Monmouth County, New Jersey, recently suspended a corrections officer after allegations of her shoplifting while in a uniform came to light. The officer is accused of stealing $661 of items from a local home improvement store. The store has security footage of the officer not scanning items at a self-checkout.
The shoplifting charges occurred over multiple visits. The arresting police officers also found the items in the correctional officer’s home. The officer was suspended from her position with the Monmouth County Jail in Freehold Township, New Jersey, where she has been an employee for over 22 years.
Consequences of Shoplifting Charges in New Jersey
Shoplifting may not seem like a big deal at the time, but it can lead to some serious consequences. Shoplifting charges in New Jersey are based on the value of the stolen items and the following:
- Items worth less than $200: This is considered a disorderly persons offense and can lead to up to six months in jail, community service between 10-25 days, probation, a suspension of your driver’s license, and legal fines up to $1000.
- Items valued at $200-$500: This is considered a fourth-degree crime and can lead to 18 months in jail and fines up to $10,000.
- Items valued at $500-$75,000: This is a third-degree crime and can lead to five years in jail and fines up to $15,000.
- Items valued at more than $75,000: This is considered a second-degree crime and can lead to 10 years in jail and fines up to $150,000.
Shoplifting charges can also lead to automatic suspension of any public offices held. Even if you don’t work in a public position, you can expect shoplifting charges to affect your job in one way or another. You will likely have numerous court dates and if you have to spend time in jail, your work may fire you.
Depending on the outcome, you may also have a criminal record. Shoplifting charges can prevent employers from hiring you, or keeping you employed, because it brings the question of your trustworthiness into account. Most employers will use criminal charges as a reason to void an employment contract.
Your Options Following Shoplifting Charges
You made a mistake and are now dealing with shoplifting charges. What now? You may have options available. While it is not always easy to get shoplifting charges dropped, you may be able to reduce them or negotiate a lesser sentence. A lesser sentence can mean reduced, or no, jail time. It can also mean lower fines.
More importantly, if we can keep you out of jail, you may be able to maintain your job. By keeping criminal charges to a minimum, it can also help out your employment options. We usually have the best options available if it is a first-time offense and the stolen items that are valued less. However, we may still have options available, which is why it is important that you reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible. You need a good lawyer who understands New Jersey’s laws that can provide you with the representation you need.
Contact an Experienced Pemberton Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Shoplifting Charges in New Jersey
Were you arrested or charged with shoplifting charges in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Michele Finizio have successfully represented clients charged with shoplifting in Evesham Township, Mount Laurel, Willingboro, Pemberton, and throughout New Jersey. Call (609) 230-0374 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 9 E. Main St, Moorestown, NJ 08057.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
