The law firm of Bramnick, Rodriguez, Mitterhoff, Grabas & Woodruff, LLC represents individuals who have been charged with shoplifting. If you have been charged with a shoplifting offense in Berkeley Heights, we may be able to assist you. Our defense attorneys have many years of experience handling shoplifting cases. Casey Woodruff, Gary Grabas, and Robert Rowbotham, II. are former Prosecutors. Jon Bramnick is a Certified Civil Trial Lawyer with over 30 years of trial experience.
If you were arrested for shoplifting in Berkeley Heights, your case will be handled in either Berkeley Heights Municipal Court or Union County Superior Court depending on the value of the merchandise.
Berkeley Heights 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. Berkeley Heights Municipal Court is located at 29 Park Avenue. The Honorable Donald P. Bogoslian presides over the Court. The Court handles a variety of minor criminal offenses and traffic infractions. Shoplifting charges, in particular, are prevalent in Berkeley Heights Municipal Court.
The penalty for a defendant convicted of shoplifting also depends on the value of the merchandise. The table below outlines the penalties for each offense.
| Merchandise Value | Imprisonment | Fine | Type of Offense |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 or more | 5 - 10 years | Up to $150,000 | 2nd Degree |
| Over $500 and less than $75,000 | 3 - 5 years | Up to $150,000 | 3rd Degree |
| $200 to $500 | Up to 18 months | Up to $10,000 | 4th Degree |
| Less than $200 | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | Disorderly Persons |
In New Jersey, shoplifting offenses include:
- 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.
If you would like to schedule a free consultation, you can reach us at (908) 322-7000.
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