Penalties for Shoplifting at New Jersey’s Outlet Malls
What better way is there to spend a hot summer day than shopping for great deals? This summer, many New Jersey residents will head to the outlets to score a good deal on their favorite brands. Be careful, though, with larger crowds of people shopping, more security guards are on the lookout for shoplifters.
What is Shoplifting in New Jersey?
Shoplifting in New Jersey is classified as a criminal act of stealing goods. In New Jersey, shoplifting charges depend on the value of goods stolen. This may include taking, concealing, or under-ringing merchandise. It may also include altering labels or transferring items to another container.
Charges may include:
- Stolen goods up to $200: Disorderly persons offense with up to six months in jail, restitution payments, and a criminal record.
- Stolen goods between $200-$500: Fourth-degree offense with up to 18 months in jail, restitution payments, and a criminal record.
- Stolen goods between $500-$75,000: Third-degree offense with up to five years in prison, restitution payments, and a criminal record.
- Stolen goods greater than $75,000: Second-degree offense with up to 10 years in prison, restitution payments, and a criminal record.
Those convicted of shoplifting in New Jersey may also receive other consequences, like legal fines and community service. A criminal record can also affect student loans and career options.
Shoplifting charges at a local outlet mall can easily exceed a couple of hundred dollars, especially with so many stores on-site. This can lead to expensive fines and even jail time.
Legal Defenses to Shoplifting
If you’re being charged with shoplifting, it’s important that you reach out to a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. There are a few defenses that may be available to you, depending on your charges. Some cases of shoplifting may be a mistake. It’s not uncommon to grab a few items, place them in your cart, and then forget about them before leaving the store.
Even if you’re found guilty of shoplifting, you may have negotiation options available if you don’t have any prior charges. You never know what legal defense options are available until you talk with a criminal defense lawyer.
Protect Your Teen’s Future
Teenagers are the most common age range when it comes to shoplifting. Teens make mistakes, and even if they’re convicted of shoplifting, you want to protect their future. Don’t let one bad judgment determine the rest of their lives. If convicted, a shoplifting charge can affect their ability to get student loans. When it comes time to apply for jobs, they may find it difficult to land one with a criminal record.
If your teen is dealing with potential shoplifting charges, it’s important that you contact a New Jersey criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. There may be programs available that require your teen to attend counseling and community service in lieu of a criminal record, which can help to protect their future.
Whether it is you or your teen being charged with shoplifting in New Jersey, we recommend contacting a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact an Experienced Cherry Hill Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Shoplifting Charges in New Jersey
Were you arrested or charged with shoplifting in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at Gelman Law, LLC have successfully represented clients charged with shoplifting in Camden County, Burlington County, Gloucester County, Cherry Hill, and throughout New Jersey. Call 856-861-4236 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 850 Rt 70 West
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
Disorderly conduct consists of any improper behavior such as fighting, threats of violence, or creating a dangerous atmosphere.
