Audubon Shoplifting Lawyers
Leading Criminal Defense Lawyers Protect Clients’ Rights in Shoplifting Cases In Camden County, Burlington County, and Gloucester County, New Jersey
If you or a loved one have been charged with shoplifting in the state of New Jersey, you could pay for this crime twice over if you are convicted. New Jersey’s statutes give store owners the right to recover all monetary losses due to shoplifting — and this includes any court fees related to the case. So in addition to facing possible jail time, fines, and community service, those individuals convicted of shoplifting can expect to pay for the store’s legal fees, court costs, a fine to the store, and a “shoplifting surcharge”. The Audubon shoplifting lawyers at Aydelotte & Scardella Law LLC protect the rights of those charged with shoplifting in Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester Counties. Our experienced criminal defense team has successfully represented clients who were charged with shoplifting at places like the Cherry Hill Mall, Moorestown Mall, Deptford Mall, Gloucester Premium Outlets, Market Place at Garden State Park, Voorhees Town Center, and other retail establishments in New Jersey.
The shoplifting attorneys at Aydelotte & Scardella Law LLC offer a free initial consultation so that you can get answers to your questions and make the most informed decision regarding your case.
Understanding the Definition of Shoplifting in New Jersey
When you hear the term “shoplifting”, you may envision someone fleeing a store with a box tucked beneath their arm. And while running out the door with unpaid merchandise is certainly considered a shoplifting crime, there are other actions that also constitute shoplifting. For example, in New Jersey, any of the following actions can bring a charge of shoplifting:
- When an individual intentionally removes merchandise from a store without paying for the merchandise
- When an individual changes or alters the price tag on a piece of merchandise, to avoid paying the full value of the merchandise
- When an individual conceals merchandise in some fashion, with the intent of taking that merchandise from the store without paying for it
- When an individual takes store merchandise and puts it in another package with the intent of avoiding paying full value for the merchandise
- When an individual intentionally tries to undervalue the price of the merchandise in order to remove the merchandise from the store for less than its full value
Charged with shoplifting in New Jersey? Think you were wrongly accused? Let us help. Schedule a free consultation with the dedicated Audubon Shoplifting Lawyers at Aydelotte & Scardella Law LLC.
New Jersey Shoplifting Penalties Are Based On the Monetary Value Of the Stolen Merchandise
In New Jersey, the penalties for shoplifting vary depending upon the monetary value of the merchandise that was presumably stolen. Specifically, the penalties for a shoplifting conviction are as follows:
- Merchandise value under $200: when the value of the stolen merchandise is under $200, it is considered a disorderly offense. Penalties include jail time of up to six months, suspension of your drivers’ license, probation, monetary fines, and a minimum of ten days of community service
- Merchandise value between $200 and $500: when the value of the stolen merchandise is between $200 and $500 it is considered a fourth-degree offense. Penalties may include jail time of 18 months, fines of up to $10,000, and mandatory community service
- Merchandise value between $500 and $75,000: When the value of the stolen merchandise is between $500 and $75,000 it is considered a third-degree offense. Penalties may include up to five years in prison and mandatory community service
- Merchandise value over $75,000: When the value of the stolen merchandise is greater than $75,000 it is considered a second-degree crime. Penalties may include 5 to 10 years in prison and significant monetary fines
If you or a loved one has been charged with shoplifting at the Voorhees Town Center, the Market Place at Garden State Park, the Deptford Mall, or another retail establishment in New Jersey, schedule a free consultation with the experienced shoplifting attorneys at Aydelotte & Scardella Law LLC.
Schedule A Free Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With Dedicated New Jersey Shoplifting Lawyers At Aydelotte & Scardella Law LLC
Shoplifting may seem to be a minor offense. After all, we have all seen the movies where a teenager runs out of the local market, a six-pack of something tucked inside the jacket, with the store owner frantically shouting and waving as they watch them flee. In reality, however, shoplifting is a criminal offense. And New Jersey does not take this offense lightly.
If you — or a loved one — were enjoying a day shopping at the Moorestown Mall or Cherry Hill Mall or one of New Jersey’s premium outlets and are now accused of shoplifting, let us help. The Audubon shoplifting lawyers at Aydelotte & Scardella Law LLC have extensive experience successfully representing New Jersey clients who are facing shoplifting charges. Our dedicated criminal defense team offers a free initial consultation so you can make the most informed decision regarding your case. Contact our office to schedule your confidential consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shoplifting Charges In Audubon, New Jersey
No. The key component to a charge of shoplifting in New Jersey is intent. In order to be charged with shoplifting, the individual must have taken an action with the intent of not paying for an item or paying less than the full price of an item. This action may be demonstrated in several ways besides running out of the store with the stolen merchandise in hand. Shoplifting also includes hiding merchandise in your bag, tucking an item inside your coat or in something you are carrying, or altering or removing price tags from the merchandise.
That depends. The penalties for shoplifting depend upon the value of the merchandise that was presumably stolen and other factors come into play, including whether or not you have a prior criminal history or were previously found guilty of shoplifting. The criminal defense attorneys at Aydelotte & Scardella Law LLC handle each case personally, preparing a vigorous defense that is tailored to your particular case. For a free initial consultation with a member of our team regarding your case, contact our office.
