Arrested For Shoplifting at The Fashion Center: What You Need to Know
Shoplifting charges in Bergen County, especially at major retail hubs like The Fashion Center, are more common than many people realize. Stores such as Amazon Fresh, Best Buy and TJ Maxx invest heavily in loss prevention and surveillance, and even a minor incident can quickly turn into a serious criminal charge.
If you or a loved one has been accused of shoplifting in Bergen County, understanding your rights and the potential consequences is critical.
Shoplifting at The Fashion Center: Why These Cases Are Aggressively Prosecuted
Retailers at The Fashion Center, including Amazon Fresh, Best Buy and TJ Maxx, work closely with local law enforcement and asset protection teams. These stores utilize:
- Advanced surveillance systems
- Undercover loss prevention officers
- Electronic anti-theft devices
Because of these measures, even suspected shoplifting, such as concealing merchandise or switching price tags, can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Under New Jersey law, shoplifting is broadly defined and includes actions like:
- Taking merchandise without paying
- Concealing items inside a store
- Altering or removing price tags
- Attempting to bypass security devices
Penalties for Shoplifting in Bergen County
In New Jersey, shoplifting penalties depend on the value of the merchandise involved.
- Under \$200 – Disorderly persons offense (up to 6 months in jail)
- \$200 – \$500 – Fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months in prison)
- \$500 – \$75,000 – Third-degree crime (3–5 years in prison)
- Over \$75,000 – Second-degree crime (5–10 years in prison)
Even a seemingly minor incident at Amazon Fresh, Best Buy and TJ Maxx can escalate quickly depending on the value of the items or if multiple incidents are alleged. Additionally, courts may impose:
- Fines and restitution
- Mandatory community service
- A permanent criminal record
Where Your Case Will Be Heard in Bergen County
The court handling your case depends on the severity of the charge:
- Paramus Municipal Court – For lower-level offenses (under \$200)
- Bergen County Superior Court (Hackensack) – For indictable (felony-level) charges
For example, an arrest at The Fashion Center in Paramus could result in your case being transferred to Superior Court if the alleged value exceeds \$200.
First-Time Offenders: Are There Options?
If this is your first offense, you may have alternatives to jail. New Jersey offers diversion programs such as Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI), which may allow charges to be dismissed upon successful completion.
However, eligibility depends on:
- The value of the merchandise
- Your prior record
- The specific facts of the case
Why You Should Take Shoplifting Charges Seriously
Many people underestimate shoplifting charges—especially when the incident involves everyday retail stores like Amazon Fresh, Best Buy and TJ Maxx. But in Bergen County, prosecutors treat these cases seriously.
A conviction can impact:
- Employment opportunities
- Professional licenses
- Immigration status
- Your permanent criminal record
Speak With a Bergen County Shoplifting Defense Lawyer
If you were arrested for shoplifting at The Fashion Center or anywhere in Bergen County, it is important to act quickly. An experienced criminal defense attorney can:
- Challenge surveillance evidence
- Negotiate for reduced charges
- Help you avoid a criminal record
At Sutnick & Sutnick Attorneys at Law, we represent clients facing shoplifting charges throughout Bergen County, including cases involving Amazon Fresh, Best Buy, TJ Maxx and other major retailers at The Fashion Center.
Our Bergen County shoplifting lawyers can answer any questions you have regarding this requirement.