Ewing NJ Shoplifting Lawyer

Disorderly Persons Offense for Shoplifting in Ewing New Jersey

Shoplifting costs merchants in Ewing New Jersey millions of dollars each year. It should come as no surprise that shoplifting therefore taken quite seriously by the police, prosecutors and the courts whether the related arrest results in a disorderly persons offense or crime of the fourth degree or third degree. Stiff penalties may be imposed by judges to deter retail theft and those convicted also face the impact of a criminal record for theft and dishonesty. This is all good reason for you to take the time to speak to a Ewing criminal lawyer who is skilled in defending shoplifting charges.

The shoplifting defense lawyers from the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have the skill, experience and determination to help you avoid a conviction. Our criminal defense attorneys, most of whom are former prosecutors, have more than a century of experience representing individuals charged with shoplifting in Ewing Municipal Court and the Mercer County Superior Court in Trenton. Their knowledge of the law and commitment to aggressively pursue an outcome favorable to you makes them formidable adversaries in a courtroom. Contact us today by calling (609) 683- 8102 to discuss your case with a highly accomplished attorney. Consultations are free and an attorney is available 24/7.

Shoplifting Charge in Ewing Township NJ

N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11 defines the elements of the offense of shoplifting. In order to prove a shoplifting charge in Ewing Township NJ, prosecutors must present evidence proving you did one of the following with the intention of depriving the merchant of the value of his/her goods:

• Knowingly took, carried away or caused merchandise to be take without paying for it
• Concealed merchandise
• Altered, remove or transferred labels and price tags on merchandise to reflect a lower price
• Changed the box or packaging of merchandise to distort the value of the goods
• Engaged in an under-ringing scheme
• Removed a shopping cart from a store’s premises without permission of the owner

Our defense attorneys aggressively challenge any evidence prosecutors have on the issue of intent because it is so important to the success or failure of the case they are trying to build against you. How the evidence was obtain and whether its seizure violated your rights is something our lawyers look for when combing through the facts and the evidence. Statements you made to the police can also be challenged if your rights under the Constitution were violated by police.

Grading and Penalties for Princeton NJ Shoplifting Offenses

Shoplifting can be charged as an indictable offense (e.g. second degree, third degree or fourth degree crime), the equivalent of a felony in other states, or a disorderly persons offense, which is the equivalent of a misdemeanor, in Ewing. The retail value of the merchandise determines where a shoplifting charge falls within this grading, as well as the related penalties. You face the following under this criteria:

• Property valued at $75,000 or more: An indictable crime of the second degree, punishable by imprisonment for five to 10 years and fines up to $100,000.
• Property valued in excess of $500, but less than $75,000: Indictable crime of the third degree punishable by imprisonment for up to five years and fines up to $15,000.
• Property valued at least at $200, but not in excess of $500: Indictable crime of the fourth degree punishable by imprisonment for up to 18 months and fines up to $10,000.
• Property valued at less than $200: Disorderly persons offense falling under the jurisdiction of the Ewing Municipal Court where it is punishable by up to $1,000 in fines and up to six months in jail.

All shoplifting offenses include community service as part of the sentence with 10 days being the minimum for a first conviction.

Ewing Township Shoplifting Attorney

Many employers will not hire individuals with a shoplifting conviction on their record because they believe it means the person cannot be trusted and is dishonest. If you don’t want people to have such a low opinion of you based on what might have been an isolated act in poor judgment, contact an attorney at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall. Our lawyers are seasoned in defending Ewing theft charges , including shoplifting, and can ensure that you have the chance you deserve to avoid a blemish from this incident. Speak with one of our dedicated attorneys today by calling (609) 689- 8102 for a free consultation. A lawyer is standing by to take your call 24/7.