Theft in the Township of Scotch Plains
The offense of theft comes in many forms. Just recently, the Scotch Plains Police, working with the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General, began investigating a matter after getting reports from residents about checks that were never delivered. It was discovered that a 23-year-old mail carrier was stealing mail containing personal checks and credit cards from approximately 20 residents. The mail carrier would then sell the mail to another person, who would make fraudulent purchases and withdrawals with the stolen mail. The residents absorbed about $80,000 in losses due to the thefts. The mail carrier was arrested and charged with Credit Card Theft, and other offenses. If you have been charged with shoplifting, bad checks, receiving stolen property or another form of theft in Scotch Plains New Jersey, you need the help of a qualified theft attorney. We are the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, and we have attorneys who specialize in theft offenses. Please give us a call to learn what your legal options are. The lawyers on our team can help you mount a strong defense to the charges and find ways in which to downgrade the charge or get it dismissed. Call 908-272-1700 for a free initial consultation with a lawyer.
Scotch Plains Theft Offense
The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall handle all types of Scotch Plains theft offenses including Receiving Stolen Property, Shoplifting, Auto/Motor Vehicle Theft, Credit Card Theft, Theft by Unlawful Taking, Theft of Property Lost, Mislaid, or Delivered by Mistake, Theft by Deception, Theft by Extortion, and Theft of Services.
Examples of What the Prosecution Needs to Prove. To give you an idea of the elements of theft offenses, here are two examples:
To prove Theft from the Person, N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2b(2)(d), the prosecution must show beyond a reasonable doubt that:
- The defendant knowingly took or unlawfully exercised control over movable property;
- The movable property was property of another;
- The movable property was taken from the person of another; and
- The defendant’s purpose was to deprive the other person of the movable property.
To prove Receiving Stolen Property, N.J.S.A. 2C:20-7a, the prosecution must show beyond a reasonable doubt that:
- The defendant knowingly received (or brought into this State) movable property of another;
- The property was stolen;
- The defendant either knew that the property had been stolen or believed that it had probably been stolen at the time he/she received the property (or brought the property into this State).
Penalties for Theft. N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2 sets forth the various penalties for theft offenses. If the amount involved is more than $200, than the theft is considered an indictable offense, which means that the case will be prosecuted in the Union County Superior Court in Elizabeth. Here is a breakdown of punishments for indictable theft offenses.
Second-degree theft occurs when the amount involved is $75,000 or more. Penalties could include 5 to 10 years in prison, up to a $150,000 fine, and restitution (paying back the value of what was stolen).
Third-degree theft occurs when the amount involved is between $500 and $75,000. Penalties could include 3 to 5 years in prison, up to a $15,000 fine, and restitution.
Fourth-degree theft occurs when the amount involved is between $200 and $500. Penalties could include up to 18 months in prison, up to a $10,000 fine, and restitution.
If the amount involved is less than $200, the case will likely be handled in Scotch Plains Municipal Court, and the possible penalties are up to 6 months in jail, up to $1,000 in fines, and restitution.
Scotch Plains Theft Lawyers
A charge of any type of theft could lead to serious consequences if you stole a high-value item or items. From the case described above, the mail carrier had stolen approximately $80,000, and therefore was looking at a second-degree charge with a possible 5 to 10 years in prison. Make sure you get the best attorney possible when faced with a theft of services, bad check, shoplifting, receiving stolen property or other Scotch Plains theft charge. Call the lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall to learn what we can do to help you. Our phone number is 908-272-1700 and a lawyer is available 24/7 to assist you. The initial consultation is free, and attorneys are standing by assist you.
