Experienced Shoplifting Defense Lawyers Serving Clients Throughout Northern New Jersey & NYC
Many people are unaware of the serious penalties of shoplifting. They shoplift because of an error in judgment, youthful indiscretion or simple boredom. Some shoplift because of more serious underlying problems; others are simply wrongly accused.
Regardless of your situation, one thing is true: If you have been arrested for shoplifting, you should work with an experienced shoplifting defense lawyer — like the attorneys at Sutnick & Sutnick Attorneys at Law — who can protect your interests.
Our experienced theft defense lawyers have helped many satisfied clients, and we will help you achieve the best possible results in your shoplifting legal matter. Call anytime, day or night, for a FREE consultation.
Shoplifting Charges
In New Jersey, the penalty for shoplifting and other types of theft charges depends on the amount of money or value of items alleged to have been stolen. If the value is less than $200, the case is handled in Municipal Court. Cases for all other amounts are prosecuted by the county prosecutor in Superior Court. Penalties can include jail, probation and community service.
Our shoplifting defense lawyers aggressively defend adults and juveniles against shoplifting charges by using all legal tools and strategies available under the law. Let our law firm determine if you are eligible for a diversionary program which will eventually permit the judge to dismiss your case. Let us see if we can reduce the charges. Let us challenge the evidence and charges at trial.
Shoplifting FAQs
If you have been arrested for shoplifting contact us for a free consultation or visit our shoplifting FAQ page for answers to frequently asked shoplifting questions.
Where Will I Go to Court if I Am Arrested For Shoplifting?
It depends on the store’s location and the value of the property taken. Property valued at $200 or more will be heard in Superior Court. Property valued under $200 will go to the local municipal court. Please see the chart below to determine where your New Jersey shoplifting case will be heard:
| Location | Value Under $200 | Value $200 or more |
| Hackensack, Teaneck, Fort Lee, Fair Lawn, Garfield, Englewood, Bergenfield, Paramus, Mahwah, Ridgewood, Lodi, Cliffside Park, Lyndhurst, Palisades Park, Elmwood Park | Municipal Court | Bergen County Superior Court |
| Jersey City, Union City, Bayonne, North Bergen, Hoboken, West New York, Kearny, Secaucus, Harrison | Municipal Court | Hudson County Superior Court |
| Paterson, Clifton, Passaic, Wayne, West Milford, Hawthorne, Little Falls, Ringwood, Woodland Park, Wanaque | Municipal Court | Passaic County Superior Court |
| Newark, East Orange, Irvington, Bloomfield, West Orange, Montclair, Belleville, Orange, Livingston, Nutley, Maplewood, Millburn | Municipal Court | Essex County Superior Court |
| Morristown, Parsippany-Troy Hills Township, Mount Olive Township, Randolph, Rockaway Township, Roxbury Township, Morris Township, Montville, Jefferson Township | Municipal Court | Morris County Superior Court |
Theft
Regardless of your situation, you can call us for help. We handle a wide range of theft crimes in courts throughout northern New Jersey and the New York City metro area:
- Theft by deception
- Fraud and financial crimes
- Theft from an employer
- Robbery
- Grand theft and petty theft
The Representation That Is Right For You | Se Habla Español
Our law firm combines the work of experienced attorneys who are former prosecutors. Although we now focus exclusively on criminal defense, our past experience gives us an inside perspective on how prosecutors build their cases.
We fight for our clients, but we understand that a win means different things to different people. Sometimes it means a quick settlement that minimizes the effects of a criminal charge. Other times, it means taking your case to trial to prove your innocence. We analyze the law and facts of the case. Our lawyers take time to talk with you about the effect of a criminal charge on your life, family and job. Together, we will develop a strategy that helps you achieve the results that are best for you.
To get started, contact us by calling or by completing our online contact form to schedule a free initial consultation. To better serve your needs, we have offices in Wayne, Hackensack and the Bronx.