Theft Attorney in Princeton, NJ Defending Against Theft and Property Crime Charges in Mercer County, Middlesex County, Somerset County, and Throughout Central Jersey
A simple shopping trip can sometimes turn into an unfortunate misunderstanding. Before you know it, you’re facing shoplifting charges.
In New Jersey, shoplifting is a serious offense, and a conviction can lead to:
- A criminal record
- Costly fines
- Limited employment opportunities
Our New Jersey shoplifting defense lawyer has successfully helped clients challenge evidence, reduce charges, and even get cases dismissed. Contact us to discuss your shoplifting case.
What Qualifies as Shoplifting in New Jersey?
New Jersey has a broad definition of shoplifting, covering several activities:
- Taking an item without paying: Intentionally removing items from a store without payment is shoplifting.
- Concealing an item: Hiding merchandise, such as slipping an item into a bag, counts as shoplifting—even if you haven’t left the store.
- Swapping price tags: Changing an item’s price tag to pay a lower price is classified as shoplifting.
- Moving unpaid merchandise into a container: Placing items into another container (like a purse or box) without paying for them is shoplifting.
- Under-ringing at self-checkout: Intentionally scanning items for less than their value or failing to scan them altogether is also shoplifting.
If you’re facing shoplifting charges, discuss your case with us. Our New Jersey shoplifting defense lawyer can fight to get your charges reduced or even dismissed.
Penalties for Shoplifting in New Jersey
The penalties for shoplifting vary depending on the merchandise's value. However, even facing charges over alleged shoplifting of a small amount of merchandise can result in serious consequences. Shoplifting offenses and penalties include:
- Merchandise under $200: Classified as a disorderly persons offense, with penalties including a $1,000 fine and up to 6 months in prison.
- Merchandise between $200 and $500: Considered a fourth-degree offense, punishable by up to a $10,000 fine and up to 18 months in prison.
- Merchandise between $500 and $75,000: A third-degree felony offense, carrying up to a $15,000 fine and up to 5 years in prison.
- Merchandise over $75,000: A second-degree felony offense, with penalties of up to a $150,000 fine and 5 to 10 years in prison.
Beyond fines and prison time, a shoplifting conviction can leave a permanent criminal record, which can affect:
- Future job opportunities
- Housing options
- Access to loans
Contact us today to discuss your defense strategy with our theft attorney in Princeton, NJ.
How Our New Jersey Shoplifting Defense Lawyer Can Help You Fight Shoplifting Charges
Every shoplifting case is unique, and your defense strategy will depend on the specifics of your situation. Here are some common defense strategies we have successfully used for our past clients:
- Accident or mistake: Sometimes, forgetting to scan or pay for an item during a hectic checkout can happen. The state must prove your criminal intent beyond a reasonable doubt, which can be challenging.
- Item already paid for: We have handled cases where clients were accused of shoplifting despite having receipts that prove they purchased the item.
- Abandoning merchandise: If a store owner discards an item and someone else takes it, this does not constitute shoplifting.
In some cases, outright dismissal of charges isn’t possible due to video surveillance or strong evidence. In these situations, our theft attorney in Princeton, NJ, can negotiate on your behalf to reduce the charges.
Contact us today—our New Jersey shoplifting defense lawyer can secure a favorable outcome for your case.
Why Choose Mark H. Jaffe Attorney at Law to Handle Your Shoplifting Case
Experience matters when defending against shoplifting charges. Having handled more than 14,000 cases, Mark H. Jaffe is familiar with effective criminal defense strategies. His experience includes:
- Serving as a special prosecutor in Newark
- Representing Nordstrom's as a prosecutor for retail-related offenses
- Working as a public defender in Middlesex County
His knowledge of both the defense and prosecution sides gives him a unique advantage.
Listen to New Jersey residents what they have to say about us:
“Mark really helped me be successful in court. He is a great lawyer and an amazing human being who really cares about me! He proved to me that he is dedicated and knowledgeable about the law and the obligations of the prosecutor, as well as personally dealing with helping me prepare a strong defense. Mark in my case went above and beyond the call of duty in that we spoke numerous times and he met with my parents and me (they like him too). Whenever I had a question for Mark, he picked up and carefully answered my question. He is very compassionate and explained everything since I am a college student at Rutgers and all of this was very new to me. The bottom line is Mark did an EXCELLENT job of handling my case. He always kept me informed and personally spoke to the police to gain more information I needed to know, so I am very happy with Mark as my lawyer now and forever! I feel like I am really a part of his family since he got along very well with my mom and dad, who both admire and respect his obvious dedication to helping us out. I would recommend Mark to all of my friends and family. Mark H. Jaffe, Esq. is fantastic at his job. I appreciate him, as will anyone who gets to know him. Thank you, Mark!” - Kendell
If you are facing shoplifting charges, discuss it with our theft attorney in Princeton, NJ. We can support you through every step of the legal process.
Contact a New Jersey Shoplifting Defense Lawyer at Mark H. Jaffe Attorney at Law Today for an Initial Case Review
Even a minor shoplifting charge is a criminal offense that leaves a lasting mark on your record, affecting everything from employment to housing. We can help you navigate these charges and work towards the best possible outcome.
For help from a shoplifting defense lawyer in New Jersey, contact Mark H. Jaffe Attorney at Law online or call 866-930-1914 today.
