Shoplifting (2C:20-11) is a serious offense in New Jersey.  Our New Jersey Shoplifting (2C:20-11) defense attorneys have a long track record of getting great results for our clients in courts across New Jersey for Shoplifting (2C:20-11) and related offenses.  Do not risk a criminal record.  If you are charged with Shoplifting (2C:20-11) or any other criminal offense, call the team of tough, smart attorneys.  With ten offices, our Shoplifting (2C:20-11) defense attorneys are easy to reach from anywhere in New Jersey.

2C:20-11   Shoplifting

 b. Shoplifting.  Shoplifting shall consist of any one or more of the following acts:

 (1) For any person purposely to take possession of, carry away, transfer or cause to be carried away or transferred, any merchandise displayed, held, stored or offered for sale by any store or other retail mercantile establishment with the intention of depriving the merchant of the possession, use or benefit of such merchandise or converting the same to the use of such person without paying to the merchant the full retail value thereof.

 (2) For any person purposely to conceal upon his person or otherwise any merchandise offered for sale by any store or other retail mercantile establishment with the intention of depriving the merchant of the processes, use or benefit of such merchandise or converting the same to the use of such person without paying to the merchant the value thereof.

 (3) For any person purposely to alter, transfer or remove any label, price tag or marking indicia of value or any other markings which aid in determining value affixed to any merchandise displayed, held, stored or offered for sale by  any store or other retail mercantile establishment and to attempt to purchase  such merchandise personally or in consort with another at less than the full  retail value with the intention of depriving the merchant of all or some part of the value thereof.

 (4) For any person purposely to transfer any merchandise displayed, held, stored or offered for sale by any store or other retail merchandise establishment from the container in or on which the same shall be displayed to any other container with intent to deprive the merchant of all or some part of the retail value thereof.

 (5) For any person purposely to under-ring with the intention of depriving the merchant of the full retail value thereof.

 (6) For any person purposely to remove a shopping cart from the premises of  a store or other retail mercantile establishment without the consent of the  merchant given at the time of such removal with the intention of permanently  depriving the merchant of the possession, use or benefit of such cart.

 c. Gradation.  (1)  Shoplifting constitutes a crime of the second degree under subsection b. of this section if the full retail value of the merchandise is $75,000.00 or more.

 (2) Shoplifting constitutes a crime of the third degree under subsection b. of this section if the full retail value of the merchandise exceeds $500.00 but is less than $75,000.00.

 (3) Shoplifting constitutes a crime of the fourth degree under subsection b. of this section if the full retail value of the merchandise is at least $200.00 but does not exceed $500.00.

 (4) Shoplifting is a disorderly persons offense under subsection b. of this section if the full retail value of the merchandise is less than $200.00.  Additionally, notwithstanding the term of imprisonment provided in N.J.S.2C:43-6 or 2C:43-8, any person convicted of a shoplifting offense shall be sentenced to perform community service as follows:  for a first offense, at least ten days of community service;  for a second offense, at least 15 days of community service;  and for a third or subsequent offense,  a maximum of 25 days of community service and any person convicted of a third or subsequent shoplifting offense shall serve a minimum term of imprisonment of not less than 90 days.

Hiring a good Shoplifting (2C:20-11) defense atttorney is an investment in your future.  A conviction for Shoplifting (2C:20-11), especially if it is felony, can turn your entire life upside down.  From prison to loss of employment, you should treat a charge of Shoplifting (2C:20-11) very seriously.  No matter what New Jersey court you are facing the charge in, my team of  tough, smart Shoplifting (2C:20-11) defense lawyers will fight for you!  Call us today.