Law enforcement officials recently charged a woman with shoplifting after she allegedly attempted to steal over $1,200 worth of merchandise in Woodbridge, New Jersey. The woman allegedly used her daughter to help her shoplift from the J.C. Penny in Woodbridge Center Mall.
This shoplifting incident involved 45-year-old Perth Amboy resident Maria Cruz Garcia De Rodriguez and her 11-year-old daughter. The mother and daughter were attempting to exit the J.C. Penny at approximately 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday when they were stopped by security.
According to Woodbridge Police, Garcia De Rodriguez was removing merchandise from the store’s racks and giving them to her daughter, who put the items in a shopping bag. She reportedly told her daughter to hide under furniture in a variety of areas in the store. The young girl subsequently came out from hiding and gave her mother the bags containing the stolen items.
The merchandise included shirts, sneakers, and blankets amounting to $1,234.15. Following her arrest, Garcia De Rodriguez was charged with shoplifting, endangering the welfare of a child, and use of a juvenile to commit a criminal offense. Due to the monetary value of the stolen property involved in this case, Garcia De Rodriguez has likely been charged with a third degree crime for shoplifting.
Under New Jersey shoplifting law, the degree of a charge for shoplifting is contingent upon the estimated value of the merchandise allegedly stolen. For example, if you are accused of stealing items with a total value of between $500 and $75,000, this is classified as a crime of the third degree. Since this range is extremely broad, charges for third-degree shoplifting are very common in New Jersey.
As a person charged with a third degree crime, it is important to note that this level of offense entails a presumption of non-incarceration. Essentially, it means you are not required to serve time in jail if you have no prior criminal record. Depending on the circumstances, you may be considered a good candidate for probation or a diversionary program such as Pretrial Intervention (PTI). PTI offers eligible candidates the opportunity to have their charges dismissed by completing a term of probation.
Charged with Shoplifting in Woodbridge, New Jersey?
At William Proetta Criminal Law, our Middlesex County criminal defense lawyers represent clients charged with shoplifting in Woodbridge, Perth Amboy, and surrounding communities. If you or a loved one is arrested for shoplifting in Middlesex County, NJ, contact us to speak with an experienced attorney who can explain your options and potential defense strategies. We are available 24/7 to assist you. Simply call (732) 659-9600 or contact us online.
To read more about this shoplifting case, visit the following: Mother used 11-year-old daughter to shoplift at mall, cops say
