Theft is a criminal charge that should be taken seriously.  If you are convicted of theft in New Jersey, it will result in penalties that could be severe.  Theft consists of crimes such as shoplifting and petty theft.  Some crimes may include theft as a lesser charge.  Whatever your other charges, if you are facing prosecution for theft in New Jersey, you need the help of an experienced defense lawyer.

Theft Laws in New Jersey

Theft laws and penalties in New Jersey are based on the value of the property (goods or services) that has been taken.  The greater the property value, the greater the potential penalties.  Additionally, you may face additional penalties if this is your 2nd offense.   Theft crimes are categorized as follows:

• Under $200, Disorderly charge with penalty of up to 6 months in jail.
• $200 – $500, 4th Degree (Felony) charge with penalty of up to 18 months in jail.
• $500 – $75,000, 3rd Degree (Felony) charge with penalty up to 5 years in prison.
• $75,000, 2nd Degree (Felony) charge with penalty up to 10 years in prison.

Thefts can also be charged as 2nd degree crimes if the property was taken as the result of extortion, if the property is dangerous, if the property is a controlled substance greater than 1 kilogram, and if the property is considered human remains.

Thefts are handled as 3rd degree crimes if the property is a pet, a gun, a vehicle or a boat, if the property is controlled or considered dangerous, if the property was taken directly from a person’s hand or pocket, if the property is taken by the use of a threat, if the property consists of a person’s benefits (food stamps, social security, etc.), if the property is a blank prescription, and if the property is used to manufacture methamphetamine.

Defending Thefts in New Jersey

Theft offenses are very serious crimes and may include everything from shoplifting to receipt of stolen property.  If you have been charged with a theft crime, you must take immediate action by hiring an experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyer. The qualified attorneys of Reisig & Associates, LLC have the expertise and knowledge necessary to effectively defend your charges.  There may be a valid reason why you were in possession of property that did not belong to you.

Reisig & Associates, LLC will take the time to review your case and if possible will try to get the charges dropped or reduced.  There are several defense options that are possible in theft cases.  We consider all of them and always work diligently to present the best case to defend your rights and receive a successful outcome.  If the merchant uses video surveillance, for instance, it may be used against you in Court. However, we may be able to find a way to fight this evidence. Even when the evidence looks strong against you, there may be some circumstances that will allow the case to be dropped or the charges lowered.  We may also be able to work out a deal for restitution.

Each theft case is different and requires different strategies and defense tactics.  Matthew W. Reisig of Reisig & Associates, LLC is a certified New Jersey criminal trial attorney with experience defending all types of criminal charges, including theft.  Contact us today for a free consultation with Matthew W. Reisig, who can answer your questions and review your case to provide the legal advice you need.

Reisig & Associates, LLC
New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyers
(888) 628-8394
(732) 625-9660

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