When facing such a situation, it is crucial that you bring in a trusted criminal defense attorney. At Blanch Legal Firm, you can find representation that is highly-qualified, deeply experienced, aggressive, and dedicated to helping you obtain the best possible result. Our legal team has been defending clients throughout New Jersey and New York City since 2004; our founding attorney has successfully argued in defense of a client all the way up to the New Jersey Supreme Court. We take a no-holds barred approach when it comes to standing up for the accused against the tactics of prosecutors. 

Talk to a New Jersey theft lawyer in a free case evaluation to better understand your case and legal options. Call us at (201) 257-5388 or contact us online.

What is Theft?

Theft generally refers to crimes involving the taking of someone else’s property without their consent with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. This includes two elements as a crime which include the taking of the property and the intent to deprive. Both of these elements must be proven by the prosecutor for a conviction to occur.

Common Types of Theft Offenses in New Jersey

Theft can be committed in various ways under New Jersey law.

These include but are not limited to:

What are the Penalties for Theft in New Jersey?

Penalties for theft of unlawful taking will depend on the value of the goods taken. These include:

• Misdemeanor Theft - Goods valued less than $200 punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000
• Fourth Degree Felony Theft - Goods valued at $200 up to $500 punishable by up to 18 months in jail and a fine of up to $10,000
• Third Degree Felony Theft - Goods valued at $500 up to $75,000 punishable by three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
• Second Degree Felony Theft - Goods valued above $75,000 punishable by five up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000

In cases where theft is committed in connection with a violent crime, such as robbery, carjacking, or aggravated assault, you can face even harsher penalties, such as up to a 30-year prison sentence and fines of up to $200,000.

What is Burglary?

Burglary is defined as entering a building illegally, remaining in the building while knowing that you are not allowed to do so, or trespassing on utility company property. It is enhanced to a more serious charge if you commit burglary with a deadly weapon or if you attempt to, threaten to, or actually cause bodily injury to someone else while in the act. Depending on if you are charged with third-degree or second-degree burglary, you could face three to five or up to 10 years in prison.

Key Differences Between Theft and Burglary

According to New Jersey law, stealing does not need to happen for a burglary to take place. A burglary involves property (unlawful breaking and entering).

Contact Blanch Legal Firm for Your Theft Defense Needs

If you have been arrested or charged with any kind of theft, your first priority should be to bring in an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Our firm has been aggressively defending those accused of crimes for years; we have handled hundreds if not thousands of cases since our inception and have built a strong reputation as trusted legal professionals. We will work diligently on your behalf to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Reach out to our firm at (201) 257-5388 for the legal help you need today.