Theft & Fraud Charges in Elizabeth New Jersey
Being charged with a theft offense in Elizabeth can be a very serious matter with lasting negative effects on your future. This is partly due to the fact that theft charges are perceived as crimes tending to reflect dishonesty and a propensity to steal when given the opportunity. A conviction for an Elizabeth theft can also result in huge fines and imprisonment.
While the degree of seriousness can vary greatly when it comes to theft related offenses, the consequences can be severe, even if you are only convicted of a minor shoplifting charge. This is why you need to be represented by an experienced Elizabeth theft defense lawyer if you have been charged with a theft or fraud offense.
Our attorneys have the ability to effectively defend any theft charge you may be facing in Elizabeth as we have over a century of combined experience, including years serving as county and municipal prosecutors. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall are committed to undertaking whatever efforts are necessary to avoid a guilty plea or finding at trial so that you reach the best possible outcome in your case.
For a free consultation with an attorney to discuss your theft charge, contact our office at (908) 272-1700 today. Our attorneys are available 24/7.
Charged With Theft Offense in Elizabeth New Jersey
The broadest definition of theft under the New Jersey Criminal Code is contained at N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3 which defines this conduct as the unlawfully taking or exercise of control over property of another person for the purpose of depriving the true owner of its benefit. There are a wide range of offshoot theft offenses that an individual can face in municipal court or at the Superior Court in Elizabeth, including:
- Bad Checks
- Burglary
- Credit Card Fraud
- Credit Card Theft
- ForgeryIdentity Theft
- Insurance Fraud
- Obtaining CDS by Fraud
- Prescription Fraud
- Receiving Stolen Property
- Robbery
- Shoplifting
- Theft by Deception
- Theft of Movable Property
- Money Laundering
The severity of the penalties for theft largely hinge on the grade of the charge involved. Grading is determined in most cases based on the value of the property stolen. The least severe theft charges are disorderly persons offenses which fall within the jurisdiction of the Elizabeth Municipal Court and are triggered when property has a value of less than $200. An individual can be sentenced to up to 6 months in jail and fined up to $1,000 following a conviction for a disorderly persons offense for theft or fraud.
Indictable crimes of the fourth degree, third degree or second degree are reserved to the Union County Superior Court in Elizabeth New Jersey. A theft of property with a value between $200 and $500 will be charged as a 4th-degree felony and punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and possible jail time up to 18 months. A theft of property with a value more than $500 but less than $75,000 will be charged as a 3rd-degree felony and punishable by a fine of up to $15,000 and possible jail time up to 5 years. Theft of property with a value of $75,000 or greater will be charged as a 2nd-degree felony, punishable by 5-10 years with a presumption of incarceration and fines of up to $150,000.
Regardless of what degree of theft you have been charged with, here a few things you should do to give yourself the best possible chance of a positive outcome for your case:
- Don’t talk to anyone about your case. This includes law enforcement. You won’t face any harsher penalties for exercising your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. But you can certainly damage your case by talking to someone about it. Talk to nobody except your attorney.
- Hire a lawyer as soon as possible. With an experienced theft defense attorney fighting on your behalf, you can improve your chances of a positive outcome for your case.
Elizabeth Theft Offense Defense Lawyer
With over 100 years of combined experience handling theft cases in Elizabeth and other locations in New Jersey, the attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have seen it all and have successfully resolved a countless number of cases ranging from shoplifting to allegations of credit card fraud. A defense attorney who has considerable experience in theft and fraud crime defense will thoroughly attack the allegations against you to pinpoint every weakness in the prosecutor’s case. You can trust in our ability with over a century in practice between the lawyers on our criminal team. To speak to a lawyer about the circumstances that led to your arrest, call (908) 272-1700. We are ready to assist you.
