Monmouth County Criminal Theft Defense Attorney

Defending NJ Clients Charged with Theft

Being charged with theft in the state of New Jersey is a very serious matter. Theft covers a wide range of criminal activities, including theft of property, theft of services, theft by fraud, theft by deception and much more. Even a shoplifting charge can have serious repercussions. Theft crimes are based on the value of the property or the amount of money stolen, for the most part. A conviction of a theft charge could give you a criminal record and the potential for incarceration. That said, being convicted of theft could impact your ability to get a job, rent housing, and other opportunities. It is important to have an effective team of attorneys exploring legal defenses to avoid a theft charge or lessen the impact. Contact Tomes Law Firm, PC to discuss your case, help you make educated decisions on your legal matter, and effectively defend your future.

Consequences of a theft charge in New Jersey

Being convicted of a theft charge depends greatly on the facts of the case. A second-degree crime, a felony in other states, applies to the following circumstances:

• The stolen possession is worth more than $75,000
• The act is through extortion
• The stolen property is a controlled dangerous substance exceeding a kilogram
• The property is a person’s benefits under federal or state law regarding healthcare with a value more than $75,000
• The stolen property is human remains

A crime of the second degree comes with very serious ramifications, including jail time up to 10 years. A crime of the third degree is slightly less serious. A charge of this crime applies to the following circumstances:

• The amount or value stolen exceeds $500 but is less than $75,000
• The property stolen is a motor vehicle, firearm, vessel, boat, horse, domestic companion animal, or airplane
• The property is a controlled dangerous substance is valued less than $75,000 or undetermined but less than a kilogram.
• It was in breach of fiduciary obligation
• It was a threat not amounting extortion
• It is an item of public record or instrument of the law
• The property is a person’s benefits under federal or state law regarding healthcare with a value less than $75,000
• The property was for research
• The property was prescription blanks (physician’s pad)
• The property stolen is an access device or a defaced access device

A crime of the third degree also comes with serious penalties, including up to 5 years in prison. Theft of property between $200 and $500 will be considered a fourth-degree crime and comes with jail time up to 18 months. If the amount or value is less than $200, the charge will be a disorderly persons offense.

Contact an effective criminal defense attorney

A theft charge is serious. One can face jail time and the impact of a criminal record. Tomes Law Firm, PC has been a legal resource for New Jersey clients for many years. With the experience you deserve, our firm will explore any way to fight a conviction. If you need a law firm to assess your case, guide you through your legal options and passionately fight for you, contact Tomes Law Firm, PC for a consultation.