Case Study

Background

Rosenblum Law represented a client facing two third-degree indictable charges in Hudson County, New Jersey. The charges stemmed from an incident involving the alleged theft of goods from a workplace. The client, an employee at a bakery, was accused of improperly handling and allegedly stealing merchandise, specifically bread, worth over $2,000. The charges included burglary and theft, both serious offenses that carried potential penalties of several years in prison.

Challenges

The client was initially charged with third-degree felonies, which posed significant legal risks, including:

1. Potential Incarceration: The charges carried a potential sentence of three to five years in prison per count, with substantial fines.
2. Criminal Record: A conviction would have resulted in a permanent criminal record, severely impacting the client’s future employment prospects and personal life.
3. Complexity of the Case: The allegations involved detailed circumstances, including the client’s actions and the specific handling of the merchandise, which needed careful examination and defense.

Legal Strategy

1. Comprehensive Case Analysis:
   • We meticulously reviewed all available evidence, including surveillance footage and witness statements. Our team focused on disproving the intent to commit theft and establishing that any actions taken by the client were not criminal in nature.
2. Negotiation with the Prosecution:
   • We engaged in negotiations with the prosecutor’s office to discuss the charges and explore the possibility of a plea deal. Our approach emphasized the lack of intent to permanently deprive the employer of the goods and highlighted the client’s long history with the company without prior incidents.
3. Plea Agreement:
   • We successfully negotiated a reduction of the charges from third-degree felonies to a lesser charge of theft by deception. As part of the plea deal, the client agreed to a one-year probation period, avoiding incarceration and significantly reducing the potential fines and long-term consequences.

Outcome

The outcome of the case was highly favorable for our client. The initial serious charges were reduced to a non-custodial sentence, with the client receiving one year of probation. This resolution allowed the client to avoid prison time and maintain a clean record free from felony convictions. The probation period provided an opportunity for the client to demonstrate good behavior and complete the legal process without further complications.

Conclusion

This case exemplifies Rosenblum Law’s commitment to securing the best possible outcomes for our clients, even in challenging situations involving serious charges. Our expertise in criminal defense and our strategic approach to negotiation and litigation enabled us to achieve a resolution that minimized the impact on the client’s life. We continue to offer dedicated and comprehensive legal services to those facing criminal charges, ensuring their rights and interests are protected.