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.

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.