New Jersey Juvenile Theft Lawyer
If your child has been arrested for shoplifting or another theft crime in New Jersey, he or she could face serious short- and long-term consequences if convicted. Depending on the value of the goods stolen, a young person could face up to three years in detention if convicted of theft in New Jersey. Any record of criminal theft could be damaging to a young person’s educational and professional opportunities. New Jersey law focuses on rehabilitation instead of punishment when adjudicating juvenile theft crimes and provides a variety of probationary and diversionary programs for youths who have broken the law. But some juvenile courts see punishment as the easier path for youths who lack strong legal representation.
That is why your child needs an aggressive legal defense from an experienced New Jersey juvenile theft crimes lawyer from The Law Office of Jason A. Volet. Attorney Jason A. Volet is a former prosecutor in Monmouth County, NJ, who now focuses entirely on defending the rights of the accused. He has handled more than 2,000 criminal defense cases in his career. He is also one of few lawyers that the Supreme Court of New Jersey has certified as a Criminal Defense Attorney. Jason Volet knows how New Jersey’s juvenile justice system is intended to work and how it actually works. He understands juvenile offense charges in New Jersey. He has dedicated his legal career to advocating for the rights of people like you and your child. He is easy to talk to. Contact him today.
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What is Theft Under New Jersey Law?
New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3(a)), states that “A person is guilty of theft if he unlawfully takes, or exercises control over movable property of another with the purpose to deprive him thereof.” That is known as “theft by unlawful taking or disposition.” The law also recognizes:
- Theft by deception, such as by falsely claiming to be collecting for charity
- Theft by extortion, which is by threatening harm
- Theft of property lost, mislaid, or delivered by mistake
Shoplifting, or stealing products from a store, is considered a separate offense covered under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11.
New Jersey juvenile theft lawyer Jason A. Volet represents juvenile defendants in all types of theft cases, including:
- Shoplifting
- Auto/motorcycle theft or carjacking, including joyriding in a stolen vehicle
- Credit card theft
- Stolen / bad checks
- Bicycle theft
- Data theft and computer crimes
- Receiving stolen property
- Robbery (theft involving bodily injury or threat of injury)
- Burglary (entering a structure without permission for the purpose of committing a criminal offense, typically theft)
What Are the Penalties for Juvenile Theft in New Jersey?
Penalties for theft crimes generally depend on the value of the stolen property, whether there are previous offenses on the defendant’s record and the specifics of the case. A juvenile convicted for theft may face fines and:
- Up to 3 years of detention for theft of property worth over $75,000
- Up to 2 years of detention for theft of property worth less than $75,000 but more than $500
- Up to 1 year of detention for theft of property worth less than $500 but more than $200
- Up to 6 months of detention for theft of property worth less than $200
A conviction for auto theft may also be punished with suspension of driving privileges for up to one year for a first offense and up to 10 years for a third offense. 
The suspension does not begin until the minor turns 17 and would otherwise be eligible for a driver’s license. If a theft involves violence – inflicting or threatening harm or use of a weapon – robbery charges will be filed, and the juvenile defendant will likely face potentially serious penalties in adult court.
How Will a Juvenile Be Punished for Theft Charges in New Jersey?
As in all criminal cases, unless the defendant pleads guilty, the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to obtain a conviction. There may be multiple reasons why the prosecution cannot make a theft case against your child and must drop or reduce the charges. As your child’s juvenile defense lawyer, Jason A. Volet will thoroughly review the case against your child and push back on questionable evidence in an effort to have charges dismissed or reduced prior to going to court. If a conviction cannot be avoided, there are many options for a young person with a clean record to avoid detention.
The New Jersey juvenile justice system is set up to allow nonviolent juvenile offenders to seek rehabilitation and avoid jail. As your defense attorney, Jason Volet will make a case that some type of diversion is what is best for your child and for society. New Jersey has numerous diversionary programs for juveniles. If your child has been charged with a first or second offense of a minor nature, a Juvenile Conference Committee (JCC) and Intake Service Conference (ISC) will advise the judge as to whether diversion is appropriate. A judge must consider recommendations from juvenile court officers and such factors as:
- The juvenile’s age
- Performance in school
- Expressions of understanding and remorse
- Prior criminal history
- Openness to rehab or counseling.
Depending on what the judge decides is appropriate, there are a variety of Juvenile Justice Commission programs that address the needs of children and youth involved in the N.J. juvenile justice system. They include:
- Release to a parent or guardian
- Deferred disposition, which includes the dismissal of charges after completing certain court-imposed requirements
- Fines
- Community service
- Probation
- Support services (counseling)
- Required parental involvement
- Mental health and/or substance abuse treatment
- Transfer of custody—removing the child from home and placing him or her in the custody of a relative or another qualified individual
- Placing the child in the custody of the Department of Children and Families
- Suspension of driving privileges
- Work, educational and vocational programs
- Residential facility detention
- Secure care facility detention
In a hearing before a Family Court judge or in Superior Court (adult court), Jason A. Volet will present a vigorous defense, including challenging the prosecutor’s witnesses and other evidence. If your child’s case results in a disposition of delinquency, Jason will strongly advocate for the best possible outcome for your child.
Contact a New Jersey Juvenile Theft Lawyer Today
You should contact an experienced New Jersey juvenile theft attorney as soon as you learn of theft offense charges against your child. Jason A. Volet can carefully review the case against your child, explain your child’s rights and options, and work diligently to obtain the best outcome possible for your child, preferably including release to you. Don’t wait to get legal help if your child has been arrested and assigned criminal charges for theft. Your child needs immediate, experienced NJ juvenile defense representation to ensure his or her rights are fully protected. Phone (732) 491-8477 for The Law Office of Jason A. Volet today or contact us online – any day of the week, any time of day. Our juvenile criminal defense lawyers represent young people facing court charges in Freehold, Neptune, and throughout Monmouth County and surrounding areas in New Jersey.
