Defense in New Jersey Shoplifting Cases
An individual who is facing shoplifting charges in New Jersey may feel embarrassed and worried about the adverse impact a criminal charge may have on his or her future. Although they may not seem serious, it is important to take all shoplifting charges seriously and to fight back with a skilled criminal defense lawyer.
There are many acts under New Jersey Statute 2C:20-11, which could lead to shoplifting charges. It is illegal to deliberately take possession of an item without paying the merchant. The act of concealing an item, removing an item's price tag, changing a product's container, or entering a store with the intention of committing shoplifting – can all lead to New Jersey shoplifting charges. The severity of the charges stemming from a shoplifting arrest depends on the value of the stolen items and the criminal history of the defendant.
To obtain a conviction in a shoplifting case, the prosecutor must prove that the defendant knowingly and purposely committed the crime. For example, if a person inadvertently walked out with an item, then he or she cannot be charged with shoplifting. A knowledgeable attorney can work to have the charges and penalties reduced or thrown out. In many cases, simply repaying the value of the item can result in the charges being significantly reduced or dismissed.
The Princeton shoplifting defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein aggressively defend all criminal charges on behalf of our clients. Bringing a skilled criminal defense lawyer early on in the process could greatly increase your chances of having the penalties reduced. Call our offices at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at absolutely no cost.
