Fourth Degree Shoplifting Charges Downgraded to Local Ordinance
September 9, 2018
Moorestown NJ Shoplifting Attorney
Next to drug possession, shoplifting may be the most common criminal charge filed in New Jersey. Whether it involved cosmetics at a local drug store or clothing from an outlet at a mall, then penalties for shoplifting will vary depending upon the value of the merchandise involved. In Burlington County, you can be charged with either a second degree felony offense, third degree felony offense, fourth degree felony offense or disorderly persons offense depending upon the value of the items involved. Additionally, if you have been previously convicted of shoplifting on two other occasions, then you must be sentenced to ninety (90) days in the Burlington County Jail for a third offense, regardless of the value of merchandise involved. If you or someone in your family were arrested for shoplifting in Moorestown, Delran, Cinnaminson, Burlington, Bordentown, Willingboro, Palmyra, Mount Laurel, Mount Holly or Evesham, contact the Burlington County Criminal Lawyers at Proetta, Oliver & Fay today. Our trial attorneys have successfully represented thousands of clients throughout New Jersey and we will happily consult with you regarding your pending charges for shoplifting. For an immediate consultation, please contact our office at (609) 850-8284.
4th Degree Shoplifting Charges Downgraded
I recently represented a client who was a legal resident but not a naturalized citizen within the United States of America. However, this client was arrested for shoplifting at a local Walmart. Unfortunately, Walmart Loss Prevention did a review of their records and determined that my client had shoplifted four other time in the last month alone. Technically, my client was facing multiple counts of shoplifting. Additionally, due to the value of the merchandise, my client was facing a felony indictable offense. Through negotiations with the County Prosecutor’s Office, I was able to have the charges remanded back to municipal court. From there, I successfully argued and obtained a further downgrade of the charges from a criminal offense down to a local municipal ordinance violation. This was particularly important as my client would have faced possible deportation if they were convicted of a crime of moral turpitude (shoplifting and theft crimes typically fall under this category). My client was able to walk away from this incident having only paid minor fines to the court and a clear conscious knowing that these transgressions would not have an impact on their immigration status.
What are the Penalties for Shoplifting at a Mall in Burlington?
The penalties for shoplifting will depend upon the value of the goods that were allegedly stolen or concealed. If the items retailed for a total less than $200 dollars, then you will be facing a disorderly persons offense at the local municipal court. A conviction for disorderly persons shoplifting carries up to six (6) months in jail, a criminal record and a $1,000 fine. If the items retailed for a total between $200 and $500, then you will be facing a fourth degree felony indictable offense at the Burlington County Superior Court. If convicted, fourth degree shoplifting charges carry up to eighteen (18) months in jail, a felony criminal record and fines. If the items retailed for a total between $500 and $75,000, then you will be facing a third degree felony indictable offense at the Burlington County Superior Court. If convicted, third degree shoplifting charges carry between three (3) and five (5) years in prison, a felony criminal record and fines. If the items retailed for a more than $75,000, then you will be facing a second degree felony indictable offense at the Burlington County Superior Court. If convicted, second degree shoplifting charges carry up to ten (10) years in prison, a felony criminal record and fines.
Shoplifting Offense Lawyers in New Jersey
If you or a family member need to speak with a shoplifting attorney today regarding pending charges, please call (609) 850-8284.