Understanding the Penalties for Theft Crimes in New Jersey

Getting Caught Stealing in Jersey? What to Expect if You’re Facing Theft Charges

So you got busted stealing something in New Jersey, and now you’re freaking out about what’s gonna happen next. First off—deep breath. This ain’t the end of the world. Lots of folks get hauled in for petty theft, shoplifting, embezzlement, and other theft crimes in Jersey. The cops and courts see this stuff all the time.

But that don’t mean you should just shrug it off. Theft is serious business, and Jersey don’t play around. Get caught stealing, and you could end up with some real penalties—fines, probation, community service, even jail time in some cases. So you gotta educate yourself on how the system works and what you might be facing.

Let’s break it down…

The Charges – What You’re Actually Accused Of

In New Jersey, theft crimes are categorized by how much the stolen goods are worth. The more valuable the stuff, the more serious the charges.

• Theft of less than $200 is just a disorderly persons offense – kinda like a traffic ticket. Max fine of $1,000 and 6 months in county jail.
• Theft of $200 to $500 bumps it up to a petty disorderly persons offense. Up to $2,000 in fines and max 1 year in county jail.
• Once you get over $500, it becomes a straight up felony charge. Fines up to $10,000 and state prison time up to 5 years.
• Over $75,000 and it’s a second degree felony. Up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $150,000.
• Steal more than $500,000? Now it’s a first degree felony with fines up to $200,000 and 10-20 years behind bars.

They get real serious real quick over a certain dollar amount. And it’s not just shoplifting – theft also includes embezzlement, forgery, bad checks, and receiving stolen property. So those white collar crimes can rack up big numbers fast.

Defenses – Fighting the Charges

Okay, so you got charged. Don’t just plead guilty yet! Talk to a criminal defense lawyer about options for beating the rap. Here’s some of the main defenses people use against theft accusations in Jersey:

• You didn’t do it! Seems obvious, but claiming total innocence can work if the evidence is weak. Make the prosecution prove their case.
• Mistake of fact – you thought you had permission to take the property or that it was yours. Hey, honest mixups happen.
• Duress – you felt threatened/coerced into committing the theft. Not a get out of jail free card, but can reduce the charges.
• Diminished mental capacity – you were drunk, mentally ill, a juvenile, etc. Could mean going to rehab instead of prison.
• Entrapment – an undercover cop pressured you into stealing something you wouldn’t have otherwise. Sneaky 5-0!

Talk to your lawyer about the specifics of your case to see if any of these defenses could get your charges reduced or dismissed. Don’t admit to anything until you explore all your options.

The Process – What Happens Next

If you do get charged with theft, here’s a quick rundown of how the process usually goes in Jersey:

• Arrest – you get cuffed and booked, spend a night in jail, then see a judge who sets bail.
• First court appearance – this is the arraignment where you enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Not guilty means fight it out in court.
• Pretrial motions – your lawyer files motions to get evidence thrown out or charges dismissed. The judge decides whether to grant them.
• Plea bargain – the prosecution may offer a deal for lesser charges if you plead guilty. Saves everyone a trial.
• Trial – if you plead not guilty, the lawyers present evidence and witnesses to a judge or jury who decides your fate.
• Sentencing – if found guilty, the judge gives you your punishment at a sentencing hearing. Fines, probation, community service, jail time.
• Appeal – if you lost at trial, you can file an appeal to fight the conviction and sentence. But no guarantees.

The whole process can take many months to play out. And your record will show an open criminal case until it’s resolved—which can complicate things like getting a job. So don’t drag it out needlessly if pleading guilty makes sense. Listen to your lawyer’s advice about the best moves.

The Penalties – What You’ll Really Get

So what’s the likely outcome here? Lots of factors impact the penalties if convicted, including:

• Your criminal record – repeat offenders get hammered, first-timers may catch a break.
• Value of items stolen – big ticket shoplifting means bigger punishment.
• Type of theft – swiping a candy bar ain’t like robbing a bank.
• Cooperation – judges go easier if you confess quickly and show remorse.
• Restitution – offering to repay the victim can reduce fines and jail time.
• Plea bargain – copping a plea usually means lighter sentencing.

For small-time shoplifting and minor theft, first offense penalties tend to be probation and community service. But the judge can still throw the book at you if they want to make an example. Higher value theft, repeat offenses, and scheming types like embezzlement or fraud can lead to years behind bars.

Bottom line – a skilled lawyer can often negotiate plea deals that minimize the damage. But you gotta be smart and avoid racking up more charges while your case is pending. Getting busted again for stealing will not help your situation, trust me.

So don’t panic, but don’t downplay it either. Theft is a big deal in Jersey. Talk to a criminal defense attorney right away if you’re facing charges. They’ll walk you through the process and fight to get penalties that fit the crime, not ruin your life. This too shall pass—as long as you take it seriously and play your cards right.

You got this! Just keep your head up and focus on putting the past behind you. And maybe stick to buying stuff instead of taking it without permission going forward, ya know? Stay up, Jersey!