Former County Prosecutors In Our Woodbury Office Are Ready To Defend Your Burglary, Robbery, Theft by Deception, Shoplifting or Other Theft Related Charge
A theft or fraud charge can happen to anyone. It’s possible that you didn’t even mean to take an item or defraud another person. Nonetheless, you now find yourself in a frightening situation because NJ prosecutors don’t hesitate to seek maximum punishments for theft crimes. If you are convicted of a theft offense, you could be looking at serious prison time, heavy fines, civil penalties, and a permanent criminal record. Worse yet, the damage to your reputation and your career could be devastating. If you are convicted of a “crime of moral turpitude,” you may find yourself unable to maintain or even apply for certain jobs in the future. And if you are not a U.S. citizen, you may find yourself facing deportation for even a minor theft conviction.
It’s possible that the only chance you have of beating your criminal charges is to hire an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer. We can help you. The criminal defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have over 200 years of combined experience, including decades serving as prosecutors in high level capacities like Director of Major Crimes, the entire Trial Division, Drug Task Force, Special Operations and the Juvenile Division. Attorneys on our staff are available 24/7 by contacting our Woodbury Office at 856-818-4770. An attorney is available now for free consultation.
The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall has 10 accomplished theft crimes lawyers that defend clients against charges in Gloucester County, including those charged in Washington Township, Monroe Township, Deptford, Glassboro, Franklin, Mantua, Harrison, Woodbury, Woolwich, East Greenwich, Pitman, Clayton, Paulsboro, Logan Township, Greenwich, Westville, Elk Township, South Harrison, West Deptford, Woodbury Heights, National Park, Swedesboro, Wenoah and Newfield New Jersey.
Theft and Fraud Charges in Gloucester County
Our skilled criminal defense attorneys have successfully defended clients who’ve been accused of numerous theft and fraud offenses, including:
- Shoplifting. Retail theft is commonly referred to as shoplifting and falls under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11 of the New Jersey Criminal Code. While this offense frequently arises as a disorderly persons offense falling under the jurisdiction of a municipal court like the one in Deptford, Glassboro or West Deptford, it can easily result in a felony falling under the jurisdiction of Gloucester County Superior Court.
- Burglary. When someone enters a structure without a license or privilege for the purpose of doing something illegal, they are exposed to a third degree or even second degree crime for burglary under N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2. This is one of the more common indictable theft crimes in Gloucester County, as well as the entire state.
- Robbery. A theft accomplished through force, threats of force or use of a deadly weapon results in charges for robbery in accordance with N.J.S.A. 2C;15-1. This is one of the most extreme theft charges someone can face (along with carjacking) since it is considered a violent crime that can land someone in prison for as much as 20 years.
- Theft of Movable Property. This catchall offense is contained at N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3 and arises when someone “unlawfully takes, or exercises unlawful control over, movable property of another with purpose to deprive him thereof.” Given the language of the offense, it is commonly referred to as theft by unlawful taking.
- Theft by Deception. This is one of the most common forms of theft based criminal offense that someone can face in Gloucester County or anywhere else in the state. It is triggered whenever an actor uses some form of deception or fraud to perpetrate a theft. An individual can be charged with theft by deception by creating a false impression, by preventing the victim from obtaining accurate information or by violating a duty owed to the victim.
- Theft by Extortion.
- Identity Theft. This charge arises when someone uses the personal information or name of another person in order to obtain money or property. The major point you need to keep in mind with identity theft is that it can easy mushroom into a second degree crime unlike many other theft crimes. What this means is that someone can end up on prison if they don’t retain a talented defense attorney.
- Credit Card Theft. If someone uses a credit card that they know is stolen, charges more than what has been authorized by the true owner of the card or steals a credit card, they may be prosecuted for violating N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6c. This certainly is not an offense to take lightly since it is always a felony that can result in years of incarceration.
- Credit Card Fraud. This pedigree of credit card offense arises under 2C:21-6h when someone uses, acquires or provides a credit card that is “counterfeit, fictitious, altered, forged, lost, stolen or [one that was] fraudulently obtained”.
