Pennington NJ Theft Attorney

Charged With Burglary, Receiving Stolen Property, Credit Card Theft, Writing a Bad Check or Another Theft Related Offense in Pennington New Jersey

A criminal case that garnered news attention involved a 25-year-old Pennington New Jersey man who committed a series of theft charges. He began by burglarizing a home and stealing a wallet that was occupied by a mother and three children. The man then stole money from a cash register in a nearby Exxon station and broke into another cash register at another gas station to complete his day of criminality. The individuals was thereafter arrested by the Pennington police and charged with burglary and theft. These charges carried serious consequences despite the limited value of the property stolen.

If you are facing a theft or fraud related offense in Pennington, the lawyers at our firm are situated to effectively represent you. be sure to retain a good theft attorney. We are the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, a team of eight criminal lawyers with over a century of collective experience, including time serving as prosecutors. A lawyer who has defended many burglary,theft of services, receiving stolen property, bad checks and other theft charges is just a telephone call away to assist you at (609) 683-8102. Call us anytime of day or night for assistance from one of our highly knowledgeable defense attorneys.

Theft Offense in Pennington

Our firm has extensive experience handle all forms of theft offense in Mercer County, including Pennington. We can assist you in defending a charge for:

• Theft of Services – N.J.S.A. 2C:20-8
• Theft by Unlawful Taking – N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3
• Theft by Deception – N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4
• Identity Theft – N.J.S.A. 2C:21-17
• Credit Card Theft – N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6
• Auto Theft – N.J.S.A.. 2C:20-10
• Receiving Stolen Property – N.J.S.A. 2C:20-7
• Shoplifting – N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11
• Bad Checks – N.J.S.A. 2C:21-5

While the elements of each of the above offenses vary, there are certain that are common throughout. The best illustration of this can be found in N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3, theft of movable property, which cannot be proven unless the following is shown: (1) the defendant knowingly took or unlawfully exercised control over movable property; (2) the property belonged to another person; and (3) the defendant’s purpose was to permanently deprive the true owner of the property.

Our top-notch Marshall Firm attorneys know how to evaluate a case to see where the prosecution would have difficulty proving an element, and mount a careful defense for you, emphasizing the prosecution’s weakness of one or more elements.

Pennington NJ Theft Charge Penalties

One New Jersey statute – N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2 – sets forth how theft charges are graded in terms of severity. The determining factor is customarily the value of the money or property allegedly stolen. The following is the break-down of the grades:

• If the amount involved is $75,000 or more, it is a second-degree crime. That carries a possible 5 to 10 years in prison, a $150,000 fine, and restitution (paying back the value of what was stolen).
• If the amount involved is between $500 and $75,000, it is a third-degree crime. That carries a possible 3 to 5 years in prison, a $15,000 fine, and restitution.
• If the amount involved is between $200 and $500, it is a fourth-degree crime. That carries a possible with 18 months in prison, a $10,000 fine, and restitution.
• If the amount involved is less than $200, it is a disorderly persons offense. That carries a possible 6 months in prison, a $1,000 fine, and restitution.

Note that the crimes that are measured by degrees are “indictable offenses” in New Jersey. Any theft or fraud that is a fourth degree, third degree or second degree crime is handled in Mercer County Superior Court. A disorderly persons offense, however, is non-indictable and is decided in Pennington Municipal Court.

Pennington Theft Lawyers

As you can see from this discussion, enlisting a savvy attorney is a wise move if you want to avoid the severe penalties that result from a theft/fraud conviction. It should also be kept in mind that a guilty finding will have collateral consequences that you need to make every effort to avert, including a criminal record for stealing and/or dishonesty. The lawyers at our firm, the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, can help ensure that the negative consequences of a Pennington theft of services, bad check or other violation are avoided. Call our Princeton Office at (609) 683-8102 to speak to a lawyer about your case anytime of day or night. Attorneys are available now to help you.