Trenton Shoplifting Lawyers
Third Degree Shoplifting Offense in Trenton New Jersey
The are many factors that lead to Trenton having some of the highest volume of shoplifting charges in Mercer County. The biggest reason is because it is the home to the Mercer County Superior Court where all indictable criminal offenses involving shoplifting are decided. What we are referring to here is a shopping offense that is a fourth degree, third degree or second degree crime. Trenton also has many disorderly persons offense cases for shoplifting. Irrespective of the grade of shoplifting you are facing in Trenton, you need to hire a skilled defense attorney if you want to insure every opportunity to escape the negative consequences of a guilty finding.
Here at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, we can offer you representation by lawyers with excellent credentials and a track record of success in defending shoplifting charges in Trenton and elsewhere in the county. We are former county and municipal prosecutor that make up a team with over a century of collective experience defending shoplifting and theft offenses. If you have been charged with shoplifting in Trenton, we not only possess extensive experience but also long history of appearing in Trenton Municipal Court and the Superior Court. For an immediate consultation with a lawyer at our firm, call 609–683–8102 now.
Shoplifting Charge in Trenton
The breakdown of shoplifting charges in Trenton is a little different than most municipalities in Mercer County. Unlike towns like Lawrence Township, Hamilton and West Windsor where shoplifting comes in the form of a disorderly persons offense most often, there is a much higher percentage of felony offenses in Trenton. Shoplifting of merchandise in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11 with a value of at least two hundred dollars but less than five hundred dollars is a fourth degree crime. It is a third degree crime to shoplift property with a value of at least five hundred dollars but less than seventy-five thousand. Second degree shoplifting is triggered where the theft involves seventy-five thousand or more. The penalties for shoplifting in Trenton include a maximum fine of $10,000 and up to 18 months in prison for fourth degree. Third degree shoplifting carries up to a $15,000 fine and up to 5 years in prison. Second degree shoplifting results in fines of up to $150,000 and 5-10 years in prison.
Grade | When Applies | Monetary Penalty | Jail | Other |
| Disorderly Persons Offense | Less Than $200 in Merchandise | Up to $1,000 Fine; $100 VCCB; $75 SNSF; $33 Court Costs | Up to 6 Months | Community Service of 10 days for a first offense, 15 days for a second offense and up to 25 days for a third offense. |
| Fourth Degree | $200 but less than $500 | Up to $10,000 Fine; $100 VCCB; $75 SNSF; $33 Court Costs | Up to 18 Months | Same |
| Third Degree | $500 but less than $75,000 | Up to $15,000 Fine; $100 VCCB; $75 SNSF; $33 Court Costs | Up to 5 Years | Same |
| Second Degree | Over $75,000 | Up to $150,000 Fine; $100 VCCB; $75 SNSF; $33 Court Costs | 5-10 Years | Same |
| Shoplifting Turned Robbery | Use of Physical Force or Threat (Second Degree)Use of Weapon (First Degree) | Up to $150,000 (2nd Degree); Up to $200,000 (1st Degree); $100 VCCB; $75 SNSF; $33 Court Costs | 5-10 for Second Degree & 10-20 for First Degree | Same |
Trenton NJ Shoplifting Defense Attorney
Whether you have a prior record or are a first time offender, hiring a defense attorney with a record of success is going to be invaluable in preserving your future. This is particularly true if you are not a citizen and hold a Green Card or Visa. A conviction for shoplifting can compromise your status as a permanent resident, F-1, H-1 or H-4 Visa. The lawyers at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall will insure that this does not happen by utilizing our 100 plus years of combined experience litigating shoplifting cases in Trenton. Contact our Hamilton Office now at 609–683–8102 for a free consultation with a lawyer on our staff. Attorneys are ready 24/7 to help you.