We see it all the time in the headlines – people are drawn to behaviors they wouldn’t typically engage in because of harsh economic pressures. One of the most common of these is shoplifting. While many things are subject to the five-finger discount, there’s a sad fact. In this economy, as people struggle to survive, items such as food, personal items, and other life necessities are the things most frequently stolen.
While those named in the articles are innocent until proven guilty, what happens if you are one of those people? It is important that you know the significance of the charges against you. A lawyer can help you understand the effect that they may have on your life and liberty.
Understanding How a Charge of Shoplifting Can Change Your Life
In order to understand the charges against you, you first have to know exactly what activity constitutes shoplifting. Under NJ law, it is not merely the circumstance of leaving a store without paying for the merchandise. The question of your intentions in your actions comes into play. To give you an idea of what qualifies as shoplifting here is a more detailed explanation:
- Removing merchandise being sold without any intention of paying for it.
- Covertly concealing items in your clothes or a bag with the intent of removing it from the store without payment.
- Anything you do to change the price of an item, thereby cheating the store of its full value.
- Placing an item into the container of a lower-priced item to compromise the cost.
- Under-ringing the cost of an item or acting in partnership with someone who complies with this activity.
- Removing a shopping cart from a store.
The penalties and fines associated with shoplifting are directly decided by the retail value of the items being stolen. Obviously, the higher the value, the more significant the penalty. You should also be aware that a person charged with shoplifting articles more than $75,000 faces the upgraded penalties associated with a second-degree crime. Consequently, this could result in five to ten years of incarceration, in addition to significant fines, restitution and community service.
An attorney with experience in representing those accused of shoplifting charges can help. For example, the management of some retailers may agree to negotiate an agreement against a first time offender who lifted small merchandise/ Often, this happens in cases involving children or teens. They would rather they learn the lesson of what could have happened and hope that the associated embarrassment is deterrent enough to prevent a repeat offense. However, most will likely not be as forgiving. While a shoplifting charge involving items valued at under $200 is considered a disorderly persons offense, there is still a possibility that a conviction could mean up to six months in jail.
Contact Us
If you or someone you know has been charged with a shoplifting offense, the attorneys at the Law Offices of Beninato & Matrafaljo can help. We have represented many clients accused of this offense. We believe that it is important to secure experienced legal advice to mitigate the charges against you. Contact us to see how we can assist you.
