Shoplifting: N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11b

Millburn Shoplifting Lawyers

Arrested, Charged with Shoplifting Millburn – Need Attorney

Shoplifting Charges New Jersey
Shoplifting Charges in New Jersey

Shoplifting is perhaps is one of the most common theft charges in the State of New Jersey. Unfortunately, it also carries some of the most severe penalties. If you are convicted of shoplifting, you will you be looking at potential prison time and heavy fines. Beyond that, the damage to your personal reputation could be so extreme that you will find it difficult to maintain or secure employment for a very long time. That’s because a shoplifting conviction will be etched in stone on your permanent record and will show up on background checks. Your best hope of avoiding these devastating long-term consequences is to secure the services of an experienced attorney.

Our law firm is a criminal defense team with years of experience and an excellent track record in shoplifting cases. We represent clients accused of shoplifting throughout Essex County, NJ, including Irvington, Maplewood, and South Orange. The firm’s founding partner, Travis J. Tormey, previously defended clients against shoplifting charges while working for two of the largest and most well-respected law firms in New Jersey. In fact, Mr. Tormey’s work on shoplifting cases has been cited by New Jersey media outlets. Additionally, we have a former county and municipal prosecutor on staff, which gives us an edge when we handle your shoplifting case.

Call Us Now

Contact us today at 201-654-3464 to speak with a member of our litigation team about your shoplifting charges. In the meantime, check out examples of our Successful Shoplifting Verdicts & Settlements.

New Jersey Shoplifting Statute: N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11b

Shoplifting offenses are addressed in the NJ Criminal Code by N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11b. The statute lists a number of different acts that constitute shoplifting violations, including:

  • Purposefully removing an item from a store or retail establishment without first paying for the item
  • Concealing an item inside a store or retail establishment with the intention of stealing the item
  • Altering, transferring, or removing a label or price take on an item with the intention of stealing the item
  • Purposefully transferring an item from one container to another container with the intention of paying less for the item
  • Under-ringing an item at a store cash register so that someone else can pay less for the item
  • Removing a shopping cart from a store parking lot with the intention of stealing the cart

Shoplifting Penalties in Essex County, NJ

The penalties for a shoplifting conviction are typically determined by calculating the value of the stolen property:

  • More Than $75,000: Second degree felony, punishable by 5–10 years in prison and a $150,000 fine
  • $500–$75,000: Third degree felony, punishable by 3–5 years in prison and a $15,000 fine
  • $200–$500: Fourth degree felony, punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine
  • Less Than $200: Disorderly persons offense, punishable by up to 6 months in county jail and a $1,000 fine

Additionally, a New Jersey prosecutor may be allowed to aggregate the amounts in a shoplifting case if the items were taken from different stores or retail establishments during a “continuing course of conduct.” This means that you could be subject to a higher-level charge and enhanced penalties.

Presumption of Incarceration for Second Degree Shoplifting

Keep in mind that there is a crucial distinction between second degree felonies and third degree felonies in the State of New Jersey. If your offense is classified as second degree shoplifting, there will be a presumption of incarceration. This means that even if you have no prior criminal convictions, you will be subject to a minimum mandatory term of incarceration.

Call a Bloomfield Shoplifting Lawyer

The lawyers at our office are prepared to assist you with your shoplifting case. You can call us anytime at 201-654-3464, or you can email us to schedule a free consultation at our Newark office.

Client Reviews
testimonials reviews
  • "Travis Tormey is the only lawyer I seek out to handle my legal affairs. Over the last four years, I have used Mr. Tormey’s services on numerous occasions to my great benefit. He promptly returns my messages, takes the time..."

  • "Travis Tormey is a superb attorney. He is skilled and knowledgeable. He handled my case with respect, kindness and quiet assurance. I would trust him with all future legal needs. He has many contacts in the legal profession..."

  • "Mr. Tormey is a consummate professional. Our case was sensitive and complicated and unusually lengthy for a juvenile case. For 8 months Mr. Tormey faithfully worked our case and never failed to show for court once. Punctual, disciplined..."

  • "Travis Tormey is an outstanding attorney. He helped me tremendously, more so than I ever could have imagined. He handled all aspects of my case with compassion, respect, and immense competence. He is a skilled and knowledge..."

  • "I was extremely nervous and anticipating the worst situation possible for my cases. Travis was a very reliable lawyer and everyone at his firm was extremely helpful. Travis went above and beyond inside and outside of the court room for me! ..."

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