Scotch Plains Shoplifting Attorney

Theft Crime Lawyers Represent Clients Charged with Shoplifting in Scotch Plains, NJ

The law firm of Bramnick, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC represents individuals who have been charged with shoplifting. If you have been charged with a shoplifting offense in Scotch Plains, we may be able to assist you. Our defense attorneys have many years of experience handling shoplifting cases. Gary Grabas and Robert Rowbotham are former Prosecutors. Jon Bramnick is a Certified Civil Trial Lawyer with over 30 years of trial experience.

Shoplifting Charges Heard in Scotch Plains Municipal Court

If you are arrested for shoplifting in Scotch Plains, your case will be handled in either Scotch Plains Municipal Court or Union County Superior Court depending on the value of the merchandise. Scotch Plains 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.

Scotch Plains Municipal Court is located at 430 Park Avenue. The Honorable Antonio Inacio presides over the Court. The Court handles a variety of minor criminal offenses and traffic infractions. Shoplifting charges, in particular, are prevalent in Scotch Plains Municipal Court.

Penalties for Scotch Plains Shoplifting Offenses

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.

1. Merchandise Value
2. Imprisonment
3. Fine
4. Type of Offense

2nd Degree

• $75,000 or more
• 5 – 10 years
• Up to $150,000

3rd Degree

• Over $500 and less than $75,000
• 3 – 5 years
• Up to $150,000

4th Degree

• $200 to $500
• Up to 18 months
• Up to $10,000

Disorderly Persons

• Less than $200
• Up to 6 months
• Up to $1,000

Types of Shoplifting Offenses in Scotch Plains, New Jersey

Frequently, issues arise as to why a person was charged with shoplifting when they, in fact, paid for the merchandise. The reason for this confusion is due to the broad definition of “shoplifting.” 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.

Free Consultations Available – Scotch Plains Shoplifting Attorneys

If you would like to schedule a free consultation to discuss shoplifting offenses, contact us at: 908-356-4279. Our Union County office is located in downtown Scotch Plains.