Monmouth County Theft Lawyer

In New Jersey, “theft” can refer to any number of criminal offenses, ranging from theft of movable property, to auto theft, theft by deception, credit card theft, and shoplifting. Some theft offenses are marked by the nature of the property stolen, such as a credit card, prescription drug pad, or automobile. Other theft crimes are defined by the nature in which they are committed; for instance, by deception, extortion, or through computer activity. Still others, such as shoplifting or theft of services are transactional in nature, involving a retailer, merchandiser, or service provider to whom adequate payment is not made for the items or services in question. The majority of theft crimes are graded based on the estimated monetary value of the alleged stolen property. As such, the penalties for a given theft crime are inextricably linked to the property you are accused of stealing and how much it is worth. Regardless of the theft crime for which you have been accused, the consequences may include fines, community service, charges on your criminal record, problems with your immigration status, and even time in prison. If you have been charged with a theft crime, contact an experienced Monmouth County defense lawyer now. Building a comprehensive and compelling case in your defense is essential to securing the best possible outcome. We can help.

Defense attorney Tara Breslow has achieved countless successes representing clients charged with theft crimes in Monmouth county and Ocean counties, New Jersey. Over the last decade, she has worked tirelessly on behalf of clients charged with crimes ranging from shoplifting to credit card theft and receiving stolen property in courts from Freehold to Point Pleasant, Toms River to Long Beach Island. Tara’s commitment to her clients is evidenced in the reviews they provide after working with her. For example, one client said this:

“If it was possible to give an attorney more than a 5-star rating, I would absolutely give it to Tara. If you are ever in the unfortunate situation of having to hire a criminal defense lawyer, Tara is the absolute only option. She genuinely cares about her clients and goes absolutely above and beyond to help them, both from a legal standpoint and a personal one.”

To discuss your current situation with Tara and find answers to your pressing questions, contact her Freehold offices today for a cost-free consultation. You can also visit Tara’s profile on Avvo.com to view more of her 5-star reviews.

When you are facing a theft charge, it is critical to understand the specific crime associated with the charges, the legal elements of the offense, the grading of the charge, and the penalties to which you are exposed if convicted. The following is a break-down of the various theft crimes in New Jersey, as well as the potential consequences.

Theft is considered a disorderly persons offense when the value of the stolen property or services amounts to less than $200. These offenses are punishable by a sentence to serve up to 6 months in the county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and a charge on the defendant’s criminal record.

Theft is considered a fourth degree crime if the value of the stolen property or services is estimated at between $200 and $500. These offenses are punishable by a sentence to serve up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison, a fine of up to $10,000, and a felony charge on the defendant’s criminal record.

Theft is classified as a third degree crime if the value of the stolen property or services is estimated at between $500 and $75,000, or if any of the following criteria are applicable:

• The stolen property is an automobile, vessel, boat,airplane, firearm, horse, or domesticated animal
• The stolen property is a controlled dangerous substance weighing less than one kilogram, or valued at less than $75,000
• The stolen property is removed directly from the victim’s person
• The theft is committed in breach of an obligation by a person who is acting in a fiduciary capacity
• The theft if committed by threat not amounting to extortion
• The property is a public instrument, writing, or record; or
• The property is a New Jersey prescription blank

These offenses are punishable by a sentence to serve between 3 and 5 years in New Jersey State Prison, a fine of up to $15,000, and a felony charge on the defendant’s criminal record.

Theft crimes are elevated to second degree felonies when the value of the stolen property or goods exceeds $75,000, or any of the following circumstances exist:

• The theft is committed through extortion
• The stolen property is a controlled dangerous substance in excess of one kilogram, or
• The property is human remains. (N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C:20-2(b)(1), § 2C:20-3.)

These offenses are punishable by a sentence to serve between 5 and 10 years in New Jersey State Prison, a fine of up to $150,000, and a felony charge on the defendant’s criminal record.

NOTE: Any of the above theft crimes may also require restitution payments made to the victim, merchandiser, or other organization from whom the property was unlawfully taken.

If you have been charged with a theft crime in Monmouth or Ocean County, New Jersey, contact the Law Offices of Tara Breslow for an immediate, cost-free consultation. Ms. Breslow will take the time to understand your case, provide an honest assessment, and ensure that you are prepared to make the best decisions for your future. Her offices in Freehold can be reached at 732.858.5305.