Shoplifting Lawyer in Westfield, NJ
Westfield Theft Crime Attorney Can Help You Beat Shoplifting Charges
The law firm of Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC handles shoplifting cases throughout Union County and routinely represents clients from Westfield with shoplifting offenses.
If you are charged with a shoplifting offense in Westfield, the amount of the merchandise taken will determine which New Jersey Court will handle your case. Westfield Municipal Court handles shoplifting cases where the amount of merchandise taken totals less than $200. All other shoplifting cases are handled in Union County Superior Court.
Union County Superior Court is located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The Criminal Division of the Court handles shoplifting cases.
Westfield Municipal Court is located at 425 East Broad Street. The Honorable Brenda Coppola Cuba presides over the Court. The Court handles a variety of minor criminal offenses and traffic infractions. Shoplifting charges, in particular, are prevalent in Westfield Municipal Court.
Shoplifting Offenses in Westfield NJ
In New Jersey, the term “shoplifting” has several different definitions, including:
- 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.
Penalties for Shoplifting Offenses in Westfield, New Jersey
Shoplifting is often perceived as a minor offense. However, in Westfield, 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 who shoplifts clothing from the Gap, purchases a suit from Jos. A. Bank after switching the price tag, or steals a shopping cart from Stop & Shop could possibly face going to jail.
If you have been charged with a shoplifting offense in Westfield, we may be able to help you. Our defense attorneys have many years of experience handling these matters. Casey Woodruff and Gary Grabas are both former County Prosecutors and have handled numerous shoplifting charges. Jon Bramnick is a Certified Civil Trial Lawyer with over 30 years of trial experience. You can call us at 908-356-5945 to schedule a free consultation.
Free Consultations Available – Westfield Shoplifting Attorneys
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