Short Hills Theft Lawyer

While there are different degrees of theft offenses in New Jersey, each of these crimes carries serious consequences upon conviction. This true whether the allegations involve minor shoplifting or auto theft. Regardless of the specific theft allegations, a seasoned defense attorney could help craft a tailored strategy to combat the case against you and protect your rights.

If you are facing these types of charges, it is in your best interest to seek out legal representation right away. A Short Hills theft lawyer at the Williams Law Group, LLC could help you obtain a favorable outcome and guide you throughout the legal process.

Penalties for Theft

If convicted, theft charges can bring an array of penalties. The severity of these penalties is generally tied to the value of the object allegedly taken. The more valuable the object, the higher the penalties are likely to be. A skilled attorney at our Short Hills office could develop a defense strategy for any degree of theft charge.

Even convictions for the theft of items worth less than $200 could result in as much as six months behind bars. For more serious offenses, a theft conviction could carry up to ten years in prison. There are also fines to consider. While low-level convictions can carry up to $1,000 in fines, this amount increases to as much as $150,000 for high-value items.

A person convicted of theft could also be required by the court to make restitution to the reporting witness. Restitution is a monetary payment made directly to that person based on the value of the property they lost. These payments are made in addition to any fines levied by the court.

Potential Defenses for Theft Charges in Short Hills

Defeating an allegation of theft at trial often boils down to developing the right defense strategy. While there are multiple defenses that could be available in a theft case, an experienced local attorney could determine the best approach for that specific situation.

Permission

Many theft arrests arise out of a misunderstanding. Theft involves the taking of property from the rightful owner without their consent. If a person accused of theft actually had permission to take or use the item in question, that could serve as a viable defense to the criminal charge.

Mistaken Identity

Sometimes, the police simply identify the wrong suspect. It could be a case of mistaken identity or simply shoddy police work. Making a clear case that the crime in question was not committed by the defendant can be a powerful defense.

Lack of Intention

Only intentional stealing qualifies as an act of theft. This means that an honest mistake cannot result in a theft conviction. For example, a person that mistakenly takes the wrong jacket from a cloakroom has not committed a crime since they did not intend to deprive the owner of their property.

Discuss Your Case with a Short Hills Theft Attorney Today

While there are many ways to defend against a theft charge, it is important to remember that these cases can be legally complex. It is best to work with an attorney who has a track record of success defending these situations.

If you are facing theft allegations, you do not have to face the legal process alone. Contact a Short Hills theft lawyer at the Williams Law Group, LLC to learn more.