Hamilton Shoplifting Lawyers
Skilled Criminal Defense Lawyers Protect The Rights Of Those Accused Of Shoplifting In Mercer County, Middlesex County, and Monmouth County, New Jersey
Were you shopping at a store in New Jersey, saw something you’d like to have, and toyed with the idea of changing the price listed on the price tag? Perhaps you took the next step of seeing if you could peel off the price sticker? This action alone can bring a charge of shoplifting. And the consequences are serious.
If you or a loved one was charged with shoplifting, you want a skilled criminal defense attorney at your side. The Hamilton shoplifting lawyers at The Scardella Law Firm LLC vigorously protect the rights of those accused of shoplifting in Mercer, Middlesex, and Monmouth Counties. Our experienced criminal defense team has successfully represented clients who were charged with shoplifting at the Quaker Bridge Mall, Princeton Market Fair, Jackson Premium Outlets, Mercer Mall, Nassau Park Pavilion, and other retail establishments in New Jersey.
Hamilton shoplifting attorneys at The Scardella Law Firm LLC offer a free initial consultation so that you can get answers to your questions and make the most informed decision regarding your case.
Actions That Are Considered Shoplifting in New Jersey
“Shoplifting” is a pretty familiar term. Most of us consider shoplifting the act of leaving a store without paying for something. Shoplifting also can be charged even when the merchandise does not leave the store.
In New Jersey, the following actions are considered shoplifting offenses:
- Intentionally taking goods from a store without paying for the goods
- Concealing store merchandise with the intent of removing the merchandise from the store without properly paying for it
- Changing or altering the price tag on merchandise with the goal of avoiding paying the full value of the goods
- Putting unpaid store merchandise in another package with the intent of not paying full value for the item
- Intentionally trying to undervalue the price of goods in an effort to remove the goods from the store for less than their full value
Facing a shoplifting charge in New Jersey? Schedule a free consultation with a shoplifting attorney at The Scardella Law Firm LLC.
New Jersey Shoplifting Penalties Vary Depending Upon the Value Of the Stolen Merchandise
Penalties for shoplifting in New Jersey vary depending upon the value of the stolen merchandise. The penalties for a shoplifting conviction in New Jersey are as follows:
- When the stolen merchandise is valued at less than $200: when the stolen merchandise is valued at less than $200, New Jersey considers the shoplifting a disorderly offense. The penalties include suspension of the drivers’ license, jail time of up to six months, monetary fines, probation, and a minimum of ten days of community service
- When the stolen merchandise is valued between $200 and $500: when the stolen merchandise is valued between $200 and $500, New Jersey considers this a fourth-degree offense. The penalties may include monetary fines of up to $10,000, jail time for a period of 18 months, and mandatory community service.
- When the stolen merchandise is valued between $500 and $75,000: when the stolen merchandise is valued between $500 and $75,000, New Jersey considers this a third-degree offense. The penalties may include up to five years in prison and mandatory community service.
- When the stolen merchandise is valued over $75,000: when the stolen merchandise is valued at more than $75,000, New Jersey considers this a second-degree crime. The penalties may include prison time of 5 to 10 years and significant monetary fines.
In addition to the above penalties, New Jersey statutes allow store owners the opportunity to recover all monetary losses that are incurred due to the shoplifting. This includes any court fees that the store owner had to pay as it relates to this case.
Charged With Shoplifting In New Jersey? The Skilled Criminal Defense Attorneys At The Scardella Law Firm LLC Develop Strategic Defenses For Our New Jersey Clients
In New Jersey, shoplifting is a serious crime. A conviction can upend your life in ways you cannot imagine. Don’t leave the outcome of your case to chance; receive the best possible defense of the charge against you.
The Hamilton shoplifting lawyers at The Scardella Law Firm LLC have a track record of successfully representing New Jersey clients who are charged with shoplifting. Our skilled criminal defense attorneys offer a free initial case evaluation so that you can make the most informed decision regarding your case. Contact our office to schedule your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shoplifting Charges In Hamilton, New Jersey
Yes. You do not have to actually leave the store with the stolen merchandise in order to be charged with shoplifting. In New Jersey, you may be charged with shoplifting if you took an action that demonstrates your intent to not properly pay for the merchandise. So if you took goods and hid them inside your coat or placed them in another bag but did not yet leave the store, that action may still result in a charge of shoplifting. If you believe you have been falsely accused of shoplifting in New Jersey, it is important to understand your rights under the law. Hamilton shoplifting attorneys at The Scardella Law Firm LLC offer a free case evaluation — get answers to your questions and learn your legal options.
In New Jersey, if there is a shoplifting crime at a retail establishment, the store owner has the legal right to recover any and all monetary losses that are related to the shoplifting. If you are convicted of shoplifting in the Garden State, you can expect to pay a “shoplifting surcharge” — usually $150 — in addition to paying for the retail establishment’s court costs and legal fees.
