If your child has been charged with theft, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney, who can help your child avoid the serious consequences that come with a theft adjudication. A theft charge can result in excessive fines, and most importantly for a juvenile—a considerable duration of detention. Since a theft charge can significantly affect a juvenile’s future and affect his or her potential career opportunities, it is essential to retain an experienced attorney who can help your child obtain a lesser penalty. The criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of John F. Marshall are reputable in the community and will assist you throughout the criminal process. Our attorneys have years of experience in criminal law as former prosecutors, and they can provide you with a more comprehensive perspective on your child’s situation.
New Jersey Juvenile Theft Offenses
A juvenile charged with a theft offense faces up to 3 years detention and restitution to the victim. Sentencing will depend on the grade of the theft offense, which depends on the value of the property and the circumstances of the case. Due to the severity of the penalties of theft offenses, it is important to retain a lawyer for your child in order to mitigate a potentially severe sentence. Under N.J.S.A. 2C: 20-2, If a juvenile is charged with theft of property over $75,000, it is a second degree offense, and he or she faces up to 3 years of detention. If a juvenile is charged with theft of property over $500, but less than $75,000, it is a third degree offense, and he or she faces up to 2 years of detention. If a juvenile is charged with theft of property $200 or more, but less than $500, it is a fourth degree offense, and he or she faces up to 1 year of detention. If a juvenile is charged with theft of property less than $200, it is a disorderly persons offense, and he or she could face up to 6 months detention.
Juvenile Automobile Theft
The charge of auto theft exposes a juvenile to up to one year of detention. In addition, under N.J.S.A. 2C;20-2, a juvenile can receive a 1 year suspension of driving privileges for a first offense, up to 2 years for a second offense, and up to 10 years for a third offense. If the juvenile is under the age of 17, their driving privileges will be suspended upon their 17th birthday (when the juvenile would be able to obtain a valid driver’s license). Furthermore, under N.J.S.A. 2A:4A-26, if a juvenile is charged with auto theft, a prosecutor can move the case to criminal court for a auto theft charge. If your child knowingly rides in a stolen vehicle or any vehicle operated without the owner’s consent, he or she can also be charged with a fourth degree offense of auto theft, under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-1(d).
By retaining a knowledgeable juvenile defense lawyer you can help your child avoid serious punishments such as probation, work programs, community service, or incarceration. Our lawyers at the Law Offices of John F. Marshall are experienced in handling juvenile cases and have a great reputation for obtaining successful dispositions or dropping the charges altogether. Our attorneys are extremely accessible, and are available in Monmouth County, Middlesex County, Union County, Ocean County, Mercer County, Somerset County, Essex County, Hudson County and Bergen County. Please feel free to contact our office for a free consultation, and we will help you gain a better understanding of your child’s options if he or she is facing a theft charge.
