New Jersey Lawyer Helping Clients Beat Theft Charges

What Are the Theft Laws in New Jersey?

Theft is stealing. This may sound simple, but the laws regarding theft in New Jersey are very complex. There are a number of different types of theft in this state, including:

• Theft by unlawful taking: the act of stealing property from its rightful owner
• Theft by deception: the act of using deceptive tactics to gain control of someone else’s property
• Theft by extortion: the act of using extortion to gain control of someone else’s property
• Theft of services: the act of accepting services without paying for them
• Theft of property lost, mislaid or delivered by mistake: the act of taking ownership of someone else’s property that mistakenly came under your control
• Receiving stolen property: the act of receiving property that you know has been stolen from its rightful owner

These are some of the many different types of theft crimes in New Jersey. The type of theft charge you will face will depend on the nature of the offense.

Will You Face Misdemeanor or Felony Charges For Theft?

Theft can be charged as either a disorderly persons offense or indictable crime, depending mainly on the value of the stolen property.

However, some theft crimes are not classified by the value of the stolen property, but rather the type of property that was stolen. For example, the theft of a firearm is always a third-degree crime regardless of the value of the firearm. Another example is the theft of controlled substances. The theft of more than one kilogram of a controlled substance is considered a second-degree crime regardless of the value of the stolen controlled substances.

The theft laws in New Jersey are complicated, which is why you should seek legal representation from a criminal defense attorney.

What Are the Penalties For A Theft Conviction in New Jersey?

Every theft crime carries serious penalties. The penalties you will face for a theft conviction will depend on the classification of the theft crime.

In addition to these penalties, the court can also order theft offenders to pay substantial fines and restitution to their victims. A theft conviction will remain on your record long after the case has been closed, which could affect your employment, education, and other opportunities in your life.

How A Criminal Defense Attorney Can Fight Theft Charges

Beating a theft charge is possible with the right criminal defense attorney by your side. At The Hernandez Law Firm, we help clients fight their theft charges by proving:

• The defendant was not aware that the property belonged to someone else.
• The defendant thought he was the rightful owner of the property.
• The defendant did not intend on stealing the property.
• The defendant planned on returning the property to its rightful owner.
• The defendant planned on paying the rightful owner for the property, which was up for sale at the time.
• Eyewitnesses have misidentified the defendant.

These are some of the many ways that an attorney can defend you against theft charges. Every theft case is unique, so our dui attorneys will need to learn more about the details of your case before determining the best strategy to use. Tell us more about your case during a free consultation so we can start working tirelessly towards a favorable resolution.

Schedule A No-Cost Consultation With Our New Jersey Theft Attorneys Today

Have you been charged with a theft crime in New Jersey? If so, speak to the experienced theft attorneys at The Hernandez Law Firm at once. Our criminal defense attorneys have been committed to defending the rights of the accused for decades. We are determined to help our clients fight their criminal charges and secure their freedom. To learn more about your legal options, schedule a free consultation by calling 732-286-2700 or filling out the form on our website today.