The law firm of Bramnick, Rodriguez, Mitterhoff, Grabas & Woodruff, LLC handles shoplifting cases throughout New Jersey and routinely represents clients charged with shoplifting offenses.
In New Jersey, the term "shoplifting" has several different meanings. "Shoplifting" can mean:
- 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.
Shoplifting is often perceived as a minor offense. However, a shoplifting charge can lead to stiff penalties. For example, stealing merchandise between $200 and $500 is a fourth degree offense, which carries penalties of up to eighteen (18) months in prison and a $10,000 fine. Therefore, a person guilty of shoplifting clothing from a store or purchasing a dress after switching the price tag could possibly face imprisonment.
If you are charged with a shoplifting offense in New Jersey, the amount of the merchandise taken will determine which New Jersey Court will handle your case. Municipal Courts handle shoplifting cases where the amount of merchandise taken totals less than $200. All other shoplifting cases are handled in the New Jersey Superior Court. Each of New Jersey's 21 counties has a superior court to handle the more serious criminal offenses.
Some towns tend to have a greater percentage of shoplifting cases due to the volume of retail establishments. This is especially true in town possessing large malls or shopping centers. These include Union, Watchung, Short Hills, Wayne, Livingston, Edison, Toms River, Roxbury and many more.
If you have been charged with a shoplifting offense in New Jersey, we may be able to help you. Our defense attorneys understand how to handle these matters. Casey Woodruff, Gary Grabas and Robert C. Rowbotham, II are all former Prosecutors and understand how to handle shoplifting charges. Jon M. Bramnick is a Certified Civil Trial Lawyer with over 30 years of trial experience.
Free Consultations Available – New Jersey Shoplifting Lawyer
908.322.7000
If you would like to schedule a free consultation with one of our criminal defense attorneys, you can reach us at (908) 322-7000. We are available 24 hours a day.
