Theft Attorney in Woodbridge NJ
The state of New Jersey takes theft very seriously. Whether a stolen item was worth thousands of dollars or just a few, theft is a crime nonetheless. That being said, an item’s value correlates directly with the consequences of the crime. It is no surprise that the theft of an item with a high value will come with greater consequences than one that has a lesser value. If you have been charged with a theft crime in New Jersey, it is important that you consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. The legal team at The Law Office of Andrew S. Maze has decades of experience representing clients throughout Middlesex County and New Jersey when they are facing criminal charges. Contact The Law Office of Andrew S. Maze today to learn how we can help.
What are the consequences of a theft crime in New Jersey?
If you have been charged with a theft crime in New Jersey, it is important to be aware of the potential consequences that you may face if you are convicted. These consequences can have significant results on the rest of a person’s life because a criminal record is serious. Some of the many consequences of theft in New Jersey include the following:
- If stolen property is valued less than $200, you are facing a disorderly persons offense
- If stolen property is valued between $200 and $500, you are facing a fourth-degree crime and up to 18 months in jail
- If stolen property is valued between $500 and $75,000 or the property is a firearm, vehicle, controlled substance less than a kilogram, or a blank prescription pad, you are facing a third-degree crime that can result in up to 5 years of jail time
- If stolen property is valued at more than $75,000, the property is human remains or a controlled substance greater than one kilogram, or there was extortion, you are facing a second-degree crime that can result in up to 10 years of jail time
Upgrading Theft Crimes in New Jersey
Theft crimes are serious on their own. However, there are situations in which a theft crime can be upgraded to an even more serious crime. This can happen if you were found to use a weapon while you were committing the theft crime. This can result in a charge of an armed robbery, which may result in the No Early Release Act, meaning that you must serve at least 85 percent of your sentence before there is any chance that you will be considered for parole. It is also important to note that if the weapon used in the armed robbery was stolen, the penalties can increase even further in severity.
Contact a New Jersey Theft Attorney
If you were charged with a theft crime in the state of New Jersey, it is critical that you retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney. With so much on the line, knowledge of the criminal justice system is key. Our firm is here to help. Contact The Law Office of Andrew S. Maze today to learn more about what we can do to defend you from an uncertain future.