Criminal Defense Lawyers

Gloucester Township NJ Shoplifting Attorneys

Dealing with a Shoplifting Charge in Gloucester Township, NJ? You Need a Solid Defense Attorney

Hey there! If you’re reading this, chances are you or someone you care about is facing a shoplifting charge in Gloucester Township, New Jersey. I totally get it – this is a stressful situation. But don’t panic! With the right legal defense, these types of cases can often be resolved fairly. Let me break down what you need to know about fighting shoplifting accusations in Gloucester Township.

An Overview of Shoplifting Laws in NJ

In New Jersey, shoplifting – aka retail theft – is taken pretty seriously. Under NJ statute 2C:20-11, any intentional theft of merchandise from a store is considered shoplifting. And get this – the cops don’t have to actually catch you leaving the premises or past the registers. If they have evidence you pocketed an item or swapped price tags with intent to steal, you can be charged.

Shoplifting is categorized by how much the stolen merchandise is worth:

• Under $200 – This is a disorderly persons offense, which is less serious than a misdemeanor. But it still carries penalties of up to 6 months in jail, $1000 in fines, and community service.
• $200 to $500 – A more serious disorderly persons charge. Up to 18 months in jail plus fines and community service.
• Over $500 – Now we’re talking indictable offense. Over $500 bumps shoplifting up to the level of a felony charge, punishable by years in prison and major fines.

See what I mean about them taking this stuff seriously? And here’s where it gets real tricky – those dollar amounts include the full retail value of the merchandise. So say you slip a $50 sweater into your bag – if the tag says $120, you could be looking at a felony. Crazy, right?

Common Defenses Against Shoplifting Charges

If you’ve been accused of shoplifting in Gloucester Township, the good news is there are defenses your attorney can use to get the charges lowered or even dismissed. Some common ones include:

You Didn’t Actually Steal Anything. Maybe you put an item in your pocket or bag but intended to pay for it at the register. Or the store clerk or security guard made a mistake. If your lawyer can show you didn’t mean to deprive the store of merchandise, the charges can potentially be dropped.

Lack of Criminal Intent. Prosecutors have to prove you intended to steal. If you can show you were absentminded, forgot an item was in your bag, or made an innocent mistake, you may be able to beat the charges.

Unlawful Search or Detention. Stores can’t search your personal belongings without consent. And they can only detain you if they directly observe you shoplifting. If your rights were violated, any evidence against you could get thrown out.

Mental Health Issues. Your attorney can argue you were having a psychiatric episode and unable to form criminal intent. This may lead to charges being dismissed and diversion to mental health treatment.Wrongful Identification. Sometimes loss prevention officers mistake one person for another. If your lawyer can show misidentification, the case against you falls apart.

Juvenile Status. For defendants under 18, attorneys can often negotiate diversion programs or avoided charges in exchange for community service.

The key is having an experienced shoplifting defense lawyer who knows how to argue these defenses persuasively in Gloucester Township courts. Keep reading for tips on finding the right attorney.

How a Skilled Lawyer Can Defend You Against Shoplifting Charges

As you can see, defending against shoplifting accusations requires creative legal strategies. When you’re facing criminal penalties, you want a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of NJ shoplifting laws and has experience getting charges reduced or dismissed in Gloucester Township.

Here are some things great shoplifting defense attorneys can do:

• Negotiate with the prosecutor to get charges lowered to a petty offense or avoid criminal prosecution completely
• Challenge unconstitutional searches and seizures to get damaging evidence thrown out
• Uncover sloppy police work like failure to read Miranda rights or coercing a confession
• Reconstruct the scene of the incident to show you didn’t actually steal anything
• Obtain store surveillance footage to prove your innocence
• Present evidence of mental health issues to gain sympathy from the judge and prosecutor
• Advocate for diversion programs like community service to avoid jail time
• Develop creative defenses like arguing you simply forgot an item was in your bag
• Identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and file motions to dismiss
• Negotiate plea bargains to lesser offenses to avoid felony convictions

