If you have been charged with a theft offense in Roselle Park, you could be facing a jail or prison sentence along with substantial fines and other penalties. Perhaps even worse is the permanent criminal record you will have after a conviction. Whether the theft charge is the equivalent of a misdemeanor or a felony, you will be required to respond affirmatively on job applications when asked about criminal convictions. Many jobs, particularly those in which security clearances are required, could be closed to you simply because of a theft conviction.
When you are facing criminal charges that can affect your life, you need a Roselle Park theft offense attorney from the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall. Our attorneys exclusively practice criminal defense and have over 100 years of combined experience, so they are knowledgeable and resourceful with a proven record of success. Some of them are former county and municipal prosecutors who bring that experience to bear when defending someone in municipal or superior courts throughout the state. We are available when you need us by calling (908) 272-1700 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Theft Charge in Roselle Park New Jersey
There are many varieties of theft charge an individual may be charged with in Roselle Park New Jersey. The more common types of theft encountered in Roselle Park include:
- Auto theft
- Theft by Deception
- Theft of Services
- Shoplifting
- Theft by Unlawful Taking
These and any other theft charge in Roselle Park arise out of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-1 and the sections that follow under this title. Theft, in general, is the taking or exercising control over property belonging to another party without having the consent or permission of the owner to do so. You must also engage in the activity with the intention of depriving the owner of his or her rights to the property.
You can also be charged with theft of property that you cannot carry or take away. For example, forging the signature of a property owner on a deed to land to transfer it to your name could be charged as a theft under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3(b) because you sought to deprive the rightful owner of the property.
Grading of a Theft Offense in Roselle Park
Crimes in New Jersey are classified as either disorderly persons offenses, the equivalent of misdemeanors in other states, or indictable offenses, which are felonies in other jurisdictions. A disorderly persons offense for any form of theft falls under the jurisdiction of the Roselle Park Municipal Court. A second degree, third degree or fourth degree crime involving stealing or theft must be handled at the Union County Superior Court in Elizabeth since cases of this severity are outside the authority of the municipal court in Roselle Park. Where a theft falls in terms of grouping hinges on the value of the property taken. The grading of theft is as follows:
- Crime of the second degree: Property valued at $75,000 or more
- Crime of the third degree: Property valued between $500 to less than $75,000
- Crime of the fourth degree: Property valued at $200 but less than $500
- Disorderly persons offense: property valued at less than $200
Roselle Park Theft Offense Penalties
If you are convicted of a theft offense in Roselle Park or at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth, you face the following penalties at sentencing:
- Crimes of the second degree: Five to 10 years in prison and fines up to $100,000
- Crimes of the third degree: Imprisonment for up to five years and a fine up to $15,000
- Crimes of the fourth degree: Eighteen months in prison and a fine up to $10,000
- Disorderly persons offenses: Up to six months in jail and a fine up to $1,000
Our attorneys pursue an aggressive defense in theft offense cases to minimize or avoid the harsh penalties the laws impose on you for a conviction. One method is to persuade courts and prosecutors to allow you to take part in one of the diversionary programs available in New Jersey.
For example, if you have no prior convictions, you could be placed on probation supervision for a year. At the end of the year, assuming you comply with all conditions of your supervision, including the payment of restitution, the charges could be dismissed and allow you to avoid the stigma of a criminal record.
Roselle Park Theft Attorney
A criminal defense attorney at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall has the knowledge and experience handling theft offenses that you need to achieve the best possible result for you. Call our Union Office at (908) 272-1700 to schedule a free initial consultation with a lawyer on our staff. You can also take advantage of the opportunity to speak to one of our attorneys immediately.
