Travis J. Tormey Challenges Wayne NJ Shoplifting Charges
Do you need a lawyer for a shoplifting charge in Wayne NJ? Contact us now for immediate assistance and a free initial consultation.
The Tormey Law Firm recently assisted a client who had been charged with shoplifting in Wayne, NJ. The severity of the penalties faced by the client was determined by the value of the items that were allegedly stolen. Since the client was accused of stealing several items, with a total retail value that exceeded $500, the shoplifting charge was classified as a felony-level theft offense. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11(b), the potential penalties for a felony shoplifting conviction include several years in New Jersey State Prison and a permanent criminal record.
The classification of the charge as a felony also meant that the case would be heart in the Passaic County Superior Court, located in Paterson NJ, as opposed to being heard at a lower-level municipal court located in Wayne, NJ.
As soon as the client enlisted the services of the Tormey Law Firm, our skilled criminal defense attorneys got to work on his behalf. One of our lawyers appeared in Passaic County Superior Court and persuaded the assistant county prosecutor to downgrade the charge from a felony to a disorderly persons offense (misdemeanor). This meant that the case would be remanded to the Wayne Municipal Court and would carry far less severe penalties.
When the case was heard in Wayne Municipal Court, our attorneys fought the charges on behalf of the client. We filed a motion to dismiss after the store representatives failed to show up to court, prompting the judge to mark the next court date as “try or dismiss.” When the store representatives again failed to show up to court, the judge dismissed the charges for lack of prosecution. Thanks to our efforts, the client was able to avoid going to jail and keep his record clear of a criminal conviction.
This was a very good outcome for the client and a big victory for the Tormey Law Firm.
