It may be an unfortunate day for you if a New Jersey criminal court rules that you are guilty of committing theft. If they do, it means they have enough reason to believe that you unlawfully took or exercised control over someone else’s property, all while having the intent to deprive them of said property. This may be a complete misunderstanding, but you must effectively explain your side of the story before they order you to pay such harsh penalties. That said, continue reading to learn what determines the severity of a theft charge and how one of the experienced New Jersey & Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyers at The Vigilante Law Firm, P.C. can help you reduce or eliminate this charge placed against you altogether.
What determines the severity of a theft charge in the state of New Jersey?
Even though New Jersey law provides a general definition of a theft crime, as described above, the actions that may be penalized range greatly. For example, you may be charged with theft if you conceal one or more articles of clothing in your handbag or backpack from a brick-and-mortar store to evade payment (i.e., shoplifting). At the same time, though, it is also a theft offense if you notice someone left their keys in their vehicle and you drove off with it without their permission (i.e., grand theft auto).
All of this to say, the severity of a theft charge is heavily influenced by the value of the stolen property. These differing charges read as follows:
- If you stole property worth less than $200: you may be charged with a disorderly persons offense.
- If you stole property worth $200 to $500: you may be charged with a fourth-degree indictable offense.
- If you stole property worth $500 to $75,000: you may be charged with a third-degree indictable offense.
- If you stole property worth $75,000 or more: you may be charged with a second-degree indictable offense.
Lastly, it is worth mentioning that extreme cases of theft, such as carjacking and armed robbery, are charged as first-degree indictable offenses.
What are the potential penalties associated with a theft charge in New Jersey?
Now that you know the possible criminal charge you are up against, based on how much you stole, you must understand its associated penalties. They read as follows:
- Penalties for a disorderly persons offense:
- Up to six months in jail.
- Up to a $1,000 fine.
- Penalties for a fourth-degree indictable offense:
- Up to 18 months in prison.
- Up to a $10,000 fine.
- Penalties for a third-degree indictable offense:
- Anywhere from three to five years in prison.
- Up to a $15,000 fine.
- Penalties for a second-degree indictable offense:
- Anywhere between five to 10 years in prison.
- Up to a $150,000 fine.
To give yourself enough time to develop a solid case, please contact one of the experienced New Jersey & Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyers from The Vigilante Law Firm, P.C. as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you.
