Jackson NJ Shoplifting Offense

Shoplifting Defense Attorneys in Jackson

Jackson Township is a surprising hotbed for shoplifting charges in Ocean County as the home of Jackson Premium Outlets and Great Adventure. Hundreds of individuals are arrested based on allegations of illegally concealing merchandise, price tag swapping, fraudulent returns and other varieties of shoplifting under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11. If you were arrested in Jackson NJ for shoplifting, it is important that you know both your rights and the consequences in the event of a conviction. Our attorneys have the ability to help you in both respects as former prosecutors and skilled criminal defense attorneys that possess over 100 years in practice combined. We have appeared in countless Jackson shoplifting cases at both Jackson Municipal Court and at the Ocean County Superior Court. To speak to one of our Jackson Shoplifting Defense Attorneys in a free consultation, call our Toms River Office at (732) 286-6500 for a free consultation.

Charged with Shoplifting in Jackson New Jersey

You may be convicted of a Jackson shoplifting offense if you engaged in one of five forms of conduct outlined under 2C:20-11. The first and most common way of committing shoplifting is by purposely taking merchandise with in the intention of depriving the merchant of the property. The second form of shoplifting that can occur in Jackson is concealing merchandise for the purpose of committing a theft. Third, a shoplifting may be committed by altering or swapping a price tag. A fourth variety of shoplifting applies where someone transfers merchandise in Jackson into another box or container to steal the item(s). The fifth and final way to violate N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11 is by under-ringing merchandise so as to artificially create a deflated value.

The penalties if you are found guilty of shoplifting are significant whether you are facing a felony offense for shoplifting or a disorderly persons offense in municipal court the municipal court of Jackson. A second degree crime for shoplifting, which applies when the theft involves at least $75,000 in merchandise, carries a maximum fine of $150,000 and 10 years in jail. When the merchandise stolen has a value of $500 to $74,999, shoplifting is a third degree crime that triggers up to a $15,000 fine and 5 years in prison. Fourth degree shoplifting applies when the merchandise is worth at least $200 but less than $500. A fourth degree crime for shoplifting can result in a $7,500 fine and up to 18 months in jail. First, second, third and fourth degree cases are indictable in nature and therefore can only be heard in Toms River at the Ocean County Superior Court. A disorderly persons offense for shoplifting is handled in the municipal court of Jackson with a $1,000 potential fine and up to 6 months in the county jail applying. There is also mandatory community service of at least 10 days for a first offense, 15 days for a second offense and 25 days for a third offense. A third or subsequent offense also carries a mandatory jail sentence of at least ninety (90) days.

Jackson NJ Shoplifting Lawyer

If you were arrested for shoplifting at Jackson Premium Outlets or anywhere else in the township, we are here to help you. Our attorneys are skilled shoplifting lawyers with decades of experience successfully defending Jackson theft charges. An attorney on staff at Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall is available now to assist you at (732) 286-6500. The consultation is free and we are more than happy to give you the time and attention you need.