In mid-June, police in Gloucester Township are still searching for a man who allegedly shoplifted from Joe Canal’s Discount Liquor Store in Sicklerville, New Jersey on Tuesday, May 26. The man is accused of stealing a bottle of Hennessy Cognac, valued at $70, from the establishment. The allegations are based on video surveillance footage obtained by the liquor store proprietor, which shows the suspect apparently hiding the bottle under his clothing and hastily leaving the liquor store.
Gloucester NJ Shoplifting Penalties
If identified and apprehended by authorities, the man captured on this surveillance video could face charges for shoplifting as a result of these allegations. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11, shoplifting can be a crime of the second, third, or fourth degree, or a disorderly persons offense, depending on the value of merchandise allegedly stolen. In this case, since the value of the merchandise was less than $200, the offense would be classified only as a disorderly persons offense. However, steep penalties still apply since New Jersey law always treats shoplifting as a serious offense. When classified as a disorderly persons offense, shoplifting carries potential penalties of up to 6 months in jail, as well as fines of up to $1,000, and community service of at least 10 days. If the alleged shoplifter in this case is apprehended and convicted, the community service penalties could also increase if this is not his first shoplifting offense – to a minimum of 15 days’ community service for a second offense, or up to 25 days’ community service for a third or subsequent offense.
Theft Crimes in Camden County NJ
Penalties for shoplifting increase from these minimums according to the value of merchandise stolen. If the amount at issue had exceeded $200, but the merchandise at issue was not valued at more than $500, then potential penalties would escalate significantly. The offense would become a fourth degree crime, carrying penalties of up to 18 months in jail, fines of up to $10,000, and mandatory community service. When the merchandise at issue exceeds $500 in value, but is valued at less than $75,000, the severity of the crime and associated penalties further increase, with the offense being considered a third degree crime and carrying potential penalties of 3-5 years in jail, fines of up to $15,000, and mandatory community service. If the value of the merchandise stolen exceeds $75,000, penalties again exponentially increase, as the offense is then considered a second degree crime carrying penalties of 5-10 years in jail, fines of up to $150,000, and community service.
