Bergen County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Defending against NJ Theft Charges

New Jersey theft charges may range from misdemeanors to second degree felonies, but all theft charges must be taken seriously.

A conviction for theft can result in fines and jail time. Having a criminal record for theft can also affect your employment opportunities and immigration status.

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Thus, if you’ve been accused of theft, it’s important to consult a skilled criminal defense attorney who can help you understand and protect your rights. The NJ Theft attorneys at the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C. can help you determine your best options under the circumstances. For example, the attorney may arrange a plea bargain with the prosecutor, move to get your case dismissed, or defend you at trial.

Types of theft charges include:

• Auto Theft
• Burglary
• Computer/Internet Theft
• Credit Card Fraud
• Forgery
• Passing Bad Checks
• Robbery/Armed Robbery
• Shoplifting
• Theft of Services
  

The degree of the offense and the severity of the punishment depend on factors including the value of the property stolen.

Theft of property valued under $200 is punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Theft of property valued between $200 and $500 is punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Theft of property worth at least $500 but less than $75,000 is punishable by three to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine.

Theft of property valued at $75,000 or more is a second-degree crime punishable by five to ten years in prison and a $150,000 fine. The same penalties apply if property with a lower value was taken by extortion.

When a client’s arrested for theft, the defense attorney can determine whether the evidence was collected properly and whether it supports the charges. If the police violated the client’s Constitutional rights in conducting a search, the case can be thrown out.

Physical evidence like fingerprints and DNA, and the reliability of witnesses and video footage, can also be challenged. If you’ve been charged with theft in New Jersey, contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C. today.