Shoplifting offenses in New Jersey can have serious consequences, and the penalties vary depending on the severity of the offense. The Law Office of Matthew V. Portella, LLC provides legal defense for individuals facing shoplifting charges across Camden County, including areas such as Haddonfield, Cherry Hill, Camden City, Gloucester Township, Pennsauken, Haddon Heights, Collingswood, Lindenwold, Bellmawr, Berlin, Audubon, Gloucester City, Stratford, and other local municipalities. If you’re accused of shoplifting, it’s essential to understand how these offenses are graded, the potential consequences, and how an experienced attorney can defend your case. Call Today! (856) 310-9800
Experienced Camden County Shoplifting Defense Attorney
How Shoplifting Offenses Are Graded
New Jersey law classifies shoplifting offenses into degrees based on the value of the goods allegedly stolen. These degrees determine the potential penalties you could face, which may include prison time and hefty fines.
- Second-Degree Shoplifting
Second-degree shoplifting charges apply when the value of the stolen merchandise exceeds $75,000. Conviction for this offense can result in five to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $150,000. An example scenario might involve someone accused of orchestrating a high-value theft from a luxury goods store, such as stealing expensive jewelry, designer handbags, or high-end electronics. The stakes are incredibly high in second-degree cases, and it’s critical to have a knowledgeable attorney on your side. - Third-Degree Shoplifting
Third-degree shoplifting charges occur when the value of the stolen goods ranges from $500 to $75,000. The penalties include three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. This offense may involve stealing mid-range electronics, large quantities of merchandise, or committing theft as part of an organized retail crime ring. For instance, a person accused of walking out of a department store with several high-value items without paying could face third-degree charges. Defending against these charges requires examining the intent, surveillance footage, and witness testimony. - Fourth-Degree Shoplifting
Fourth-degree shoplifting involves stolen goods valued between $200 and $500. Conviction can lead to up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. A common scenario in this category would be someone accused of stealing clothing, accessories, or smaller electronic devices. While the penalties are less severe than second- or third-degree offenses, a conviction still leaves a lasting impact on your criminal record and future employment opportunities.
Common Types of Shoplifting
Shoplifting isn’t just about walking out of a store with unpaid merchandise; it can take many forms, and New Jersey law accounts for various types of theft that fall under the shoplifting umbrella. Some common types of shoplifting include:
- Concealing Merchandise: The classic image of shoplifting is someone hiding items in a bag or under clothing. This type of theft is often detected through surveillance cameras or loss prevention officers.
- Switching Price Tags: Some individuals attempt to lower the cost of expensive items by switching their price tags with those of cheaper products. Even if you pay for the item, this action can lead to shoplifting charges if discovered.
- Returning Stolen Goods: Some people steal items and later attempt to return them for store credit or cash. This form of shoplifting is considered fraud and can lead to both shoplifting and additional criminal charges.
- Using Devices to Defeat Security Measures: In more sophisticated cases, individuals may use tools to bypass security tags or alarms. This tactic often involves an element of premeditation, which can lead to higher degrees of shoplifting charges.
- Collaborative Shoplifting: Groups of individuals sometimes work together to commit shoplifting. This organized crime could involve multiple people stealing high-value goods simultaneously, overwhelming store security. Group shoplifting schemes can elevate the severity of the charges due to the involvement of more people and the potential for greater loss.
Shoplifting Penalties and Long-Term Consequences
Beyond prison time and fines, a shoplifting conviction can lead to other long-term consequences. Having a criminal record can affect your ability to secure employment, especially in industries that require background checks. Additionally, a conviction can make it difficult to obtain certain professional licenses and even affect your ability to rent an apartment. In cases where shoplifting is charged as a misdemeanor, the immediate penalties may seem manageable, but the long-term repercussions are often overlooked.
If you’re facing shoplifting charges in Camden County, it’s critical to have experienced legal representation. The Law Office of Matthew V. Portella, LLC has successfully defended individuals across the county, including in Haddonfield, Cherry Hill, Camden City, Gloucester Township, Pennsauken, Haddon Heights, Collingswood, Lindenwold, Bellmawr, Berlin, Audubon, Gloucester City, Stratford, and surrounding municipalities.
Defense Strategies for Shoplifting Charges
Matthew V. Portella’s legal team understands that each shoplifting case is unique. We carefully examine the details of the incident to build a strong defense. Some possible defense strategies include:
- Challenging the Value of Stolen Goods: In many cases, the prosecution will overestimate the value of the stolen merchandise to escalate the charges. By accurately determining the value, we may be able to reduce the degree of the charge.
- Lack of Intent: Shoplifting requires intent. If you mistakenly left the store with an item or had no intention of stealing, we will work to prove that you did not act with criminal intent.
- Mistaken Identity: In busy retail environments, it’s not uncommon for someone to be wrongly accused of shoplifting due to surveillance footage misidentifying them or errors in witness statements.
Contact Matthew Portella For Your Shoplifting Defense
If you’ve been charged with shoplifting in Camden County, don’t face the legal system alone. The Law Office of Matthew V. Portella, LLC is here to defend your rights and help you avoid severe penalties. We have extensive experience representing clients in Haddonfield, Cherry Hill, Camden City, Pennsauken, Gloucester Township, and other areas throughout the county. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
Call Today! (856) 310-9800
