Millburn NJ Shoplifting Defense Lawyer
Arrested for Shoplifting Short Hills Mall, Case in Millburn NJ
If you or a loved one needs assistance with a theft charge such as shoplifting, theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception, or receiving stolen property in Essex County NJ, we can help. Our criminal defense team has been representing hundreds of clients with these charges over the last 15 years with tremendous results. Here is an example of a recent case our firm handled for a client with a great outcome.
Recently, Travis J. Tormey represented a client in the Essex County Superior Court on a shoplifting charge. Mr. Tormey’s client was charged with shoplifting from two (2) different stores in the Short Hills Mall in Millburn, New Jersey on the same day. She was accused of stealing approximately $2,000.00 in goods in total. The client had no prior criminal record and was in this country on a green card (legal permanent resident). As a result, if she was convicted of this indictable (felony level) shoplifting charge, she would most likely be deported from the country due to the fact that shoplifting falls within the broader category of crimes of moral turpitude. She was also facing three (3) to five (5) years in New Jersey State Prison if convicted.
Mr. Tormey was able to convince both the probation department and the prosecutor that his client was a perfect candidate for admission into the Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program. PTI is a program for first-time offenders who have never been in trouble before. In order to complete the program, the defendant is placed on probation, required to complete community service, and expected to remain arrest-free for a period of probation (usually 1-3 years which is determined by the Judge and the State (prosecutor)). As a result of Mr. Tormey’s efforts, upon completion of the PTI program, the charges will be dismissed and she will have no criminal record. This will also allow her to remain in the country and should not affect her immigration status. This outcome represents a major success for the Tormey Law Firm.
Is jail or prison time my only option when it comes to a Millburn Shoplifting Charge?
No. Although each case is viewed on a case by case basis, your ultimate sentence depends on a variety of factors. For example, if you are a first-time offender, you may be eligible for the Conditional Dismissal Program. This program is very similar to PTI (which is for felony cases) but it is for disorderly persons (misdemeanor) charges handled in Municipal Court.
The program generally applies to cases related to disorderly conduct, shoplifting, and more. After completion of the terms of the program, the matter will be dismissed. Moreover, your matter may be dismissed if there is no evidence connecting you to the allegations. It is important to have a skilled attorney to walk you through the charges you are facing to ensure your rights are not violated.
How can I expunge this charge from my record?
After she successfully completes the PTI program, the charges are dismissed. The client has no criminal record. However, there is still a record of the arrest. Under NJ law, the defendant must wait six (6) months and then she can file to have the arrest expunged from her record as well.
Arrested for Shoplifting Millburn NJ – Need a Lawyer
To speak with one of our distinguished lawyers about your shoplifting case, contact our Bergen County, New Jersey offices at (201)-330-4979. Also, check out Mr. Tormey’s informational series on YouTube about fighting shoplifting charges in New Jersey.
