Bridgewater Shoplifting Lawyers
Bridgewater Shoplifting Attorneys Represent Clients Charged with Retail Theft Crimes
You can reach us 24 hours a day: (908) 322-7000
The law firm of Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC handles shoplifting cases throughout Somerset County and routinely represents clients from Bridgewater with shoplifting charges.
In New Jersey, the term “shoplifting” has several different meanings. “Shoplifting” can mean:
- 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;
- Transferring merchandise from one container to another with the intent of depriving the owner of its full value;
- Under-ringing merchandise; or
- Removing a shopping cart with no intention of returning it.
Bridgewater Shoplifting Penalties
Shoplifting is often perceived as a minor offense. However, a shoplifting charge can lead to stiff penalties. For example, stealing merchandise between $200 and $500 is a fourth degree offense, which carries penalties of up to eighteen months in prison and a $10,000 fine. Therefore, a person guilty of shoplifting clothing from a store in the Bridgewater Mall or purchasing a dress after switching the price tag could possibly face imprisonment.
If you are charged with a shoplifting offense in Bridgewater, the amount of the merchandise taken will determine which New Jersey Court will handle your case. Bridgewater Municipal Court handles shoplifting cases where the amount of merchandise taken totals less than $200. All other shoplifting cases are handled in Somerset County Superior Court.
Shoplifting Charges Heard in Bridgewater Municipal Court & Somerset County Superior Court
Somerset County Superior Court is located at 20 North Bridge Street in Somerville, New Jersey. The Criminal Division of the Court handles shoplifting cases.
Bridgewater Municipal Court is located at 505 Route 202-206 South. The Honorable William T. Kelleher presides over the Court. The Court handles a variety of minor criminal offenses and traffic infractions. Shoplifting charges, in particular, are prevalent in Bridgewater Municipal Court.
Free Consultation with Experienced Bridgewater Shoplifting Attorney
If you have been charged with a shoplifting offense in Bridgewater, we may be able to help you. Our defense attorneys understand how to handle these matters. Casey Woodruff and Gary Grabas are both former Prosecutors and understand how to handle shoplifting charges. Jon Bramnick is a Certified Civil Trial Lawyer with over 30 years of trial experience.
Call us to schedule a free consultation: (908) 322-7000.
