A Highly Skilled Attorney At Our Firm Is Ready To Provide A Free Consultation
Shrewsbury New Jersey has far more shoplifting arrests than you might expect given its limited size and population. The primary reason for the disproportionate numbers for individuals charged with retail theft in the municipality is the presence of The Grove Mall at Shrewsbury and other retailers like Marshalls, Billabong, Shoprite and Trader Joe’s. If you were arrested based on an accusation that you were shoplifting in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11, we invite you to contact our firm for a free consultation with an experienced criminal lawyer.
We are the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, Monmouth County’s largest defense firm. The attorneys at the firm have over 100 years of combined experience and most of our team are former prosecutors. An attorney who knows his way around Shrewsbury Municipal Court, as well as the Monmouth County Superior Court, is ready to discuss how we can help you. Call 732-450-8300 to speak to one of our lawyers in a free consultation anytime 24/7.
Shoplifting Charge in Shrewsbury New Jersey
As previously stated, a shoplifting charge arises out of 2C:20-11. An individual commits shoplifting when, with the intention to deprive a merchant of the value of merchandise, they engage in the following:
- Removal of an item from the store;
- Conceal an item;
- Swap price tags;
- Change the box or container for an item;
- Under-ring at the register; or
- Remove a shopping cart from the property of a merchant.
The severity of a violation under 2C:20-11 hinges on the value of the property stolen. Theft of property with a value of $75,000 or more is a second degree crime that carries a fine of up to $150,000 and 5-10 years of imprisonment. Shoplifting merchandise with a value of at least $500 but less than $75,000 is a third degree crime that results in up to 5 years in prison and a fine that can reach $15,000. A fourth degree crime is triggered when the theft involves at least $200 but less than $500. The penalties include up to a $10,000 fine and 18 months of incarceration. A second, third or fourth degree is indictable and can only be heard at the Monmouth County Superior Court in Freehold New Jersey. If your case involves theft of less than $200, the charge is a disorderly persons offense that falls under the jurisdiction of the Shrewsbury Municipal Court. The potential penalties for a Shrewsbury disorderly persons offense for shoplifting include a fine of up to $1,000, up to 6 months in the county jail, probation, community service, counseling and mandatory court assessments.
Shrewsbury Shoplifting Defense Attorneys
The main office of our law firm was located in Shrewsbury for five years before moving to the adjacent municipality of Red Bank. Not surprisingly, our defense attorneys have represented countless clients charged with criminal offenses, including shoplifting, in Shrewsbury. If you are facing a shoplifting offense in Shrewsbury, a lawyer at the firm certainly possesses the know-how to provide thorough protection against a conviction. Initial consultations are provided by our lawyers on a complementary basis so there is no reason to hesitate in contacting us. Call 732-450-8300 to speak to an attorney immediately.
