Individuals are charged almost every day with shoplifting in Gloucester Township. The largest number of offenses result from theft at Gloucester Premium Outlets. We assume that you are faced with the dilemma of a shoplifting charge somewhere in this municipality. The key for you is making sure that you avoid a conviction and the penalties that apply under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11. Most employers are reluctant to hire someone who has a record for stealing and this is just one of the consequences that come with a plea or finding of guilt for shoplifting in Gloucester Township Municipal Court or at the Camden County Superior Court. The attorneys at our firm, The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall are well suited to represent you in either venue. Our team includes several former prosecutors, possesses over a 100 years of experience and has handled an endless number of shoplifting offense cases over the past 20 plus years. It is certainly in your best interests to take advantage of a free initial consultation with an attorney on our staff. A lawyer can be reached by contacting our Cherry Hill Office at 856-662-8300.
Shoplifting Charges in Gloucester Township New Jersey
A shoplifting charge can result from conduct falling within one of six categories outlined in 2C:20-11. The first and most common variety of violation is triggered where someone takes possession of property of a merchant with the intention of depriving the owner of its value and/or benefit. The second form of shoplifting occurs whenever someone conceals merchandise. The third way this offense may be triggered is when someone alters a tag or label of an item to distort its price. When a cashier or employee under-rings a charge the fourth type of shoplifting arises. The fifth and sixth forms of shoplifting occur when there is a theft of a display or shopping cart. The key factor point to keep in mind with respect to each species of this charge is that the accused must intend to steal the merchandise before a conviction may occur.
Penalties For Shoplifting in Gloucester NJ
A shoplifting offense can come in the form of a second degree, third degree or fourth degree crime. These are all felony charges that must be dealt with at the Superior Court and carry the possibility of a state prison sentence. Shoplifting is a fourth degree crime for property having a value of at least $200 but less than $500 and a third degree where the value exceeds $500. Second degree shoplifting applies where the value of the property is $75,000 or more. You can also face a disorderly persons offense for shoplifting, which is the equivalent of a misdemeanor, when the value of the property stolen is less than $200. The following are the penalties that apply to each of these grades of shoplifting:
- Second Degree. The maximum fine is $150,000 and jail sentence is 5-10 years for second degree shoplifting.
- Third Degree. You can be sentenced to up to 5 years in prison and fined up to $15,000 for third degree shoplifting.
- Fourth Degree. The potential fine is $10,000 and state prison term is 18 months for fourth degree shoplifting.
- Disorderly Persons Offense. A fine that can reach $1,000 and county jail sentence of up 6 months applies to a disorderly persons offense for shoplifting.
- Special Sentencing Considerations. A mandatory prison/jail term of at least 90 days is triggered for a third or subsequent conviction for shoplifting.
Gloucester Township NJ Shoplifting Lawyer
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, are skilled advocates who know how to successfully defend a shoplifting offense. We will thoroughly go over the facts of your case and identify your best option for averting a conviction. To speak to a lawyer on our team any time of day or night, call our Cherry Hill Office at 856-662-8300. The consultation is free of charge.
