Shoplifting is handled in municipal court where it is charged as a disorderly persons offense. Although this variety of shoplifting is a misdemeanor and not a felony, the truth is that a conviction results in a record and can therefore effect employment, immigration and the like. If you have been charged with shoplifting under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11(c)(4) and do not want to deal with the negative consequences of a conviction, then you need to hire an attorney experienced in defending shoplifting in NJ. In this regard, the lawyers at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall are highly knowledgeable and skilled in the defense of shoplifting anywhere in the state. A NJ shoplifting attorney from our defense firm would be happy to assist you immediately in order to insure that you are successful in resolving your charges in one of New Jersey’s courts.
New Jersey Shoplifting Law – Disorderly Persons
N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11(c)(4) provides that it is a disorderly persons offense to shoplift merchandise with a value of less than $200. The penalties associated with a conviction for shoplifting under this section are broad. An individual will be subject to fines, assessments, restitution, up to six (6) months in jail, community service of between ten (10) and twenty five (25) days, probation, drivers license suspension, and forfeiture of public office. The law also provides for a mandatory jail term of not less than ninety (90) days upon conviction for a third or subsequent disorderly persons offense for shoplifting.
Shoplifting Attorneys with a History of Success
The honest truth is that shoplifting is one of the more defensible offenses in New Jersey. Individuals make the mistake too often of simply pleading guilty when the fact is that there was an extraordinarily good chance that our firm would have obtained a dismissal and/or downgrade of the charge. Indeed, our lawyers reach this type of outcome in an extremely high percentage of cases thereby allowing our clients to avoid the cost, embarrassment, and other problems associated with a conviction.
If you or a loved one was arrested for shoplifting, we are here to help. A lawyer from our firm would be more than happy to discuss your Monmouth County, Middlesex County, Union County, Essex County, Bergen County, Ocean County or Somerset County, shoplifting case. Please do not hesitate to take advantage of this offer for a free initial consultation with our lawyers today.
