Piscataway Theft Lawyer

Stealing and other forms of unlawfully taking another person’s property are punishable in New Jersey as theft crimes. Theft charges can result in serious punishments, including jail time and heavy fines, depending on the value of the stolen property and other factors specific to your case.

Understand the range of penalties that could apply to your theft charge and how a Piscataway theft lawyer could raise available defenses to mitigate the chances of a conviction or create an opportunity for a plea deal by speaking to our trusted team. Reach out to one of our talented criminal defense attorneys today to discuss your case.

Different Types of Theft Charges in New Jersey

New Jersey Revised Statutes § 2C-20 is where a person can find the state’s theft-related statutes. Most charges for theft will fall under the general statute, Subsection 2C:20-3, for the unlawful taking of property that deprives the owner of its use. However, the following crimes could also apply to a person’s case, depending on the type of property and the method of taking:

• Auto theft
• Shoplifting
• Identity theft
• Theft of services
• Theft from a cargo carrier
• Theft through deception or extortion

These acts could carry punishments in addition to the standard fines and potential jail time for common theft. For example, theft of a motor vehicle could lead to suspension or revocation of a person’s driver’s license or an additional civil fine up to the value of an unrecovered stolen vehicle. A trusted Piscataway attorney could help a person facing theft charges understand and protect their rights.

Penalties for a Theft Conviction

Most penalties for theft charges vary in severity based on the following values of the stolen property:

• Less than $200: a disorderly persons offense ($1000 fine and six months in jail)
• Less than $500: a fourth-degree crime ($10,000 and 18 months in jail)
• Less than $75,000: a third-degree crime ($15,000 and three to five years imprisonment)
• More than $75,000: a second crime ($150,000 fine and five to 10 years imprisonment)

However, other factors could also affect how the prosecutor grades a theft crime, such as the defendant’s prior criminal record or other aggravating circumstances. A theft attorney in Piscataway could further elaborate on the possible penalties that come with a charge and possibly help lessen them.

Potential Defenses to Theft Charges

When facing a theft charge, it is vital to address any possible defenses that could lead to a dismissal of the case or a reduction in the severity of the charge. In a case of stolen property, this could mean showing that you did not intend to unlawfully take it. This argument might apply in situations where you believe you had a right to take the property, either through legal ownership or permission from the owner. In more complex scenarios, a theft defense could also involve claiming that another party is responsible for the unlawful taking.

Aside from challenging the allegation of theft, you could also raise a defense around other facts that potentially lessen the charges against you. For example, you might argue against the value of the stolen property. A Piscataway attorney could assist in your theft defense by identifying these types of issues in your case and presenting them to the judge and jury at trial.

Reach Out to a Piscataway Theft Attorney for Individualized Guidance

Facing criminal charges of any kind is an unnerving experience, especially if it is your first brush with the law. Get the experienced help of an attorney with over 18 years of practice to serve as your advocate for justice. Schedule a consultation to discuss a defense for your case with a Piscataway theft lawyer.