Jersey City Shoplifting Defense Lawyer

Whether it’s your first offense or a repeat allegation, the consequences of shoplifting charges in Jersey City could have lasting effects on your life. A shoplifting conviction in New Jersey can result in fines, community service, and even jail time — not to mention the long-term negative impact of a criminal record.

At William Proetta Criminal Law, we understand the seriousness of Jersey City shoplifting charges and what is at stake for you. Our experienced team of shoplifting defense lawyers stands ready to help you navigate these challenges and pursue the best possible outcome.

Contact our award-winning Jersey City criminal defense firm for a free consultation about your best legal options for addressing the shoplifting charges against you.

Facing Shoplifting Charges in Jersey City? Here’s How We Can Help

At William Proetta Criminal Law, we focus on criminal defense. Our experience, resources, and relationships within Jersey City courts allow us to build a strong legal strategy to seek the best possible outcome.

We understand how frightening it can be to face any criminal charge, including shoplifting allegations.

Our goal is to protect your rights and your future by:

• Offering a free and confidential initial consultation to hear your side of the story and assess the charges against you.
• Identifying the prosecutor and judge assigned to your case to determine the best approach.
• Reviewing the evidence to look for potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
• Using our knowledge and negotiating skills to seek dismissal or a fair plea bargain.
• Creating a strong case designed to seek an acquittal or minimum penalties.

What Constitutes Shoplifting in New Jersey?

Shoplifting in New Jersey is more than just walking out of a store with unpaid merchandise. As outlined under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11, the law includes various actions involving theft or deceitful practices.

Here are some specific examples:

• Concealing items — Hiding merchandise with the intent to leave without paying
• Switching or altering prices — Altering price tags or labels to pay less than the actual value
• Under-ringing — Intentionally scanning items at a lower price or colluding with an employee
• Removing anti-theft devices — Tampering with security tags or packaging to avoid detection
• Shoplifting by proxy — Convincing someone else to commit theft for you
• Stealing a shopping cart — Removing a shopping cart with no intention of returning it

Penalties for Shoplifting in Jersey City

Shoplifting penalties are based on the retail value of the merchandise and can range from a minor disorderly persons offense to a serious indictable crime (felony) in Jersey City. The stakes are higher if you have a prior criminal record or are not a U.S. citizen. The courts are less likely to grant leniency to individuals with a criminal history. Even a single shoplifting charge can lead to deportation or other immigration-related consequences for non-citizens.

Our Jersey City shoplifting defense lawyer can help you understand the potential penalties you could face in your specific situation.

Here is a general overview of potential shoplifting penalties under New Jersey Law:

• Merchandise under $200 — Disorderly persons offense (misdemeanor), punishable by up to 6 months in county jail and a $1,000 fine
• Merchandise between $200 and $500 — Fourth-degree crime (felony), punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine
• Merchandise between $500 and $75,000 — Third-degree crime with the potential for a 3 to 5-year prison sentence and a $15,000 fine
• Merchandise $75,000 or more — Second-degree crime, punishable by 5 to 10 years in prison and a $150,000 fine
• Additional penalties — In addition to jail time and fines, a shoplifting conviction may result in restitution, community service, and mandatory anti-shoplifting classes.

Legal Strategies for Fighting Shoplifting Charges in Jersey City

Facing shoplifting charges does not always mean a conviction. Our skilled Jersey City shoplifting lawyer is ready to explore a variety of legal defenses to fight your charges.

Depending on the specifics of your case, potential strategies could include:

• Challenging the evidence — For example, a careful examination of surveillance footage and witness statements could expose flaws in the prosecution’s case.
• Casting doubt on identity — If it wasn’t you, your lawyer can focus on proving mistaken identity, especially in crowded or chaotic situations.
• Showing lack of intent — Forgetting to pay or an honest mistake is not shoplifting. Your lawyer can show there was no intent to steal.
• Offering an alibi — Presenting proof of being elsewhere during the alleged incident strengthens your defense.
• Questioning the legality of search or arrest — If your rights were violated during the search or arrest, the case against you could be dismissed.

Do I Need a Lawyer for Shoplifting Charges in Jersey City?

Hiring our experienced New Jersey shoplifting attorney to fight for you could make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. If you try to represent yourself against a seasoned prosecutor, you will be at a disadvantage.

Our experienced Jersey City shoplifting lawyer can:

• Work to mitigate the penalties by negotiating for reduced charges or seeking alternative sentencing.
• Navigate Jersey City’s courts with ease and familiarity.
• Utilize our relationship with prosecutors to your advantage.
• Fight to minimize the penalties and long-term effects of a conviction.

How William Proetta Criminal Law Can Help You

At William Proetta Criminal Law, we’ve handled countless shoplifting cases, from minor infractions to the most serious level offenses.

You can count on our award-winning criminal legal defense team to:

• Give you a free initial consultation so you can make an informed decision moving forward.
• Create customized defense plans for assertively pursuing the best possible outcome.
• Explore reasonable alternative sentencing options or plea bargains.
• Keep you informed about your case.
• Support you through the emotional ups and downs of shoplifting charges.

We’ve earned some of the highest accolades in our industry, but the best reward comes from serving our clients to their satisfaction. William Proetta Criminal Law consistently earns five-star reviews, with one client, Hugo Govea, sharing: “If there were 6-stars, I would give that. I highly recommend.”

Call a Jersey City Shoplifting Defense Lawyer Today

Have you been charged with a shoplifting offense in Jersey City? It’s time to call an experienced criminal defense lawyer who understands the challenges and complexities of these matters. At William Proetta Criminal Law, our priority is defending your rights and doing all we can to win your case.

Contact us today for a free initial consultation with a criminal defense attorney. Your rights and your future are too important to risk.