You may have been taught all your life that stealing is wrong. Not only is it wrong, but it is also considered a serious criminal offense in the state of New Jersey. With this comes considerable penalties and punishments. You should try everything to fight off all of them so that it does not ultimately lead to a permanent criminal record. Without further preface, please follow along to find out the potential defenses you can take against theft charges and how a proficient Morris County theft lawyer at Macri Law Group can sit down with you and build up your legal defense strategy.
What are the different types of theft charges in New Jersey?
Generally speaking, theft is defined as taking someone else’s property or services without permission and with the intent to deprive them of it. But more specifically, there is a wide range of charges subsequently associated with varying consequence levels. Some of the most common examples, all differing in severity, read as follows:
- Shoplifting: you may be charged with this if you stole merchandise, altered price tags, or hid items on your person to avoid payment.
- Theft by extortion: you may be charged with this if you stole property or services from another person by using threats or coercion.
- Auto theft: you may be charged with this if you stole a motor vehicle without the owner’s explicit consent.
What are the potential legal defenses against theft charges?
Your theft crime may only be charged as a disorderly persons offense (i.e., shoplifting). With this, you may feel confident in getting away without serving jail time. Regardless, you should make a vigilant effort to have your theft charge dismissed altogether. If nothing else, this is so you may save yourself from a permanent criminal record. Overall, this can negatively implicate many aspects of your future life. Nonetheless, below are potential legal defenses we may have you consider adopting:
- You may claim that you reasonably believed, in good faith, that the property belonged to you.
- You may claim that this is an instance of mistaken identity and that you did not steal the property.
- You may claim that you were under duress and an outside party coerced you into stealing the property.
- You may claim that you returned the property to its rightful owner even before a charge was placed against you.
- You may claim that law enforcement tried to entrap you for another crime but made you commit theft along the way.
- You may claim that you were intoxicated and, therefore, incapable of soundly forming an intent to steal the property.
Regardless of what legal defense you assume, you must have sufficient evidence to back up your claims. To conclude, to give yourself enough time to develop a solid case, please contact a talented Morris County, New Jersey criminal defense lawyer from Macri Law Firm as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you.
