third-degree, indictable offense with jail as a possible penalty.
Contact Union, New Jersey, Shoplifting Attorney Mark M. Cheser
Don’t end up in jail or face additional legal complications because you didn’t consult an experienced criminal defense attorney — contact shoplifting defense lawyer Mark M. Cheser today to schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help you.
