• >
  • Videos
  • >
  • Shoplifting in New Jersey
Criminal Defense, New Jersey
Shoplifting in New Jersey
Uploaded on: Jun 13, 2022
|
Duration: 2.5 Min

Video Description

Shoplifting is a very common offense. But while it’s usually a minor crime, a conviction still comes with the possibility of fines and jail time, not to mention a criminal record. That’s why if you’re charged with shoplifting, you should find an attorney to represent you.

What is shoplifting?

New Jersey law considers several different activities shoplifting. Purposely taking merchandise without paying for it, hiding merchandise without paying for it, swapping price tags, moving unpaid merchandise into a container, and under-ringing merchandise at a self checkout are all included in the definition of shoplifting.

The penalty for shoplifting depends on the value of the merchandise. Under $200, it’s a disorderly persons offense with a maximum of a $1000 fine and 6 months in jail. Over $200, it’s a felony that can lead to $10,000 in fines and 18 months in prison. Penalties get even steeper if the merchandise was worth over $500. In addition to the fines and possible incarceration, anyone convicted of shoplifting will have a criminal record. A record makes it harder for you to find housing, jobs, and credit, which is why it’s important to hire a lawyer to fight the charge even if it’s minor.

How do I beat shoplifting charges?

Because most stores have security cameras, it’s usually hard to beat shoplifting charges outright. Depending on the circumstances, we might be able to prove it was an accident or that your case was mishandled by the police or prosecutor. But most of the time, your best option is to negotiate the charge down or enroll in a diversionary program. These negotiations can be tough and there’s limited space in diversionary programs, so you’ll do best if you have an experienced attorney to represent you.

What should I do if I’ve been charged with shoplifting?

If you’ve been charged with shoplifting, you’re at risk of a permanent criminal record even if it was a minor offense. Contact Rosenblum Law for a free consultation. You can find our contact info on the screen or further down on the page.

Why Choose Rosenblum Law?

A+ Rated by The Better Business Bureau
The NACDA Voted us “Top 10” in criminal defense
100+ Years of combined legal experience
Get a Free Consultation Today

Other Related videos

Criminal Defense
2.5 Min
Simple Assault in New Jersey

Sometimes things get out of hand. If you’ve been in a fight or any heated situation where things got physical, you might get charged with Simple Assault. Although Simple Assault is one of the least serious violent crimes in New Jersey, a conviction can still have real consequences for you. If you’ve been charged with Simple Assault, you should hire a lawyer to defend you. At Rosenblum Law, we have a lot of experience beating Simple Assault charges, and we’ll do everything we can to help you.

What is Simple Assault?

Simple Assault can come up whenever someone knowingly or recklessly physically hurts someone else or makes someone fear imminent injury. Courts interpret injury broadly; even minor pain can count as an injury. As you might imagine, a lot of things fit the definition of Simple Assault.

Penalties

If you’re convicted of Simple Assault, you can be sentenced to up to six months in jail or up to a $1,000 fine. In addition, regardless of your sentence, you’ll have a criminal conviction on your record, which can make it more difficult to find housing or a job. Although it’s a disorderly persons offense, not a felony, you should take it seriously. Don’t panic, though; a good lawyer can usually get the charge dismissed or reduced to something that won’t show up on your record.

We can also help you enroll in a diversionary program that will get the charges dismissed in exchange for completing a program. The requirements for who can apply to these programs can be complicated, so it’s best to have a lawyer help you.

How to Beat a Simple Assault Case

The prosecutor has to prove to a judge or jury that you’re guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. We can often poke holes in the prosecutor’s case and make sure there’s a reasonable doubt. Prosecutors know this, so they’re usually willing to negotiate a charge down if you have a lawyer.

What should I do if I’ve been charged with Simple Assault?

If you or a loved one has been charged with Simple Assault, contact Rosenblum Law for a free consultation about your case. You can find our contact information on the screen or at the bottom of the page.

 

Learn More
Criminal Defense, New Jersey
2.5 Min
Resisting Arrest in New Jersey

Being arrested is a frightening experience, so it’s not surprising that some people panic when it happens to them. However, resisting arrest is considered a crime in New Jersey, and you might find yourself charged with it if you run away from police or fail to cooperate. If that happens, you need a lawyer to represent you.

What is Resisting Arrest?

New Jersey law defines resisting arrest as purposely attempting to prevent a police officer from making an arrest. In practice, this can mean many things. It could be something like fleeing the scene of an arrest, but even something as simple as refusing to put your hands behind your back to be cuffed can be considered resisting arrest. Even if you’re innocent of the crime you were arrested for, you can still be charged with resisting arrest.

The penalty for resisting arrest depends on what form the resistance took. A simple failure to cooperate is a disorderly persons offense that can lead to 6 months in prison. Running away is a fourth degree crime that can lead to 18 months, and using force on the officer is a third degree crime that can lead to 5 years in prison. Regardless of the method, a conviction for resisting arrest will leave you with a criminal record that will make it harder for you to find a job, an apartment, or a loan.

How do I beat Resisting Arrest charges?

The prosecutor has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you intended to resist arrest. A good lawyer might poke holes in this case by showing that you were just scared and didn’t mean to resist. Misconduct by the officer is also a defense, but being innocent of the crime that you were being arrested for isn’t. This can be a fine line, and you’re much better off if you have a lawyer to help you navigate it.

We can also negotiate the charges down to a lesser offense or help you enroll in a diversionary program. If you complete a diversionary program, the charges against you will be dropped. However, getting into one can be difficult, and your chances are better if you have a lawyer to help you.

What should I do if I’m charged with resisting arrest?

If you’ve been charged with resisting arrest, find a lawyer right away. Rosenblum Law is experienced in dealing with charges of resisting arrest. Schedule a free consultation now. Our contact information is on the screen and at the bottom of the page.

Learn More
See All Videos