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Shoplifting Charges

You deserve a second chance. With our help, you’ll not only navigate the legal waters more smoothly but also find a source of support during this challenging time.

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Shoplifting Defense Attorney in Hammonton, NJ

A shoplifting charge might seem minor initially, but it can lead to serious legal consequences in New Jersey and a permanent criminal record that follows you for life. Whether you’ve been falsely accused, made a mistake, or dealt with a misunderstanding, you need a well-versed theft, robbery, and burglary lawyer to help you face the charge head-on and protect your future.

At LACE Law, we represent individuals in Hammonton and Atlantic County who have been charged with shoplifting and other retail theft offenses. We provide thoughtful, strategic defense, focusing on minimizing the long-term impact of your case.

What Counts as Shoplifting in New Jersey?

Shoplifting in New Jersey covers more than just taking merchandise without paying. You can be charged even if you never left the store. Under state law, shoplifting includes:

  • Concealing merchandise
  • Switching price tags
  • Walking out with unpaid items
  • Altering labels or packaging
  • Under-ringing items at self-checkout
  • Assisting someone else in committing theft

These cases are common in Hammonton, especially in casino gift shops, retail outlets, and convenience stores. But just because shoplifting is common doesn’t mean the courts treat it lightly. Prosecutors aggressively pursue retail theft charges, and businesses quickly press charges to discourage future incidents.

The Consequences Are Real

Shoplifting penalties in New Jersey depend on the value of the stolen items, but even a low-dollar charge can lead to:

  • Jail time
  • Community service
  • Fines and court costs
  • Civil penalties from the store
  • A criminal record that can hurt your job, housing, and reputation

If the merchandise is worth more than $200, the charge becomes an indictable offense (felony). Even first-time offenders risk jail and a permanent record if the case isn’t handled correctly. As such, hiring a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible is in your best interest to protect your rights.

Our Approach to Shoplifting Defense

When you hire us, we look at more than just the police report; we look at the whole picture. Many of our clients are ordinary people in an unexpected situation: a momentary lapse in judgment, confusion at self-check-out, or even false accusations based on mistaken identity or racial profiling. Here’s how we can help:

  • Analyze the facts: We examine surveillance footage, witness statements, and store policies to identify flaws or gaps in the prosecution’s case.
  • Challenge unlawful searches: If store security or law enforcement violated your rights, we’ll work to suppress any evidence gathered improperly.
  • Negotiate outcomes: In many cases, we can argue for dismissal, reduced charges, or entry into diversionary programs like conditional dismissal.
  • Protect your future: We focus on avoiding a criminal record whenever possible because WE know how damaging it can be long after your case is over.

First-Time Offender? There May Be Options

If this is your first offense, you may be eligible for conditional dismissal, a program that allows your case to be dropped if you stay out of trouble for a set period. We’ll help determine if you qualify and guide you through the process to give you the best shot at keeping your record clean.

You Deserve a Strong Defense

No matter the circumstances, you have the right to be treated fairly and to have your side heard. We don’t judge you; we fight for you. We understand that a shoplifting charge can feel embarrassing and overwhelming, but ignoring it or pleading guilty without guidance can make things much worse.

Defending Your Rights, Your Record, and Your Reputation

If you’ve been charged with shoplifting in Hammonton, don’t wait until it’s too late. The right legal strategy and representation from an experienced lawyer in Hammonton, NJ, can make all the difference.

Call 609-225-4065 or contact us online to schedule your free and confidential consultation. Let’s discuss what happened and how we can protect your rights and record.