Legal Question in Criminal Law in New Jersey

1st time shop lifter

I live in south jersey where my son was caught shoplifting 250.00 worth of merchandise. What are we realisticlly loocking at here as far as a punishment. He is over 18. Do i need a attorney or will they just hit him with a bunch of fines? None of the merchandise ever left the store.


Asked on 8/12/08, 4:59 pm

7 Answers from Attorneys

Soleiman Raie Joel Every & Associates

Re: 1st time shop lifter

you want to hire an attorney to try to get the charges reduced to something less minor. a theft charge on his permanent criminal record could be very harmful for find a decent job! it is considered a crime of moral turpitude...meaning his credibilty of honesty is shot! I think it is worth saving his future employability to hire an attorney. Please call my firm for a free consultation.

Sal Raie

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Answered on 8/14/08, 11:03 am
steven traub Traub & Tumaian, LLP

Re: 1st time shop lifter

Because of the dollar value, your son may be charged with a felony. You should consult with an attorney. I am a south jersey attorney. I offer free consultations. Please email me. I will be happy to speak with you.

Steven Traub

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Answered on 8/13/08, 9:19 am
Ronald Aronds Law Office of Ronald Aronds, LLC

Re: 1st time shop lifter

Since the amount at issue is in excess of $200.00 but less than $500.00 this is a Fourth Degree Crime, which is the equivalent of a felony in other states. He is in theory at least looking at up to 18 months in state prison and thousands of dollars in fines. The county prosecutor can review the case however and recommend that it be downgraded to be heard in the local Municipal Court for the town where this happened as a lesser charge called a Disorderly Persons Offense, which is the equivalent of a misdemeanor in other states. The maximum penalties for a shoplifting charge as a disorderly persons offense would then be up to 6 months in the county jail, $1,000.00 in fines and at least ten days community service. I have handled very many shoplifting cases throughout New Jersey in the past and I am usually able to get the shoplifting charge amended to some lesser charge that does not carry the realistic threat of jail time or any community service. However, that is predicated upon the supposition that the charge will be sent back down from the county superior court to the local municipal court. In short, I do think that your son should hire a lawyer since he is looking at having a criminal record with serious penalties. Please contact me at your convenience if you wish to discuss this case in more detail. I never charge for simply talking to a person about their case. Thank you.

Sincerely yours, -Ronald Aronds, Esq.-

www.njworkerscompensationlaw.com

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Answered on 8/13/08, 10:38 am
Michael Berman Law Offices of Michael A. Berman

Re: 1st time shop lifter

Call or e-mail me immediately. I live in the area and am familiar with the local Judges and prosecutors. Has the case been sent back from the County or is it going to stay in Woodbury?

Michael A. Berman

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Answered on 8/13/08, 2:47 pm
Jef Henninger, Esq Law Offices of Jef Henninger, Esq.

Re: 1st time shop lifter

I really suggest that he get an attorney. If convicted, he will have a criminal record that could haunt him for many years. If the value of the items he was trying to take is over $200, then it is a felony offense. Regardless, the judge may force him to get an attorney.

I practice in your area and my initial consultations are always free, so call me at 732/247/3340 to discuss his case.

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Answered on 8/12/08, 5:04 pm
Gary Moore Gary Moore Attorney At Law

Re: 1st time shop lifter

You need to know more about the offense known as shoplifting. You can go to the shoplifting page on my website, www.garymooreattorneyatlaw.com. Cliek on the page entitled criminal and then on the criminal page click on shoplifting where it is underlined.

Shoplifting does not require that an item be taken from the store; hiding it on your person or in a bag is enough to be guilty.

Shoplifting is a form of theft. Many jobs will not be available to your son if he pleads to shoplifting. He needs to hire an attorney who have the charge changed to being a disorderly persons,

which is not theft. Hire an attorney.

Call me if you like.

Gary Moore, Esquire

Hackensack, New Jersey

www.garymooreattorneyatlaw.com

201/602/8090

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Answered on 8/12/08, 5:07 pm
Daniel Cevallos Cevallos & Wong, LLP

Re: 1st time shop lifter

You should definitely speak to a private attorney as soon as possible to preserve his rights.

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Answered on 8/12/08, 5:48 pm


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