Watchung Shoplifting Attorneys
Shoplifting Lawyers Defend Clients Against Retail Theft Charges in Watchung NJ
The law firm of Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC represents individuals who have been charged with shoplifting. If you have been charged with a shoplifting offense in Watchung, we may be able to assist you. Our defense attorneys have many years of experience handling shoplifting cases. Casey Woodruff and Gary Grabas are both former Prosecutors. Jon Bramnick is a Certified Civil Trial Lawyer with over 30 years of trial experience.
Watchung Shoplifting Charges Heard in Municipal Court
If you are arrested for shoplifting in Watchung, your case will be handled in either Watchung Municipal Court or Somerset County Superior Court depending on the value of the merchandise. Watchung 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.
Somerset County Superior Court is located at 20 North Bridge Street in Somerville, New Jersey. The Criminal Division of the Court handles shoplifting cases.
Watchung Municipal Court is located at 840 Somerset Street. The Honorable Frank W. Gasiorowski presides over the Court. The Court handles a variety of minor criminal offenses and traffic infractions. Shoplifting charges, in particular, are prevalent in Watchung Municipal Court.
Penalties for Watchung Shoplifting Offenses
The penalty for a defendant convicted of shoplifting also depends on the value of the merchandise. The information below outlines the penalties for each offense.
- Merchandise Value
- Imprisonment
- Fine
- Type of Offense
2nd Degree
- $75,000 or more
- 5 – 10 years
- Up to $150,000
3rd Degree
- Over $500 and less than $75,000
- 3 – 5 years
- Up to $150,000
4th Degree
- $200 to $500
- Up to 18 months
- Up to $10,000
Disorderly Persons
- Less than $200
- Up to 6 months
- Up to $1,000
Shoplifting Offenses in Watchung, New Jersey
Frequently, issues arise as to why a person was charged with 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;
- 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.
Therefore, if, while in the Target at the Watchung Square Mall, you conceal a DVD with the intention of stealing it, but never actually leave the store with it, you may be convicted for shoplifting.
Free Consultations Available – Watchung Shoplifting Lawyers
If you would like to schedule a free consultation to discuss shoplifting offenses in Watchung, contact us at: (908) 322-7000.
