Westfield, NJ Shoplifting Charges: Protect Your Reputation & Avoid a Criminal Record
Westfield, NJ Shoplifting Charge Attorney
Have you been accused of shoplifting in Westfield, New Jersey? Don’t underestimate the seriousness of the charges. Even a seemingly minor offense can lead to a criminal record, fines, and potential jail time. Attorney Brett M. Rosen is a great choice for your Westfield, NJ shoplifting charge. Here’s why he’s an excellent choice for legal representation:
- Experience: With years of practice in criminal and civil litigation, Rosen is a seasoned lawyer licensed in both New York and New Jersey.
- Client Satisfaction: Clients praise his professionalism and effectiveness, describing him as “the example of a true winner” and “one of NJ’s finest attorneys”.
- Trial Skills: Rosen stands ‘toe to toe’ against prosecutors and certified trial attorneys, demonstrating exceptional trial skills.
- High-Profile Cases: He’s handled celebrity domestic violence cases and represented a Grammy-Award winning artist in drug cases.
- Recognition: Rosen has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers.
For a shoplifting charge in Westfield, New Jersey, legal assistance is crucial. Contact Rosen’s criminal justice law firm today to discuss your case. Additionally, his skillful negotiation and advocacy have led to rare and exceptional outcomes for serious charges.
Understanding Shoplifting in New Jersey: N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11
Under New Jersey law, shoplifting is a theft offense that involves taking merchandise from a store without paying for it. It can also include altering price tags, concealing items, or switching containers to pay a lower price.
The severity of the charge depends on the value of the stolen goods:
- Less than $200: Disorderly persons offense (up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000)
- $200 – $500: Fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000)
- $500 – $75,000: Third-degree crime (up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000)
- Over $75,000: Second-degree crime (up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000)
| Offense | Degree of Crime | Value of Stolen Merchandise | Maximum Jail/Prison Sentence | Maximum Fine | Additional Penalties |
| Shoplifting | Disorderly Persons Offense | Less than $200 | 6 months in jail | $1,000 | At least 10 days of community service |
| Shoplifting | Fourth-Degree Crime | $200 – $500 | 18 months in prison | $10,000 | At least 15 days of community service for 2nd offense, 25 days for 3rd or subsequent offense |
| Shoplifting | Third-Degree Crime | $500 – $75,000 | 3-5 years in prison | $15,000 | At least 25 days of community service for 3rd or subsequent offense, minimum 90-day jail term for 3rd+ |
| Shoplifting | Second-Degree Crime | $75,000 or more | 5-10 years in prison | $150,000 | At least 25 days of community service for 3rd or subsequent offense, minimum 90-day jail term for 3rd+ |
Important Notes:
- Community Service: All shoplifting convictions, regardless of degree, carry a mandatory community service sentence.
- Jail Time: For third or subsequent offenses, there is a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 90 days.
- Restitution: In addition to fines and potential jail time, the court may order you to pay restitution to the store for the value of the stolen merchandise.
- Criminal Record: A shoplifting conviction, even for a disorderly persons offense, will result in a criminal record, which can impact your employment, housing, and other opportunities.
- Civil Penalties: Stores can also pursue civil penalties against shoplifters in addition to criminal charges.
FAQs About Shoplifting Charges in Westfield, NJ
Q: What are the penalties for shoplifting in New Jersey? A: The penalties vary depending on the value of the merchandise stolen:
- Less than $200: Disorderly persons offense (up to 6 months in jail, fine up to $1,000)
- $200 – $500: Fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months in prison, fine up to $10,000)
- $500 – $75,000: Third-degree crime (up to 5 years in prison, fine up to $15,000)
- Over $75,000: Second-degree crime (up to 10 years in prison, fine up to $150,000)
Q: Can I be charged with shoplifting if I didn’t leave the store with the merchandise? A: Yes. Shoplifting doesn’t require leaving the store. If you concealed merchandise or altered price tags with the intent to steal, you can be charged.
Q: What if I was just holding the item for a friend or family member? A: You can still be charged if the prosecution can prove you intended to deprive the store of the merchandise, even if it wasn’t for your own use.
Q: I’m a first-time offender. Will I go to jail? A: For a first offense of shoplifting items valued at less than $200, jail time is less likely, but still possible. For higher value items, jail time is more likely. An attorney can help you explore options like Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI), which could avoid a conviction.
Q: Will a shoplifting charge affect my ability to get a job? A: A shoplifting conviction will appear on your criminal record and could make it difficult to find employment, especially in jobs requiring a background check.
Q: Can I get a shoplifting conviction expunged from my record? A: It may be possible to expunge a shoplifting conviction after a certain period of time has passed. An attorney can advise you on your eligibility and the expungement process.
Q: What should I do if I’m accused of shoplifting? A: Do not admit guilt or sign any statements. Politely assert your right to remain silent and contact an attorney immediately.
Q: How can an attorney help me fight a shoplifting charge? A: An attorney can: * Investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest * Challenge the evidence against you * Explore all potential legal defenses * Negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduced charge or dismissal * Represent you in court
Q: How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for a shoplifting case in Westfield? A: Legal fees vary depending on the complexity of the case and the attorney’s experience. At the Law Offices of Brett M. Rosen, Esq., we offer free consultations to discuss your case and our fees.
Remember: A shoplifting charge is not something to take lightly. Don’t hesitate to contact us regarding your Westfield, NJ shoplifting charge for a free consultation to discuss your rights and options.
Why Choose Brett M. Rosen, Esq. for Your Westfield, NJ Shoplifting Case?
- Local Expertise: Attorney Rosen has extensive experience handling shoplifting cases in Westfield Municipal Court and understands the local legal landscape.
- Proven Results: We have a strong track record of successfully defending clients against shoplifting charges, often resulting in dismissed charges, reduced penalties, or alternative resolutions like Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI).
- Personalized Attention: We provide one-on-one attention to each client, carefully crafting a defense strategy tailored to their individual needs and circumstances.
- Free Consultations: We offer free consultations to assess your case and discuss your options without any obligation.
Our Approach to Defending Your Shoplifting Charge
- Thorough Investigation: We thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your arrest, including reviewing store policies, security footage (if available), and police reports.
- Challenging Evidence: We meticulously scrutinize the evidence against you, looking for any weaknesses or inconsistencies that could be used to your advantage.
- Legal Strategies: Depending on your case, we may explore defenses such as:
- Lack of intent to steal
- Mistaken identity
- Duress or coercion
- Intoxication (if applicable)
- Illegal detention or search
- Negotiation and Litigation: We are skilled negotiators and will work to reach a favorable resolution with the prosecutor whenever possible. If a trial is necessary, we are prepared to aggressively defend your rights in court.
Don’t Let a Shoplifting Charge Tarnish Your Future
A shoplifting conviction can have lasting consequences, including difficulty finding employment, obtaining housing, or even traveling abroad. Contact Brett M. Rosen, Esq. today for a free and confidential consultation. We’ll fight to protect your rights and reputation.
Call 908-312-0368 to schedule your consultation.
Brett M. Rosen, Esq. brett@nynjcriminalcivilesq.com
We serve Westfield and all of Union County.
Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.