Morristown Shoplifting Lawyer

Fighting Against Accusations of Retail Theft

Shoplifting typically involves taking merchandise from a store without paying for it, but it can encompass other actions, such as altering price tags or transferring goods from one container to another. A criminal offense, shoplifting carries severe legal penalties. Convictions may result in hefty fines and even incarceration, making it crucial to understand the gravity of the situation.

Navigating the complex legal landscape can be challenging, especially for individuals without a background in the law. Making missteps during a case can be detrimental. Throughout the proceedings, the insights of a Morristown shoplifting attorney come into play. They can provide invaluable advice and guidance, helping you avoid pitfalls and protecting your rights throughout the legal process. With their assistance, you can get through the justice system more efficiently.

The Law Offices of Joseph S. Scura is here to support individuals facing shoplifting charges. We take a personalized approach, tailoring our defense strategies to the unique circumstances of each case. Our primary goal is safeguarding our clients’ best interests and working towards just outcomes. We handle criminal matters with the utmost professionalism and dedication.

If you are looking for a shoplifting lawyer in Morristown, please consider contacting us at (973) 832-0841.

Types of Shoplifting

New Jersey's shoplifting law is codified under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11, which defines the various types of conduct that can be considered shoplifting. Understanding these different forms of shoplifting is essential in comprehending the legal framework around this offense.

The various forms of shoplifting include the following:

• Taking merchandise from a store without paying the full price for it: This is the most common and straightforward form of shoplifting. It involves physically taking an item from a store without completing the purchase process by paying the total price.
• Concealing merchandise to remove it from a store: Shoplifters may attempt to hide merchandise on their person, in bags, or in other ways to exit the store without detection. This act constitutes a form of shoplifting.
• Altering or removing labels, price tags, or other markings of value to attempt to pay less than full price: Shoplifters sometimes tamper with labels or price tags on merchandise to lower the apparent price, allowing them to pay less than the total retail value.
• Transferring products from one container to another to deprive the merchant of all or part of the value of the merchandise: This involves moving merchandise from its original packaging to a different container, intending to pay less than the actual value or to deceive store staff.
• Under-ringing the merchandise: Shoplifters may manipulate the checkout process by intentionally underpaying for items or not scanning certain items to pay less than the actual value.
• Removing a shopping cart from a store: In some cases, individuals may attempt to take a shopping cart from a store property, which can also be considered shoplifting.

Consequences of Shoplifting

Shoplifting offenses in New Jersey encompass a broad spectrum of charges, ranging from relatively minor offenses to more serious crimes. The severity of the charge depends on various factors, primarily the value of the merchandise involved in the shoplifting incident.

The grading and penalties associated with a shoplifting charge are directly tied to the monetary value of the merchandise stolen or shoplifted. For instance, if the value of the stolen item is less than $200, it is typically classified as a disorderly persons offense, which is a less serious charge. On the other hand, if the value of the merchandise exceeds $75,000, it can be charged as a crime of the second degree, which is a more severe criminal offense.

The legal consequences of a shoplifting conviction can be significant. For example, disorderly persons offense, the least severe charge, can result in a jail sentence of up to 6 months. A crime of the second degree, the most severe shoplifting charge, may lead to imprisonment for a period of 5 to 10 years. In addition to jail time, individuals convicted of shoplifting can face substantial fines and other legal penalties.

A shoplifting conviction can have lasting repercussions on an individual's criminal record. It can create a permanent mark that may affect future job opportunities, housing applications, and other aspects of life.

Hiring a Shoplifting Defense Attorney

When facing shoplifting charges, the advantage of hiring a criminal defense attorney cannot be overstated. Shoplifting cases can be legally complex, and having an experienced lawyer by your side is essential to navigate the legal process effectively.

A skilled shoplifting attorney in Morristown can explore various strategies to defend your case.

These defenses may include the following:

• No intent to deprive
• Mistaken identity
• False accusations

The Law Offices of Joseph S. Scura has over 10 years of experience handling criminal cases. We are well-versed in the nuances of the legal system and are dedicated to serving as fierce advocates for our clients.

To schedule a consultation, please call us at (973) 832-0841 or contact us online.