Middlesex County Theft and Fraud Attorney

For individuals who have been charged with any type of theft or fraud crime, an experienced attorney is the best recourse to ensure that their rights are protected as they enter into the legal process. If you or your loved one is facing charges such a shoplifting, robbery, burglary, or prescription fraud, contact William Proetta Criminal Law to learn how we can understand your needs and protect your interests. Accomplished criminal defense attorney William Proetta and his highly equipped team regularly deliver exceptional results to clients in Edison, New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, Woodbridge, Piscataway, Carteret, and throughout Middlesex County.

Our attorneys are adept at analyzing each client’s particular situation to determine what options are available. We work with out clients to carefully outline a case strategy customized to the particular facts of their case. We will then negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges, lighter penalties and alternative arrangements. If and when litigation is necessary to obtain the best possible results, we do not hesitate to take cases to trial on behalf of the interests of our clients. We discuss each aspect of the case with our clients along the way, ensuring that they feel “in the loop” and are comfortable with the decisions that we, their legal representation, are making on their behalf. For additional information and a free consultation about your Middlesex County theft or fraud charges, call (732) 659-9600.

Theft and Fraud Charges in Middlesex County NJ

Our attorneys craft highly effective defenses for clients who have been charged with:

The types of crimes listed above are considered “crimes involving moral turpitude.” Crimes of moral turpitude are often accompanied by varying periods of incarceration in county jail or prison, steep fines, probation, and other forms of punishment. For non-U.S. citizens, deportation might be an additional consequence. Additionally, the stigma of a conviction for a crime of moral turpitude can be great, negatively altering career, educational, and other opportunities. Our criminal defense firm is dedicated to helping clients avoid these harsh penalties. We provide aggressive representation in Municipal and Superior Courts in Middlesex County and surrounding communities.

There are Different Degrees of NJ Theft Crimes Have Different Degrees and Penalties

Theft cases are not simply cut and dried. In fact, the particulars of what might happen in your theft case will often depend on the value of the property that was allegedly stolen. For example, if you shoplifted a pair of pants from the clothing store that retails for $50.00, you may or may not be incarcerated, ultimately. Since the amount is less than $200.00, you are not going to be charged with an indictable crime, the equivalent of a felony, but you will be charged with a disorderly persons offense and face a possible six months in prison and a $1,000.00 fine. The store owner may also file a civil action against you to recoup costs incurred due to the theft, including attorney’s fees.

There are other factors that can affect the degree of charges and the possible penalties for a theft charge. For example, theft of property by means of extortion is always classified as a second degree felony, regardless of the value of the property taken. The same is true of theft of more than one kilogram of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS). If the defendant is accused of stealing a large amount of narcotics or drugs, they are likely to be charged with a second degree felony and face the most severe penalties of up to 10 years in prison. When the theft involves a firearm, a motor vehicle, a boat, or a small quantity of drugs, the theft offense is classified as a third degree crime and carries a possible penalty of up to 5 years in prison.

Now let’s say you carjacked a car by holding a gun to someone’s head. Theft committed during a violent crime can lead to a long prison sentence for a first degree crime, up to 30 years and a $200,000.00 fine. Robbing a convenience store, even if the amount is nominal, can likewise lead to a first degree crime if a weapon or firearm is used to commit the crime and someone got hurt or if the robber inflicted bodily harm on someone while committing the robbery. Otherwise, robbery is a second degree crime. And burglary is a combination of illegal acts: illegally entering a property or staying on a property after hours without authorization, with the intention to commit a crime, whether that’s vandalism, kidnapping or theft. The unauthorized entry is a separate crime of trespass, but with theft, it is burglary, a third degree crime unless the burglar was armed or threatened bodily harm, which raises it to a second degree crime.

Contact New Brunswick NJ Theft and Fraud Attorneys for a Free Consultation

If you or someone you love is facing theft or fraud charges in North Brunswick, Monroe Twp., Sayreville, Metuchen, Highland Park, or elsewhere in Middlesex County, contact our law firm to find the answers you need. We offer free initial consultations. Call (732) 659-9600 or contact us online here to start a dialogue.