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Theft

February 3, 2014

New Jersey Theft Lawyer 

Seasoned New Jersey Theft Lawyer Defending the Rights of Those Accused of Theft In Monmouth County, Ocean County, Middlesex County, and Throughout NJ 

Theft is one of the most common crimes courts in New Jersey deal with. However, this does not mean that its consequences are not serious. A theft conviction can have serious penalties. The conviction can also have a long-term impact on your life. It is critical to have an experienced New Jersey theft lawyer fighting in your corner right from the start. 

Mollo Law Firm has handled thousands of criminal cases, many of which have involved theft crimes. We have experience in fighting to defend those accused of crimes in New Jersey. Our attorney will work to get the best possible outcome in your case. You can rely on Lawyer Al Mollo’s experience and in-depth knowledge of New Jersey laws to provide you with an effective strategy for a favorable outcome. 

Types of Theft Cases that A New Jersey Theft lawyer from Mollo Law Firm can Help You With 

Being charged with a theft crime can be a scary experience. You may feel a great deal of anxiety from the prospect of spending time in jail, losing your job, losing your freedom as well as losing your reputation and dignity. We at Mollo Law Firm understand just how worrisome theft charges are. We also know how complex theft cases can become. We will work to restore your peace of mind and protect your freedom and future. We have extensive experience representing clients in a wide range of theft cases including those involving: 

  • Burglary – this is one of the most serious types of theft crimes. It involves unauthorized entry into a property belonging to someone else with the intent to commit a crime. 
  • Armed robbery – this is also a serious type of theft crime. It involves the use of weapons with the intent to commit theft. It involves the use of or threat of the use of force to commit a crime. 
  • Shoplifting – this type of theft involves taking or intending to take retail merchandise from a store. 
  • Receiving property that was previously stolen – this involves receiving property that you know was stolen. 
  • Theft of services – this involves using services without permission for example utility services. 
  • Passing bad checks – this includes writing checks with the knowledge that you don’t have the funds to honor the amount stated in the check. 
  • Credit card fraud/ theft – this includes applying for a credit card using someone else’s information or using false information, selling stolen credit cards as well as using another person’s credit card without their permission. 

You can rely on the experience and skills of our attorney to help you get the best outcome from your case. 

Theft Charges and Penalties under New Jersey Law 

Theft offenses in New Jersey are classified according to the value of the property that was involved in the offense. The type of property involved as well as the manner in which it was acquired also plays a role in how the offense is classified. 

  • Disorderly persons offenses 

These are offenses that involve property or services worth less than $200. The penalties for these offenses involve fines of up to $1000 and a jail term of up to six months. 

  • Fourth-degree crimes 

These include thefts involving property worth between $200 and $500. These crimes carry penalties including fines of up to $10,000 and up to 18 months of incarceration. 

  • Third-degree crimes 

These are crimes that involve property or services that are valued between $500 and $75,000. They also involve the theft of firearms, vehicles, domestic animals, controlled substances, an access device such as a credit card or a public instrument. You will also be charged with a third-degree crime if you take property from the person of the victim, use fraud to steal health care benefits, use threat to take property or take property while in breach of a fiduciary obligation. These crimes carry penalties of fines up to $15,000 and between 3 and 5 years of imprisonment. 

  • Second-degree theft 

These include the most serious crimes. Property stolen is worth more than $75,000. The crime may also involve the theft of more than one kilogram of a controlled dangerous substance or of human remains. Crimes that involve taking property through extortion are also in this category. These crimes carry penalties of up to $150,000 and between 5 and 10 years of imprisonment. 

Schedule Consultation with a Seasoned New Jersey Theft Lawyer and Get the Best Representation for Your Case 

New Jersey Theft Lawyer 

Have you or someone you love been charged with a theft crime? A theft conviction can result in serious and far-reaching consequences. It is critical that you have a seasoned New Jersey theft lawyer defending you throughout your case. 

Contact Mollo Law Firm and schedule an appointment to speak with Lawyer Al Mollo. Our attorney will review your case and take immediate action to protect your rights. Lawyer Al Mollo has years of experience in defending the rights of those accused of criminal acts. You can rely on his experience and extensive knowledge of New Jersey law to protect your rights and ensure the best outcome for your case. 

Get in touch with us now and schedule your appointment. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Theft in New Jersey 

Is theft in New Jersey a misdemeanor or a felony? 

Theft is classified based on the seriousness of the crime. In New Jersey, crimes are not classified as felonies or misdemeanors. They are classified as indictable offenses or disorderly persons. A theft charge may fall under either of these classifications based on the severity of the charge. 

How can a theft lawyer fight theft charges? 

There are several possible defenses against theft charges. These include proving that the defendant: 

-Was not aware that the property they accessed was someone else’s property 
-Had no intention of stealing 
-Thought that they were the rightful owner of the property 
-Had planned to return the property 
-Planned on paying the owner 
-Was misidentified by eyewitnesses.
 
An experienced attorney will work to build a strong defense on your behalf. They will poke holes in the prosecution’s case. They will work to get your charges dropped or reduced.