Garden State Plaza Shoplifting Lawyer
Arrested for Shoplifting at Garden State Plaza in Paramus, New Jersey?
If you were arrested for shoplifting at Garden State Plaza in Paramus, you are likely worried about what happens next. You may be concerned about going to court, having a criminal record, losing your job or explaining the situation to your family.
At Sutnick & Sutnick Attorneys at Law, we regularly represent clients charged with shoplifting and retail theft offenses arising from Garden State Plaza and other retail locations throughout Bergen County. We understand that many people facing these charges have never been arrested before and are unfamiliar with the criminal justice system.
A shoplifting charge does not make you a criminal. It does not define who you are. It is a legal problem that needs an experienced defense strategy.
Our Bergen County shoplifting lawyers regularly appear in Paramus Municipal Court and Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack. We know how these cases are prosecuted, the defenses that may be available and the options that may help protect your record and future.
If you have been charged with shoplifting at Garden State Plaza, the most important thing you can do is speak with an experienced Bergen County criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Shoplifting Arrests at Garden State Plaza
Garden State Plaza is one of the busiest shopping destinations in New Jersey and one of the most heavily monitored retail environments in Bergen County.
Stores throughout the mall employ sophisticated loss prevention teams, extensive surveillance systems, undercover security personnel, and electronic theft detection technology.
Many of the shoplifting cases we see originate from retailers such as:
- Macy’s
- Nordstrom
- Neiman Marcus
- Sephora
- Bath & Body Works
- Apple
- Alo Yoga
- Lululemon
- Sunglass Hut
- Louis Vuitton
- Gucci
- Zara
- Coach
- Victoria’s Secret
Loss prevention personnel frequently detain individuals based upon surveillance footage, observations of store employees, inventory discrepancies or allegations that merchandise was concealed, security tags were removed or items were not properly scanned or purchased.
While these stores take allegations seriously, an accusation is not the same as a conviction. Many cases involve factual disputes, misunderstandings, identification issues or evidentiary problems that should be carefully reviewed by an experienced attorney.
Why You Need a Attorney To Defend Your Shoplifting Charges
Shoplifting cases are often treated as “simple” offenses. In reality, they can have serious and lasting consequences.
A conviction can affect:
- Employment opportunities
- Professional licenses
- Security clearances
- Immigration status
- Educational opportunities
- Future criminal proceedings
Even a first-time offense can create a permanent criminal record if not handled properly.
Because we regularly defend shoplifting cases throughout Bergen County, we understand how prosecutors evaluate these matters and what steps can be taken to pursue the best possible outcome.
New Jersey Shoplifting Laws
Under New Jersey law, shoplifting includes more than simply leaving a store without paying.
A person may be charged with shoplifting for:
- Taking merchandise without paying
- Concealing merchandise while inside a store
- Altering, removing or switching price tags
- Under-ringing merchandise
- Transferring merchandise from one container to another
- Removing anti-theft devices
- Attempting to cause merchandise to be sold below its retail value
In many situations, a person can be charged before ever leaving the store.
Because these cases often depend heavily on surveillance footage and witness observations, it is critical to have an attorney review the evidence carefully.
Penalties for Shoplifting in New Jersey
The severity of a shoplifting charge depends primarily on the value of the merchandise involved.
Shoplifting Under $200
A disorderly persons offense punishable by:
- Up to six months in jail
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution
- Community service
Shoplifting Between $200 and $500
A fourth-degree indictable crime punishable by:
- Up to 18 months in prison
- Significant fines
- Restitution
Shoplifting Between $500 and $75,000
A third-degree indictable crime punishable by:
- Three to five years in prison
- Significant financial penalties
Shoplifting Over $75,000
A second-degree indictable crime punishable by:
- Five to ten years in prison
- Substantial fines
Where Will My Shoplifting Case Be Heard?
Many Garden State Plaza shoplifting arrests begin in Paramus.
Depending on the circumstances, your case may be handled in:
Paramus Municipal Court
Generally for disorderly persons shoplifting offenses involving merchandise valued at less than \$200.
Bergen County Superior Court – Hackensack
For indictable shoplifting offenses and more serious theft-related allegations.
Our attorneys regularly appear in both courts and understand the procedures, prosecutors and legal issues involved in these matters.
First-Time Shoplifting Charges
Many people charged with shoplifting have never been arrested before.
Depending upon the circumstances, alternatives may be available that can help avoid a criminal conviction.
These options may include:
- Pretrial Intervention (PTI)
- Conditional Dismissal
- Reduced charges
- Diversionary resolutions
The availability of these options depends on the facts of the case, the value of the merchandise and a person’s prior criminal history.
Good People Sometimes Make Mistakes
One thing we have learned after years of defending shoplifting charges throughout Bergen County is that many of our clients are hardworking, successful people who are fully capable of paying for the merchandise they are accused of taking.
In our experience, many shoplifting allegations arise during particularly difficult periods in a person’s life. Stress, anxiety, family issues, relationship problems, employment concerns and other personal challenges can affect people’s judgment in ways they never expected.
A shoplifting charge does not mean you are a bad person. It does not define your character or your future.
At Sutnick & Sutnick Attorneys at Law, we understand that people sometimes find themselves in situations they never anticipated. Our role is to guide you through the criminal process, protect your rights, and work toward the best possible outcome while you focus on moving forward with your life.
Contact a Garden State Plaza Shoplifting Lawyer Today
If you were arrested for shoplifting at Garden State Plaza, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Sephora, Bath & Body Works, Apple, Alo Yoga, Lululemon, Sunglass Hut, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Zara, Coach, Victoria’s Secret or any other retailer in Paramus or Bergen County, contact Sutnick & Sutnick Attorneys at Law today.
Our criminal defense attorneys regularly handle shoplifting charges, retail theft cases, and other theft-related offenses throughout Bergen County. We provide experienced, aggressive representation while treating every client with respect, discretion, and understanding.
E-mail us or call Sutnick & Sutnick Attorneys at Law today, 201-212-4532, to speak with an experienced Garden State Plaza shoplifting lawyer and learn how we can help protect your future.