When you’re facing shoplifting accusations in New Jersey, having this kind of legal firepower on your side makes a huge difference. Now let’s talk about finding the right lawyer…

Finding an Aggressive Shoplifting Defense Attorney in Gloucester Township

If you’re searching for a shoplifting defense lawyer in the Gloucester Township area, here are some tips:

• Find someone local. Look for attorneys located in Gloucester Township or Camden County. They’ll know the prosecutors and judges and have insight into getting good outcomes.
• Check their experience. Ask about their track record with shoplifting cases specifically. An attorney who mainly handles DUIs may not be the best fit.
• Meet or call them. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. Make sure they take the time to learn the details. Beware attorneys who try to sign you up without thoroughly reviewing your situation first.
• Ask about fees upfront. Shoplifting defense costs vary widely. Some lawyers charge flat rates while others bill hourly. Be clear about what you’ll owe so there are no surprises.
• Go with someone aggressive. You want a lawyer who will fight relentlessly to get charges dismissed or reduced – not someone who just advises you to take a plea deal.
• Read online reviews. Check sites like Google, Avvo, and Yelp to see what other clients have said. Beware lawyers with a lot of negative feedback.

Take the time to vet a few good options. The right attorney can make all the difference in avoiding harsh penalties for a shoplifting conviction in New Jersey.

What to Expect at Your First Meeting with a Shoplifting Defense Lawyer

Sitting down with a lawyer for the first time can be intimidating! But knowing what to expect ahead of time makes it less stressful. Here’s a quick rundown of what your first consultation might look like:

• You’ll share your side of the story. The lawyer will ask you to explain step-by-step what happened according to you. Be honest! The more details you give, the better your lawyer can defend you.
• They’ll review the charges and evidence. Next, the attorney will look over the formal charges, police reports, surveillance footage, etc. Their goal is to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
• You’ll discuss defense strategies. Based on the evidence and your account of events, the lawyer will explain different legal defenses. They’ll give their opinion on the best way to fight the charges.
• The lawyer will ask lots of questions. Expect queries about your background, mental health history, prior offenses, employment status, and more. It’s all relevant to building the strongest case.
• You’ll talk fees and retainer. The attorney will explain their rates and the estimated cost of representation in your case. They may request an upfront retainer fee to get started.
• The lawyer can start building your defense. Before you leave, the attorney can get the ball rolling by requesting evidence from the prosecution, contacting witnesses, etc.

Having an idea of what to expect makes that first meeting less intimidating! And you’ll leave with a good sense of the lawyer’s strategy for fighting your shoplifting charges in Gloucester Township.

The Benefits of Hiring an Attorney vs. Going at it Alone

When you’re facing criminal shoplifting charges, deciding whether to hire a lawyer or go at it alone is tough. You may be tempted to save money by representing yourself. But that often ends badly. Having an experienced attorney in your corner provides huge benefits, like:

Better Outcomes. Lawyers get charges dismissed or reduced in over 50% of shoplifting cases. Going pro se usually leads to convictions.

Avoiding Mistakes. An attorney prevents you from making rookie errors that hurt your case. They know how to navigate the system.

Guidance on What to Do. Your lawyer will know whether to plea bargain, file motions, go to trial, etc. Without legal expertise, you may make the wrong strategic choices.

Peace of Mind. Your attorney handles communicating with the courts and prosecutor so you can focus on your life. One less major stressor!

Expert Negotiation. Lawyers have working relationships with judges and prosecutors. They can negotiate plea deals or dismissals where a pro se defendant would fail.

Stronger Defenses. Attorneys identify the strongest legal defenses and argue them persuasively. Without legal knowledge, you may not even realize what defenses apply.

Reduced Penalties. Even if the charges aren’t dismissed, a lawyer can negotiate lower fines, probation instead of jail time, etc.

Cost Savings Down the Road. Although hiring a lawyer costs money upfront, it prevents huge future expenses related to fines, loss of work, and the lifelong impact of a conviction.While every case is different, in most situations facing shoplifting charges without an attorney puts you at a major disadvantage. Having experienced legal counsel levels the playing field and gives you the best shot at the best possible outcome.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Defending Against Shoplifting Charges

There are a few big mistakes I see people make all the time when trying to defend against shoplifting accusations. Avoiding these can make or break your case! Here are some of the big ones:

Panicking and Running. If store security stops you, never try make a run for it! That creates probable cause for the police to arrest you. Stay calm and cooperate.