- Bad Checks. When someone passes or issues a check for payment despite knowing that there is insufficient funds/money to cover it, they are guilty of writing a bad check, also referred to as check fraud. The key distinction between innocence and guilt when it comes to issuing a bad check is the statement of mind of the writer, namely, did they know that the account was closed or that there wasn’t funds to cover the check when it was issued.
- Forgery. Someone can be charged with forgery, which is certainly considered a form of fraud, it they alter a writing to obtain money or property. An individual can face a crime of either a third degree or fourth degree pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:21-1 when they commit forgery. Both grades of this offense are felonies that require representation from lawyers who are skilled in defending theft charges.
- Embezzlement. The term “embezzlement” does not refer to a specific criminal offense under New Jersey Law. Nonetheless, it is frequently utilized to refer to a wide variety of conduct involving taking the property or money of another through some act of white collar fraud.
- Auto Theft. While Gloucester County certainly isn’t a hotbed for auto/card theft, the jurisdiction does have its fair share of motor vehicles being stolen. If you were arrested for auto theft or even joyriding, you are facing an indictable crime and the possibility of years in prison. Selecting the best lawyer to defend either of these charges is extremely important.
- Receiving Stolen Property. When someone obtains property that they know or reasonably should know is stolen, they commit the offense of receiving stolen property under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-7. You will note that receiving stolen property is much more different than most theft offenses insofar as it can arise where someone acts negligently.
- Official Misconduct.
- Money Laundering. This is one of the most complex forms of theft an individual can be charged with in Gloucester County. It is encountered when someone takes money that was obtained from an illegal enterprise (e.g. drug distribution, insurance fraud, theft by deception, identity theft, etc.) and then attempts to “clean” it throughout illegally legitimate transactions or channels such as the banking system or business. This can be an extremely serious charge since it is oftent filed as a first degree crime.
The penalties for a theft or fraud charge vary, depending on the type of offense and the value of property or amount of money involved. The standard penalties for theft related offenses is contained at N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2b. It is a second degree crime carrying 5-10 years in prison and a $150,000 fine to commit a theft involving money or property with a value of $75,000 or more. A third degree crime, up to 5 years in prison and a potential fine of $15,000 arises where the theft involves at least $500 but less than $75,000. Theft results in a fourth degree crime and up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine where it involves at least $200 but less than $500. Theft is a disorderly persons offense that carries up to 6 months in the county jail and a $1,000 fine where it involves property/money with a value under $200.
Avoiding the most severe penalties in these cases often requires the assistance of an experienced theft defense lawyer. That’s why you should not hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall. Our skilled criminal defense lawyers have decades of experience in local courtrooms, so we know how to get your charges downgraded and possibly even dismissed altogether. In certain cases, you may be eligible for a diversionary program such as Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI). If we are able to get you admitted into a diversionary program, you could avoid prison and keep your permanent record clean of any criminal convictions. It is also important to secure representation from a knowledgeable attorney as early in a case as possible since there is no longer “bail” in New Jersey. You or your loved one will have to be released at their initial appearance or face a detention motion to hold them to the conclusion of their case. Attorneys who are skilled in this setting can ensure that someone is released on a theft charge as quickly as possible.
Contact a Woodbury NJ Theft Lawyer for a Free Consultation
When your freedom is stake, you should not take any chances. You want an attorney who is committed to protecting your civil rights. If the police lacked probable cause to arrest you, or if they improperly seized evidence, your attorney should be prepared to challenge the constitutionality of the police search in your case.
At the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, our experienced trial attorneys employ advanced defense strategies to help clients combat theft and fraud charges. We understand the importance of a strong legal defense, so we will carefully review your file, interview witnesses, and explore the possibility of challenging any evidence against you. Call us today at 856-818-4770 so that we can begin working on your defense.
Contact the Woodbury lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall if you are facing a theft charge in Glassboro, Deptford, Washington Township, Monroe Township, Woodbury, Mantua, Logan Township, Franklin Township, Harrison, Elk Township, Woolwich, Pitman, Paulsboro, East Greenwich, Logan Township, West Deptford, Harrison, National Park, Westville, Woodbury Heights, Newfield, Swedesboro, and Wenoah New Jersey.
