Ocean County Shoplifting Defense Attorney
The Law Offices of John F. Marshall has earned a great reputation as a high-quality criminal defense firm throughout New Jersey, particularly in Ocean County. Our attorneys have successfully represented clients charged with a variety of theft offenses, including shoplifting. While shoplifting is not as serious as theft offenses such as burglary and robbery, shoplifting charges can result in substantial penalties. If charged with shoplifting, you could face a second-degree conviction and face up 5-10 years incarceration, fines, and community service. These penalties make it crucial to obtain an experienced criminal defense attorney if you are dealing with a shoplifting charge. We have defended countless clients against shoplifting charges in Ocean County, with much success. Our lawyers have almost 60 years of combined experience in the law and can provide a strong defense against your charge. Furthermore, our legal team includes former prosecutors, who have worked in over 20 towns in Ocean County, and who are familiar with the local court system and can offer unique expertise in defending any shoplifting charge. Call our office if you are dealing with a shoplifting charge. We can provide you with experience and knowledge you need to defend a shoplifting charge in Ocean County.
Shoplifting in Ocean County
An individual can be charged with shoplifting under the New Jersey Shoplifting Statute, N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11, which defines the acts that constitute a shoplifting offense, such as:
(1) If an individual takes possession of, carries away, transfers or causes to be carried away any merchandise from a store or retail establishment, with the intention of depriving the merchant of the possession, use, or benefit of the merchandise.
(2) If an individual conceals upon his person or otherwise any merchandise offered for sale by any store or retail establishment, with the intention of depriving the merchant of the possession, use, or benefit of such merchandise.
(3) If an individual purposely alters, transfers, or removes any label, price tag or symbol of value on any merchandise offered for sale in a store or retail establishment
(4) If an individual purposely transfers merchandise from the container in which it is displayed to another container in order to deprive the merchant of its value.
(5) If an individual purposely “under-rings” (causes the cash register to indicate a different marked price of the item) in order to deprive the merchant of retail value of an item of merchandise.
(6) If an individual purposely remove a shopping cart from the premises of a store or retail establishment in order to prevent the owner of the establishment from the benefit or use of the cart.
If an individual is charged with shoplifting merchandise with a value of $75,000 or more, he or she is guilty of a second degree offense and faces up to 10 years incarceration. If an individual is charged with shoplifting merchandise with a value of more than $500 but less than $75,000, it is a third degree offense, and he or she faces up to 5 years jail time. If the value of the merchandise is $200 or more but less than $500, it is a fourth degree offense, and an offender faces up to 18 months jail time. It is a disorderly persons offense if an individual is found in possession of any anti-shoplifting devices, such as those that demagnetize security tags or change the bar codes on merchandise. In assessing the degree of the shoplifting offense, different items taken in the same incident may be aggregated in order to implement a more serious penalty; for example, if more than one individual shoplifts merchandise from three different stores in a mall, the prosecutor can add up the total amount of those items to determine the degree of the offense. In addition to incarceration, an individual who is convicted of shoplifting faces required community service, depending on convictions of prior shoplifting offenses.
Shoplifting is a very common charge in Ocean County and can result in life-altering penalties. If you or someone you know has been charged with any shoplifting offense in Ocean County, the attorneys at the Law Offices of John F. Marshall can help you reduce or eliminate these charges. Our criminal defense lawyers have successfully defended shoplifting charges throughout Ocean County and have the experience necessary to prepare the best possible defense. Moreover, our firm includes Thomas V. Campo, a former prosecutor in a majority of the towns in Ocean County, including Brick Town, Barnegat, Beach Haven, Point Pleasant, Ship Bottom, and Waretown. Do not let yourself face a shoplifting charge alone. Our office offers high-quality attorneys who are committed to personal service and will address any concerns you may have. Call our office for FREE at 1-877-450-8301 and speak with an attorney immediately.
