Freehold Shoplifting Lawyer

Shoplifting is defined as “the willful theft of merchandise from a retail establishment without the knowledge or consent of the seller with the intention of converting those goods for one’s personal use and without having paid the purchase price” and is classified as a type of larceny. Shoplifting has some adverse consequences and anyone who receives a conviction for shoplifting may even end up spending time in jail.

Shoplifting includes concealing or carrying away merchandise with the intent to deprive the merchant of possession. However, a person does not necessarily have to outright snatch an item for it to be considered shoplifting. Other forms of shoplifting include altering price tags, removing a shopping cart from the premises, or under-ringing merchandise. To be considered a crime, a person must show intent to shoplift and that’s where a New Jersey Shoplifting Attorney can help.

In New Jersey, the severity of the penalty depends on the value of the merchandise. If the merchandise has a total value of less than $200, it is classified as disorderly persons shoplifting and has a penalty of up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. If the merchandise has a value of $200-$500, it is classified as a crime of the fourth degree and has a penalty of up to 18 months in jail and a $10,000 fine. If the merchandise has a value of $500-$75,000, it is classified as a crime of the third degree and has a penalty of 3-5 years in jail and a $15,000 fine. If the merchandise has a value greater than $75,000, it is a crime of the second degree and has a penalty of 5-10 years in jail and a fine of $150,000.

A shoplifting offense is not something you should fight on your own because the stakes are simply too high. Contact the Freehold Shoplifting Attorneys at Thomas & Krail Lawyers to handle such a serious charge. Call us at 732-333-0477 to discuss your case.