New Jersey Man Charged with Shoplifting Baby Food from Bayonne Stop & Shop
A 38-year-old man has been charged with shoplifting after a worker allegedly saw him leave the store with baby food he did not pay for. According to The Jersey Journal, the shoplifting arrest occurred in a Stop & Shop store on Lefante Way in Bayonne. Officials say the man left the store with cans of baby formula in a bag. Police found a total of nearly $270 worth of baby food both in the bag and in his vehicle.
New Jersey handles shoplifting crimes differently than most states. Convicted shoplifters not only face community service, fines and possible jail time, but they also may be forced to return the monetary losses to the store. These losses may include costs incurred by the alleged victim. If it is proven in court that someone intentionally left a store without paying for an item, the defendant may have to pay for all of the victims' losses in addition to other court-ordered restitution and fines.
In New Jersey, the severity of the penalties defendants may face for shoplifting is directly related to the value of items taken and the criminal history of the defendant. Stolen items that are valued over $200 but under $500 may be considered a fourth degree offense, which could be punishable by up to 18 months in jail.
If you or a loved one has been accused of shoplifting in New Jersey, please understand that the consequences you face can be serious. The reputed Princeton theft crime defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have had a successful track record representing those who have been charged with shoplifting in New Jersey. Call us today at 609-240-0040 for a comprehensive case analysis.
