Theft Offense in Cranford New Jersey
Whether you have been accused of burglary, shoplifting, a bad check, forgery or another theft related crime in Cranford, the consequences of a conviction can be very serious, particularly because these types of crimes involve dishonesty. The result is a situation where a conviction not only results in fines and the possibility of incarceration but also collateral consequences that include limiting your ability to secure employment.
If you have been accused of a Cranford theft offense, your mind is probably racing in different directions with many questions regarding the what to do. This is exactly why you need to get in contact with a competent attorney who can answer all of your immediate questions and, more importantly, effectively defend you.
The defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall can prepare you for the process that lies ahead, the penalties you are facing if convicted and the strategies needed to properly defend you. And you can count on our lawyers possessing what you need given that we have been successfully handling theft charges for over a century between us.
The best way to take advantage of our years of experience is to simply pick up the phone and give us a call. We offer a 100% free consultation with no strings attached. Call us today at 908-272-1700.
Cranford Theft Charge
New Jersey’s generally theft law is contained at N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3 and targets unauthorized taking of property for the purpose of permanently depriving it from its true owner. There are many offshoots from this charge contained in the criminal code, including:
- Bad Checks
- Burglary
- Credit Card Theft
- Forgery
- Identity Theft
- Receiving Stolen Property
- Robbery
- Shoplifting
- Theft by Deception
- Theft of Services
- Theft of Movable Property
The severity of almost all of these violations is predicated on the value of the property stolen. The only grade of theft charge heard in Cranford Municipal Court is a disorderly persons offense. Any variety of theft that is a crime of the second degree, third degree or fourth degree fall within the jurisdiction of the Union County Superior Court which is located in Elizabeth New Jersey. Where a particular theft falls within this grading is predicated on the value of the property as follows:
- Disorderly Persons Offense. It is a disorderly persons offense to commit a theft of property with a value of less than $200. The penalties upon conviction for this type of charge in Cranford Municipal Court results in a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 180 days in the county jail;
- Fourth Degree Crime. A theft of property with a value of at least $200 but less than $500 is a fourth degree crime that carries a fine of up to $10,000 and up to 18 months in state prison;
- Third Degree Crime. A third degree crime results from a theft of property with a value of at least $500 but less than $75,000.
- Second Degree Crime. Theft of property with a value of $75,000 or more is a second degree crime that results in a fine of up to $150,000 and 5-10 years in state prison.
Defending a Theft Offense in New Jersey
Regardless of how the offense is graded, if you have been charged with a theft offense in Cranford, New Jersey, the most important question you should be asking yourself is––what do I do now? In all cases, the answer to this question should be––find an experienced defense attorney!
Having an accomplished attorney represent you can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. A lawyer with this level of skill will be able to look at the specific facts of your case and determine those defenses that will provide the greatest opportunity for escaping a conviction.
You may actually be in much better position than you think. You may have valid legal defenses to the charges that you are facing which can ultimately lead to a dismissal, a not guilty verdict, or a beneficial plea agreement.
Cranford Theft Defense Lawyer
Regardless of the type and grade of theft offense you are facing in Cranford, it is in your interest to contact an experienced lawyer immediately. The best chance you have at defending the charge is to have a skilled attorney representing you from the very start. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have over a century of experience defending theft and fraud charges in Cranford and the rest of Union County. For a free consultation with one of our attorneys anytime 24/7, call 908-272-1700.
