Theft / Shoplifting Attorney

Theft offenses are taken very seriously in the state of New Jersey. The penalties for a theft crime conviction in New Jersey vary, depending upon the amount of money or the value of the property involved.

Disorderly Persons Offense: The lowest level of a theft charge in New Jersey is a disorderly persons offense. You can be charged with DP theft when the property taken is valued at $200 or less. These cases are heard in the local municipal court. A Disorderly Persons theft conviction can result in a sentence of up to six months in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Fourth Degree Charge: You can be charged with fourth-degree theft when the stolen property is valued at between $200.01 and $500. If you are convicted of fourth-degree theft, you face a potential prison sentence of 18 months and a fine of up to $10,000.

Third Degree Charge: You could face third-degree theft charges it the stolen property is valued at between $500.01 and $75,000. You can also be charged with third-degree theft if the property stolen is a firearm, car, boat, airplane, domestic companion animal, or less than one kilogram of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS). The potential penalties for a third-degree theft conviction include between three and five years in NJ state prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

Second Degree Charge: You can be charged with second-degree theft if the stolen property is valued at more than $75,000. You can also be charged with second-degree theft if the property is more than one kilogram of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS), if the property is human remains, or if the property was taken by extortion. The penalties include a sentence of between five and 10 years in New Jersey state prison and a fine of as much as $150,000.

Generally speaking, a first offense shoplifting charge with items less than $200 is a disorderly person’s offense, more commonly known as a misdemeanor in other states. Shoplifting cases are heard in the local municipal court where the offense took place. Even though shoplifting may involve theft, the potential of theft, or the attempted theft of a myriad of items with varying value, most shoplifting charges come with similar consequences. A first offense of simple shoplifting usually comes with fines, the potential of 6 months in jail, and a lifetime ban from the store. Most cases will conclude with a probationary period associated with a shoplifting conviction. The higher the value, the higher the consequences.

• Shoplifting merchandise with a total combined value of $200-$500 is a crime of the 4th degree and it comes with 18 months in jail and fines up to $10,000.
• Shoplifting merchandise valued between $500 and $75,000 is a 3rd-degree charge and comes with jail time of 3-5 years and fines not exceeding $15,000.
• Shoplifting merchandise valued over $75,000 is a crime of the second degree and comes with jail time of 5-10 years and fines not exceeding $150,000.