Shoplifting at Willowbrook Mall in Wayne, NJ

Willowbrook Mall in Wayne, NJ, is one of the largest shopping centers in the state. The mall attracts thousands of visitors daily. If you’ve been accused of stealing from a store at Willowbrook Mall, you could face criminal charges that carry lasting consequences.

A shoplifting conviction can result in fines, community service, and jail time. You’ll also have a permanent mark on your criminal record that could affect your future job opportunities and housing prospects.

However, a shoplifting charge does not mean you’re automatically guilty. You have rights, and with an experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyer on your side, you may be able to reduce the penalties or have the case dismissed.

The Law Office of Jason A. Volet has over 19 years of experience handling theft crimes, including Willowbrook Mall shoplifting. If you’ve been arrested, don’t wait—contact us today for a free consultation and get the legal help you need.

How Does New Jersey Define Shoplifting?

New Jersey’s shoplifting statute describes shoplifting as an act intended to avoid paying full price for merchandise. This includes:

• Altering or switching price tags
• Concealing items inside or outside the store
• Placing items in different packaging
• Removing shopping carts from the premises with the intent to keep them
• Taking merchandise without paying
• Under-ringing (intentionally charging less than the actual price).

Simply concealing an item can be used as evidence of intent to steal. Even if you don’t leave the store with the item, security and law enforcement can use your concealment of the item as evidence that you intended to shoplift.

What Measures Does Willowbrook Mall Take to Monitor Shoplifting?

Willowbrook Mall uses standard security measures to protect against shoplifting. These measures include surveillance cameras in stores and common areas, security guards or loss prevention officers, and electronic sensors. Cameras are the most common way to catch a shoplifter, but even fellow customers can alert employees or security.

Most malls have their own security personnel who watch for shoplifters and other issues. They are permitted to detain people suspected of shoplifting. However, many malls work together with local law enforcement when they suspect a crime has occurred.

What Are the Penalties in New Jersey for Shoplifting?

Shoplifting charges in New Jersey range from a disorderly persons offense (New Jersey’s version of a misdemeanor) to a second-degree crime (New Jersey’s version of a second-degree felony). The penalties are based on the value of the stolen merchandise.

Here’s what you could be facing if convicted:

• Disorderly persons offense — If the stolen goods are valued at less than $200, you could face up to six months in jail and fines of up to $1,000.
• Crime of the fourth degree — Shoplifting $200 to $500 worth of merchandise carries up to 18 months in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
• Crime of the third degree — If the value is between $500 and $75,000, penalties increase to three to five years in prison and fines of up to $15,000.
• Crime of the second degree — Stealing more than $75,000 or participating in an organized theft ring is a serious felony. This is punishable by five to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $150,000.

In addition to fines and jail time, you may face additional consequences. For example, repeat offenders will be sentenced to mandatory community service. People convicted of shoplifting three or more times will serve at least 90 days in jail. Plus, you’ll have a permanent criminal record—this affects your ability to pass background checks, get a job, and rent a home. You may also lose your professional licenses, voting rights, and the right to own or carry a firearm.

Are Shoplifting Penalties Different for a Minor?

When a minor is caught shoplifting, the penalties may be a little different than for adults. If the store wants to press charges, they’re typically tried in juvenile or family court.

While New Jersey allows minors to be tried as adults, that rarely happens for minor shoplifting offenses. That option is usually reserved for violent crimes or repeat offenders. Generally — especially for first-time offenders — juvenile and family courts tend to favor diversionary programs. These programs may include community service and educational courses designed to guide minors toward better behavior. However, if they are fined or required to pay the store back for the stolen items, their parents will be responsible for those payments.

Can You Go to Jail for Shoplifting at Willowbrook Mall?

You can go to jail for shoplifting, even if it’s your first offense. Even disorderly persons offenses carry the possibility of up to six months in jail. The jail time increases according to the value of the stolen goods, as well as if you’re a repeat offender.

Fortunately, a skilled criminal defense attorney can fight to reduce or avoid jail time. With good representation, first-time offenders are much more likely to be sentenced to lighter punishments, including community service and diversionary programs.

What Are Some Possible Defenses for a Shoplifting Charge?

Your shoplifting defense will depend on the specific facts of your case. Some of the most common defenses are:

• Lack of intent (accidental concealment or miscommunication)
• Mistaken identity or false accusation
• Insufficient evidence or improper procedures by store security or police
• Illegal search and seizure violations.

To find out which defenses are suitable for your case, call the Law Office of Jason A. Volet.

Will the Shoplifting Offense Stay on My Record?

Your shoplifting offense will stay on your record indefinitely unless you have it expunged. Expungement is the process of making the record of your crime essentially inaccessible on background checks as if it had never happened at all. Once the process is completed, the conviction will no longer appear on your record or background checks.

Because expungement can be a complex legal process, working with a New Jersey shoplifting defense lawyer is the best way to get your conviction removed.

Contact a New Jersey Shoplifting Defense Lawyer

If you’ve been accused of shoplifting at Willowbrook Mall, an experienced shoplifting defense attorney can protect your rights and fight for the best outcome possible.

The Law Office of Jason A. Volet has nearly two decades of experience handling criminal cases. Thanks to experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney, Jason A. Volet is uniquely qualified to handle your case—his case results and client testimonials speak for themselves.

To learn more about your rights, possible defenses, and expungement, contact us today for a free consultation.

Visit Our New Jersey Shoplifting Defense Law Offices