Caught Stealing At Sephora

Many shoplifting cases come from Sephora because their products are usually very small and easy to hide in a purse, stroller or pocket. If store security believes that cosmetics were hidden and taken out of the store, the customer is stopped and questioned.

Sephora has surveillance cameras and security guards that constantly monitor the sales floor. Their cameras are placed in many locations to record the shelves and counters. There are also cameras at the cash registers and exits and on the line to pay.

Sephora has relationships with mall security and the local police department who respond right away when called about someone suspected of shoplifting.

After Sephora stops an accused shoplifter, they may give a “no trespassing” order banning them from the Sephora store. Also, Sephora demands that a civil penalty be paid to cover the store’s costs of stopping and prosecuting shoplifters.

Once the case is processed by the police, it is sent to a criminal court where the penalties may include jail, fines and community service or probation.

Yes. Sephora does the investigation and then cooperates with local police to prosecute. Sephora turns over all of their evidence including: Surveillance videos, written reports, photographs, even written confessions. Often, store security asks shoplifters to write down a statement in their own handwriting about what was taken and how it was concealed.

It seems that Sephora will press charges no matter how small the value of the product taken. Even a $2 eyeliner or a 99 cent lip gloss will result in charges. It doesn’t matter if the item taken is valued at $1 or $100. Sephora will press charges.

It is very common to see shoplifting cases in Bergen County’s Paramus Municipal Court from the Sephora stores located in the Garden State Plaza Mall and the Paramus Park Mall in Paramus. Hackensack Municipal Court, in Bergen County’s City of Hackensack, has many shoplifting cases from the Sephora store at Riverside Square Mall.

A criminal complaint for shoplifting will generally charge one of the following criminal statutes: 2C:20-11(b)(1) or 2C: 20-11(b)(2). The complaint will say that, “within the jurisdiction of this court, commit the offense of shoplifting by purposely concealing upon his/her person or otherwise any merchandise.” The complaint will also describe the property such as “cosmetics, displayed, held, stored or offered for sale by Sephora with the intent to deprive Sephora of the possession, use or benefit of such merchandise without paying.”

Yes, but generally store security will stop you and take back the cosmetics right away. It is possible to be charged at a later time if there are issues with the credit card that was used. In that case, store security may go back and check the surveillance cameras to identify the customer.

Even if the police do not come to the store right away, you may receive a criminal complaint in the mail.

The penalties depend on the full retail value of the merchandise.

Property valued under $200 is a disorderly persons offense punishable by up to six months in jail, $1,000 fine, and at least 10 days of community service.

Property valued between $200 but that does not exceed $500 is a fourth degree crime punishable by up to 18 months in state prison, a $10,000 fine, and at least 10 days of community service.

Property valued between $500 but less than $75,000 is a third degree crime punishable by up to 5 years in state prison, a $15,000 fine, and at least 10 days of community service.

Property valued at $75,000 or more is a second degree crime punishable by up to 10 years in state prison, a $150,000 fine, and at least 10 days of community service.

It depends where you work and how often your employer does a criminal background check. If you have an employment manual, it is important to determine the consequences of being arrested and charged with a criminal offense.

Some jobs never find out about an arrest, other professions (usually public school teachers) have their employers notified right away.

A professional with a license, like a doctor, dentist, lawyer or nurse may receive a notice from their licensing board asking for details about the case and its status in court.

Anyone under 18 years old who is charged with an offense or crime will have their criminal case processed in Family Court. The record of the proceeding will be sealed and any adjudication of delinquency will not appear on an adult criminal record. Generally, the Family Court wants to make sure that a juvenile understands that actions have consequences and will recommend community service or an essay about lessons learned or the payment of fines or a combination of these.

Yes, if you 18 years old or older, all arrests, including shoplifting arrests, will go on your criminal record.

Yes. What happens to the charge on your record depends on how the case is resolved in court. For example, if the case goes to trial and you win, the charge will be dismissed and you may apply for an expedited expungement which clears the charge from your record. If the shoplifting charge is changed to a different offense, it may be expunged and cleared from your record after a certain period of time.

It is very important to speak to a lawyer immediately after being charged. There may be important evidence to obtain immediately like store receipts or credit card bills.

You want the best possible result in your case and an experienced criminal attorney knows how to get that.

You only have one reputation and it is important to protect it for the future. Everyone’s case is different and you need individuated attention that takes into account the facts of your case and your own personal situation