Shoplifting Lawyer in Bernardsville, New Jersey
How Serious of a Crime Is Shoplifting in Bernardsville, NJ?
Shoplifting is a serious offense in the State of New Jersey, where the severity of the offense is based on the value of stolen merchandise as listed below.
Disorderly Persons: under $200
4th Degree : $200- $500
3rd Degree: $500-$75,000
2nd Degree: $75,000 and above
How Is Shoplifting Defined in New Jersey?
Frequently, issues arise as to why a person was charged with a shoplifting when they, in fact, paid for the merchandise. The reason for this confusion is due to the broad definition of “shoplifting.”Shoplifting offenses include:
Taking merchandise without paying the full retail price;
Concealing merchandise with the intent to deprive the owner of its full value;
Altering, transferring, or removing the label or price tag of any merchandise with the intent to deprive the owner of its full value;
Under-ringing merchandise; or
Removing a shopping cart with no intention of returning it.
What Are the Penalties for Shoplifting in Bernardsville, NJ?
Prosecutors are required by the state of New Jersey to prosecute all shoplifting cases, even if the defendant is not represented by counsel. Penalties for shoplifting are determined by the degree of offense, where 2nd Degree offenses are prosecuted more seriously than 3rd degree offenses and so forth. Punishments may include fines and/or temporary imprisonment, where first time offenses are prosecuted less harshly than subsequent offenses. While individual prosecution of a shoplifting offense is determined on a case by case basis and by the respective prosecutor.
Where Will I Be tried If I’m Arrested for Shoplifting in Bernardsville?
If you are arrested for shoplifting in Bernardsville, your case will be handled in either Bernardsville Municipal court or Somerset County Superior Court depending on the value of the merchandise. Bernardsville Municipal Court handles cases where the amount of merchandise taken totals less than $200. Bernardsville Municipal Court is located at 166 Mine Brook Rd. The Honorable Robert F. Schaul presides over the Court.
All other cases are handled in Somerset County Superior Court, located at 20 North Bridge Street in Somerville. The Criminal Division of the Court handles shoplifting cases.
What Should I Do If I Am Arrested for Shoplifting in Bernardsville, NJ?
If you are arrested for shoplifting in New Jersey, it is advised that you consult with a lawyer. If you have been arrested for shoplifting in Bernardsville, we may be able to assist you.
Our attorneys at Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC, L.L.C., are skilled at representing individuals who have been arrested for shoplifting. Attorneys Casey Woodruff, Gary Grabas, and Robert Rowbotham, II. are former prosecutors, whose experience as prosecutors have given them insight into the prosecution of shoplifting offenses. Jon Bramnick is a Certified Civil Trial Lawyer with over 30 years of trial experience.
Free Consultations Available – Bernardsville Shoplifting Attorneys
(908) 322-7000
If you would like to schedule a free consultation to discuss shoplifting offenses with one of our criminal defense lawyers, contact us at: (908) 322-7000.
