Charged With Theft in the City of Plainfield
If you have been charged with theft in Plainfield New Jersey, the offense carries harsh penalties and collateral consequences. This is because a conviction for theft leaves you with a criminal record for stealing that will show up if a potential employer runs a background check on you. Failure to avoid a guilty finding also results in penalties that always include the possibility of incarceration. Hiring a lawyer who is experienced in defending shoplifting, burglary, bad check and other theft related charges is precisely what you need if you want to avoid negative ramifications such as those described.
Aggressively fighting theft charges with a tough, resourceful and client-focused Plainfield NJ theft offense attorney from the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall gives you a chance to avoid a conviction and the penalties and stigma that go with it. Our staff of seasoned lawyers and former prosecutors who devote their practices exclusively to defending criminal cases. Employing time tested skills and a thorough understanding of effective defense strategies, our team of attorneys have established a proven record of success backed by 100 years of collective experience defending cases in Plainfield Municipal Court and in the Criminal Division of the Union County Superior Court. Contact us today to learn what we can do for you to help you fight a robbery, identity theft, credit card theft or other theft. An attorney is available 24/7 by calling (908) 272-1700 for a free consultation.
Theft Charges in Plainfield New Jersey
Theft charges focus on taking or exercising control over property belonging to another person or entity without having the consent or permission of the owner. Your intent when engaging in the activity must be to deprive the owner of the property. There are many forms of theft that arise in Plainfield but the most common varieties are:
- Theft by deception
- Shoplifting
- Auto theft
- Credit card theft
- Theft of services
- Identity theft
- Burglary
- Robbery
- Bad check
- Receiving stolen property
Grading & Penalties for a Theft Offense in Plainfield NJ. A theft offense in Plainfield can be either an indictable offenses (i.e. second degree, third degree or fourth degree crime) or disorderly persons offenses depending upon the value of the property stolen. Grading or the severity of the offense, is predicated on the value of the property stolen under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2 except where someone is charged with an offense like burglary, robbery or identity theft. Grading and the penalties that apply to each degree of crime are as follows:
- Crime of the Second Degree. Property valued at $75,000 or more. Five to 10 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.
- Crime of the Third Degree. Property valued between $500 to less than $75,000. Up to five years in prison and fines up to $15,000.
- Crime of the Fourth Degree. Property valued at $200 but less than $500. Eighteen months in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
- Disorderly Persons Offense. Property valued at less than $200.Up to six months in jail and a fine up to $1,000.
A conviction does not necessarily mean you must be subjected to the penalties and criminal record. Our resourceful attorneys review the facts and the evidence to determine if you are eligible for a diversion program. If you are, argue on your behalf to persuade the court and the prosecutor to allow you to serve a year under probation supervision with the charges being dismissed upon successful completion of probation.
Plainfield NJ Theft Offense Attorney
Don’t wait until your back is against the wall to discuss your theft case with an attorney from the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall. Whether you are under investigation or have already been arrested and charged, a lawyer on our team can work to protect you. To find out what one of the lawyers can do to help you, call us at (908) 272-1700. Lawyers are available for a free initial consultation anytime.
