Several times every year we are consulted by individuals or family members who have been arrested as a result of a shoplifting that has mushroomed into a robbery. The truth is that the line between a robbery and shoplifting is frequently eliminated if an individual uses force to resist apprehension for shoplifting. This encounter can be as basic as an accused colliding with a store employee or security officer when attempting to flee a store with merchandise. The problem with these scenarios is that a robbery offense involves a second degree crime and carries a presumption of incarceration. A seasoned shoplifting defense lawyer is an absolute necessity in our view whenever a shoplifting is transformed into a robbery. An attorney from our firm, the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, would be happy to assist you at 855-450-8310.
N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1 generally defines the offense of Robbery as the use or threat of force, or the infliction of bodily injury, in the course of committing or fleeing a theft. Whenever a collision or force is used in the commission or in attempting to escape apprehension for shoplifting, robbery is charged. This is a significant departure from a standard shoplifting case suspect is now subject to a second degree crime, jail exposure of 5 to 10 years, and a parole ineligibility of 85% (i.e. this percentage of any jail sentence must be served before an individual is even eligible for parole). A physical encounter between store employees, including security officers, and a shoplifting suspect is clearly a delicate situation insofar as criminal justice is concerned.
If you or a loved one is charged with both shoplifting and robbery, you definitely require the assistance of a lawyer. To this end, we are available immediately to address your questions and concerns, and initial consultations with our attorneys are always without charge. Contact us 24/7 at 855-450-8310.
