Theft Offense Attorneys in Summit New Jersey
Most of the crime in Summit New Jersey is non-violent in nature such as a theft offense. This type of charge can involve a wide variety of violations including theft of services, theft of movable property, burglary, writing a bad check and shoplifting. If you were arrested or otherwise charged with a theft related offense in the City of Summit, hiring a lawyer with the skills to effectively defend you is very important. Here at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, the attorneys include former prosecutors and a staff of litigators with over 100 years of collective experience. An attorney with vast knowledge and skill in defending just about any variety of theft charge is available to assist you around the clock at 908-272-1700. Contact us for a no obligation review of your theft case and our recommendation as to the best plan for helping to avoid a guilty finding.
Summit Theft Charges
The New Jersey Criminal Code contains a long list of theft charges that can potentially arise in Summit. The common thread of each offense is some level of stealing, that is to say, conduct intended to unlawfully take the money or property of another person. A theft crime can have a devastating impact to an individual because it not only results in a criminal record and penalties but also tends to portray the accused as dishonest. Employers and licensing boards view these occurrences very unfavorably so it is crucial that you seek representation from a skill defense attorney if you were arrested in Summit for:
- Theft of Movable Property
- Receiving Stolen Property
- Theft of Services
- Theft by Deception
- Shoplifting
- Burglary
- Robbery
- Credit Card Theft
- Identity Theft
- Bad Checks
Jurisdiction Over Your Summit Theft Charge. Jurisdiction to decide a theft charge is predicated on the grade of offense. A second degree, third degree or fourth degree crime for theft falls under the authority of the Union County Superior Court. Burglary, robbery, identify theft and credit card theft only arise in this context and must therefore be directed to the county courthouse in Elizabeth for handling in all respects. Conversely, a disorderly persons offense for theft is heard in Summit Municipal Court. This pedigree of charge results where the property stolen has a value of less than $200.
Penalties for Theft. A second degree crime results in a fine of up to $150,000 and 5-10 years in prison. The maximum fine is $15,000 and prison sentence is up to 5 years for a third degree crime. Fourth degree theft results in a fine of up to $10,000 and up to 18 months of incarceration. A disorderly persons offense for theft carries a fine that can reach $1,000 and up to 6 months in the county jail.
Diversion of a Theft Case. An indictable offense for theft (i.e. second, third or fourth degree) may be diverted through the Pretrial Intervention Program so that a defendant avoids a record and penalties for the related charge. A similar form of relief, Conditional Dismissal, is available where the violation is a disorderly persons offense in Summit Municipal Court.
Summit NJ Theft Offense Defense Attorney
A Summit theft offense can obviously come in many forms and a defense attorney at our firm is capable of effectively defending you irrespective. Our team of seasoned lawyers include county and municipal prosecutors who have handled countless bad check, receiving stolen property, burglary and other theft cases. You can count on one of our attorneys to invest the time and skilled that is required in order to reach the best result in your matter. To speak to a lawyer immediately about your offense, call 908-272-1700.
