Shoplifting is an offense that is targeted keenly by retail merchants and police in Ocean Township. When you combine the intensity of enforcement with the fact that there is little room for plea bargaining a shoplifting charge under New Jersey law, you have a prescription for huge problems if you fail to retain the right attorney. The lawyers at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall possess over 100 years of combined experience dismantling shoplifting and retail theft cases in Monmouth County. We have successfully defended countless Ocean County Criminal Charges and are available for free consultation immediately. Call us at 732-450-8300 to speak to an attorney with the knowledge you in this stressful time.
Shoplifting Offense in Ocean Township Municipal Court
The majority of individuals arrested and/or charged with shoplifting in Ocean Township will have their case heard in Ocean Township Municipal Court. This is the venue with jurisdiction to decide retail theft cases involving merchandise with a value of $200 or less. This is also the place where a charge is heard when the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office decides to “remand” an indictable shoplifting offense. A skilled attorney can frequently get a charge remanded if the value involved is limited (e.g. under $1,000) and/or other favorable circumstances exist. A conviction for a disorderly persons offense of shoplifting carries a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in jail and will leave you will a criminal record for stealing. At least ten days of community service must also be completed by a first offender. You should also know that a county jail term of at least 90 days becomes mandatory for those convicted of a third or subsequent offense of disorderly persons offense shoplifting.
Third Degree Shoplifting Charge in Ocean Township NJ
If the value of the merchandise stolen is $200 or more, a shoplifting charge becomes “indictable”. What this means is that the offense is a felony and is supposed to be decided at the Monmouth County Superior Court. Cases involving clothing, electronics or other goods with a value of $500 or more (but less than $75,000), the violation is a third degree crime. This is the second largest category of shoplifting offense filed in Ocean Township. A conviction for third degree shoplifting results in a fine of up to $15,000, a presumptive sentence of 3-5 years in prison, and a felony criminal record. The provisions for community service previously described also apply at the time of sentencing on a third degree crime for shoplifting.
Ocean Township Shoplifting Attorney
Whether you were arrested at Target, Costco, Kohl’s, Wegmans or another store in Ocean Township, a conviction can certainly create serious complications in your life. You will have a record for theft which can cause problems in securing employment since stealing is not viewed favorably. This is why is is pivotal to win your case or to secure admission into a diversion program like Conditional Discharge or Pretrial Intervention. The lawyers at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have the experience necessary to competently serve you in achieving these objectives. An attorney is available immediately at 732-450-8300 to provide a free initial consultation.
