Cherry Hill ranks first for shoplifting charges in Camden County almost every year. The primary reason is the presence of major shopping destinations like Cherry Hill Mall, The Market Place & Towne Place at Garden State Park and Hillview Shopping Center. The largest block of arrests take place at retailers like Macy’s, JC Penny, Nordstrom, Home Depot, Kohl’s and Target. Irrespective of where you were arrested for shoplifting in Cherry Hill New Jersey, you need to seek the guidance of a knowledge lawyer. A conviction for violating N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11 results in significant penalties and a criminal record that can have life altering consequences. The defense team at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall has the skills necessary to insure that you avoid a negative outcome. We are one of the largest criminal firms in the state, have over 100 years of experience, and our staff includes several former prosecutors. Contact our Office in Cherry Hill at 856-662-8300 for a free immediate consultation.
Charged With Shoplifting in Cherry Hill
The New Jersey Shoplifting Law outlines those circumstances under which someone may be convicted of this form of theft. An individual commits shoplifting under 2C:20-11 if they:
- Purposely take possession, carry away or cause merchandise to be taken from a merchant with the intention of permanently depriving its true owner of its benefit;
- Conceal property with the intention of depriving the merchant of the merchandise;
- Alter a label, price tag or other marking in order to make a purchase for less than its true value;
- Transfer a merchandise display with the intention of depriving the merchant of all or some part of the retail value;
- Purposely under-ring merchandise in order to derive the merchant of its true value; or
- For any person purposely to remove a shopping cart from the premises of a store or other retail mercantile establishment without the consent of the merchant given at the time of such removal with the intention of permanently depriving the merchant of the possession, use or benefit of such cart.
The severity of a shoplifting offense hinges on the value of the merchandise involved. Shoplifting is a second degree crime where the value of the merchandise stolen is $75,000 or more. It is a third degree crime where someone commits a retail theft with a value of at least $500 but less than $75,000. Stealing merchandise with a value of at least $200 but less than $500 is a fourth degree crime. It is a disorderly persons offense to shoplift property with a value of less than $200.
Penalties for Shoplifting in Cherry Hill NJ
Second degree shoplifting is the most serious variety of this offense. You can be sentenced to up to 10 years and prison and fined up to $150,000 if convicted. The penalties for third degree shoplifting include 3-5 years in state prison and a potential fine of $15,000. Fourth degree shoplifting carries a maximum fine of $10,000 and up to 18 months of incarceration. A disorderly persons offense in Cherry Hill Municipal Court results in a fine of up to $1,000 and a county jail sentence of up to 6 months. The judge must also impose a period of community service of at least 10 days for a first offense, at least 15 days for a second offense and at least 25 days for a third or subsequent offense. There is also a minimum jail/prison term of 90 days that must be served for those convicted of a third offense or more.
Cherry Hill Shoplifting Attorney
Merchants and police in Cherry Hill are aggressive in prosecuting those who commit shoplifting in the township. It is important that you have an attorney in your court that insures that your rights are protected. The lawyers at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall are ready to help you in this capacity by fighting for the very best outcome available. To speak to a lawyer on our team about the specific facts of your case and what we can do to help you avoid a conviction, call our Cherry Hill Office at 856-662-8300.
