Edison Shoplifting Attorneys

New Jersey has some of the toughest shoplifting laws in the country (NJSA 2C: 20-11). If you are arrested and charged with shoplifting in Edison, you can expect that the store and local police will vigorously pursue prosecution. If convicted, the criminal charges can result in a fine, time spent in jail and a criminal record. Edison’s Menlo Park Mall, and other national chain stores in Edison such as TJ Maxx, Target and Walmart, draw a significant number of shoppers to the town – and with them, shoplifters. If you are arrested for shoplifting in Edison, you need to immediately contact an experienced Edison shoplifting lawyer, such as Todd Palumbo at Lubiner, Schmidt & Palumbo.

The penalties for shoplifting are determined by the value of the property allegedly stolen. If the stolen property is valued under $200, the crime is treated as a disorderly persons offense. However, conviction on this charge can still mean up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

If the property shoplifted is valued over $200, the crime is treated as a felony. For property between $200 and $500, shoplifting is a 4th degree offense with jail time up to 18 months and a fine up to $10,000. Between $500 and $75,000, it is a 3rd degree offense with jail time up to five years and a $15,000 fine. Above $75,000, shoplifting is treated as a 2nd degree offense with jail time up to 10 years and a fine up to $150,000.

New Jersey recognizes six different offenses that can constitute the crime of shoplifting: taking merchandise from a store, concealing merchandise while in the store, altering/transferring price tags, placing merchandise in another container, under ringing sales and removing a cart from the store.

Lastly, under the New Jersey shoplifting statutes, the first conviction for shoplifting will also include a term of community service for 10 days; second conviction, 15 days; and 25 days for a third conviction.

But just because a person has been charged with shoplifting in Edison does not mean that there is no recourse for that person. This is when the person charged with shoplifting needs an experienced and successful Edison shoplifting attorney, such as Todd Palumbo. Remember, the charge of shoplifting could be the result of a mistake or misunderstanding on the part of a store employee. The apparent shoplifting of an item could be a mistake or a momentary lapse of judgment on the part of the customer. In either scenario, as often in life, the circumstances surrounding an arrest for shoplifting may be unclear or contain conflicting versions of the event. An experienced Edison shoplifting lawyer will be familiar with the store in question, the existence (or not) of a videotaping system, what police reports or other records the accused is entitled to receive, etc., with a view towards presenting a credible defense.

Todd Palumbo has appeared in criminal matters in municipal and state courts throughout New Jersey for years. He has argued cases before judges and with prosecutors across the state. He will be ready to contest the charges against his client and aggressively present a defense to the shoplifting charges. Alternatively, in appropriate cases he will negotiate an acceptable plea deal from a position of strength. He will use his vast knowledge of store policies, police procedures and legal precedent for the benefit of his client.

If you or a family member has been arrested for shoplifting in Edison, you need to immediately reach out to an Edison shoplifting lawyer to make sure your rights are protected. Contact Todd Palumbo at Lubiner, Schmidt & Palumbo to begin the process of securing your rights and resolving a potentially life altering situation.