Giving a Statement. Don’t try to explain yourself or make excuses. That can come back to haunt you. Politely decline to answer questions.

Consenting to Searches. Security can only search your bags or person without consent if they directly observe you stealing. Otherwise, say no.

Volunteering Incriminating Info. Anything you say about concealing merchandise, etc. can be used against you. Don’t offer details!

Ignoring Court Dates. If you skip town or miss court, you’ll have a warrant issued for your arrest. That causes big legal headaches.

Waiving Your Preliminary Hearing. This hearing allows your lawyer to argue for dismissal of charges. Don’t give up that opportunity!

Plea Bargaining Too Soon. Don’t rush into a plea deal without exploring options. A skilled attorney may get charges dropped entirely.

Trying to Represent Yourself. As I said earlier, going pro se is extremely high risk! Hire a lawyer to navigate the system for you.Avoiding these pitfalls is critical when fighting shoplifting charges in New Jersey. An attorney who specializes in retail theft defense will guide you in making smart choices.

How Shoplifting Charges Can Impact Your Life

I don’t want to scare you, but real talk – shoplifting convictions can really mess up your life. Here are some potential consequences I see for my clients:

• Jail Time. Shoplifting sentences can range from a few weeks for minor offenses to 10+ years for high dollar amounts. Even short jail stays seriously disrupt work, school, family life and finances.
• Fines and Court Fees. Shoplifting fines easily reach $1000+ not counting court costs. Out-of-pocket legal expenses also add up fast.
• Probation. Shoplifting sentences often come with 1-5 years of supervised probation. That means checking in with an officer, drug tests, restrictions on leaving the state, etc.
• Criminal Record. Shoplifting charges go on your permanent criminal record. That can hurt job prospects, professional licensing, military enlistment, student aid eligibility, and more.
• Loss of Custody Rights. Convictions can cause problems maintaining or getting custody of children.
• Strain on Relationships. The stress of criminal charges takes a toll on marriages, families and friendships.
• Public Shaming. Shoplifting arrests are often reported in the media, causing extreme embarrassment.
• Civil Demands. Retailers will demand you pay civil penalties of $200-$500 on top of criminal fines.
• Loss of Scholarships and Public Benefits. A record may disqualify you from scholarships, public housing, food assistance, etc.

As you can see, a shoplifting conviction has consequences that go far beyond the courtroom. But a good lawyer can help you avoid many of these outcomes.

Questions to Ask When Interviewing Shoplifting Defense Lawyers

If you’re meeting with attorneys about potential shoplifting charges in Gloucester Township, you’ll want to ask the right questions. 

Here are some good questions to ask potential shoplifting defense lawyers:

• How much experience do you have specifically with shoplifting cases in Gloucester Township? You want someone very familiar with the local courts.
• What’s your track record for getting shoplifting charges dismissed or reduced? Can you provide examples of cases you’ve won?
• Will you review surveillance footage and conduct independent investigation, or do you mostly negotiate plea deals? You want someone who will dig in.
• What’s your opinion on whether I should fight the charges or try for a plea bargain? You want their honest assessment.
• If I want to fight the charges, do you recommend a bench trial or jury trial? Why? Get their strategic opinion.
• Realistically, what kind of plea deal do you think you can negotiate under the circumstances? Don’t let them overpromise.
• How often do your shoplifting cases go to trial versus ending in plea agreements? More trials can mean more aggression.
• What kind of payment plans do you offer? What are the total estimated costs if I go to trial? Get fee details.
• Can you provide references from past shoplifting clients I can contact? Speaking to former clients gives great insights.

Asking the right questions helps you find the best attorney to fight your shoplifting case in Gloucester Township. Don’t be afraid to interview a few lawyers before deciding. This is an important decision, so take your time!