When an individual in New Jersey is charged with theft, they are facing very serious consequences. Theft can be somewhat confusing because many people associate the charge only with stealing. However, in New Jersey, theft can include fraud, shoplifting, home invasion, extortion, robbery, and more. Consequences of theft are often determined by assessing the number of prior offenses the individual has on their record in combination with the value of the property that was stolen. If you are convicted of a theft crime, not only will you face fines and jail time, but also other consequences throughout your daily life for years to come. Here is a breakdown of the various types of theft that an individual may be charged with:
- Property theft: these are based on the value of the property stolen. Any property worth $200 or more will result in jail time and a theft charge.
- Fraud is simply the act of stealing another’s identity or property through deception. Fraud can include identity theft, insurance fraud, credit card fraud, check forgery, and more.
- Robbery is the use of force during the unlawful removal of another person’s property. This can include robbery, armed robbery, and aggravated robbery. These are often very serious crimes and may be subject to the No Early Release Act.
Clearly, all of these crimes are very serious in nature. If charged, it is of the utmost importance to retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney who can protect your future.
If you require strong and dedicated representation for any of your legal matters, contact The Law Offices of George J. Mardinly to schedule a consultation.