Union City Theft Offense Attorney

Theft charges in Union City can result from a broad-range of activities involving the unlawful acquisition of property of another through deception or stealing. Depending on how the crime is committed and the value of what is taken, this type of offense can result in a felony (i.e. indictable crime of the first, second, third or fourth degree) or a misdemeanor (i.e. disorderly persons offense).  Irrespective, a conviction results in a criminal record for conduct involving dishonesty, something that employers, licensing boards and other entities tend to view unfavorably. Representation by an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney may prove to be the only way to avoid the negative consequences of a plea or finding of guilt.

The team of gifted New Jersey criminal attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall has compiled an outstanding record in defending burglary, robbery, theft by deception, credit card theft and other theft related charges. Our success is definitely tied to our exceptional credentials, including:

• Over 200 years of experience representing clients charged with theft offenses in Hudson County towns like Union City
• 12 lawyers that handle nothing but criminal defense
• Former county and municipal prosecutors
• Certified criminal trial attorneys
• A long and extensive history of success in defending clients in Union City Municipal Court and at the county courthouse in Union County

Get answers to your questions from a member of our legal team by calling us now at (201) 309-0500. We have an attorney available to speak with you at any time of the day or night during a free initial consultation.

Theft Charges in Union City New Jersey

Most people think of a theft offense in terms of taking or exercising control over property belonging to another party. The behavior defined in N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3 occurs without the owner’s permission and with the intent of depriving the owner of it. There are, however, many other types of theft offenses under New Jersey law, including the following:

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The prosecution has the burden of proving each element of any variety of theft offense in order to obtain a conviction. For example, burglary requires proof that the accused entered into a structure without a license or privilege to do so for the purpose of committing some type of violation, for example, to commit a theft. Robbery is theft accomplished through force or threats. Our talented attorneys know precisely how to derail the prosecutor’s efforts to establish the necessary proofs to convict you.

A search for evidence that violates your rights under state law and the U.S. Constitution can be challenged with a motion asking the court to suppress it and prevent the prosecution from using it to prove you committed the offense. Suppression motions represent one of the elements of the aggressive approach taken by our Hudson County defense attorneys to weaken or defeat the prosecution theory of what occurred.

Grading a Union City Theft Offense

As previously stated, Union City theft offense may be either a misdemeanor or a felony. The grade of a charge  depends on the type of behavior you stand accused of committing and the value of the property. For example, auto theft, credit card theft, robbery and burglary are always indictable crimes falling outside the jurisdiction of Union City Municipal Court. The severity of a bad check, shoplifting and most other theft charges hinges on the value of the property stolen with incidents involving less than $200 resulting in a disorderly persons offense. A theft of property having a value of at least $200 but less than $500 is a fourth degree crime. When the loss is at least $500 but less than $75,000, the crime is a third degree. Thefts of $75,000 or more involve a second degree crime.

Union City Theft Offense Penalties

Grading of theft offenses has a bearing on the penalties judges may impose at sentencing. The following is a break down of each grade of theft offense and the possible penalties:

• Five to 10 years in prison and a fine not exceeding $150,000 upon conviction of a crime of the second degree.
• Up to five years in prison and a fine as high as $15,000 upon conviction of a crime of the third degree.
• Eighteen months in prison and a fine up to $10,000 upon conviction of a crime of the fourth degree.
• Up to six months in jail and a fine of as much as $1,000 upon conviction of a disorderly persons offense.

Challenging evidence presented by the prosecution to establish the grade of the offense can be crucial to helping you avoid the most severe penalties and long-term consequences of a conviction. We also explore your eligibility for diversion programs to allow you to avoid such as Pretrial Intervention or Drug Court. These programs allow you to avoid a record and/or prison.

Theft Offense Defense Lawyers in Union City New Jersey

The lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall are prepared to invest the time that is necessary in order to formulate a creative defense strategy so that you escape a your Union City theft charge with your interests fully intact.  A lawyer at the firm is available to speak to you immediately by calling our  Jersey City Office at at (201) 309-0500.