Thomas Carroll Blauvelt is a name that is well-respected in courts across New Jersey. I have personally represented over 8,000 clients in New Jersey Superior Court, Municipal Court, and NJMVC cases. My past experience as a New Jersey Municipal Prosecutor and New Jersey Public Defender means I know both sides of the law and can easily anticipate the arguments opposing counsel will make in your case.
Charged with shoplifting? Call 1-877-676-7729 – I’m available 24 hours a day and consultations are free.
Acceptable forms of payment include cash, check or Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover or Paypal.
Click here to read what former clients have said about their representation:
http://www.avvo.com/attorneys/08807-nj-thomas-blauvelt-1583874/reviews.html
In New Jersey there are six different ways a defendant can be charged for shoplifting. Under 2C:20-11, a defendant can be charged not only for removing something from a store without paying for it, but they can also be charged if they change or alter to price to cause the register to ring up the item at an incorrect and lower price. Additionally, a defendant can be charged for concealing merchandise on their person, paying less than fair value for the item or taking a shopping cart from a parking lot.
The penalties associated with shoplifting depend on the total amount of merchandise taken. If the value of the merchandise stolen is more than $200.00, a defendant could face up to 18 months in jail along with a $10,000.00 fine. The important factor is the total value of the merchandise taken. For example, if a Defendant takes 3 jackets, each worth $100.00 totaling $300.00, or 1 painting worth $300.00, they will each be charged the same since the value of the merchandise taken in each example exceeds $200.00.
The shoplifting offenses are graded as follows:
If the value of the merchandise is less than $200.00, it is considered a disorderly persons offense. The penalties for a disorderly persons offense includes up to six months in jail and a $1,000.00 fine.
If the value of the merchandise is more than $200.00 but less than $500.00, it becomes a fourth degree crime. A fourth degree crime includes up to 18 months in jail and $10,000.00 in fines.
If the value of the merchandise is more than $500.00 but less than $75,000.00, it becomes a third degree crime. This also includes organized retail theft crimes when the value of the merchandise is less than $1,000.00. A third degree crime includes up to 5 years in jail and $15,000.00 in fines.
If the value of the merchandise is more than $75,000.00, it becomes a second degree crime. This also includes organized retail theft crimes when the value of the merchandise is more than $1,000.00. A second degree crime includes up to 10 years in jail and $150,000.00 in fines.
Additional Mandatory Penalties:
For a first offense, at least ten days of community service.
For a second offense, at least 15 days of community service.
For a third offense, a maximum of 25 days community service and 90 days in jail.
Edison Municipal Court is located at 100 Municipal Blvd, Edison, NJ 08817
Judges Mary H. Casey and Parag P. Patel
Prosecutors Tara Auciello, Rosalind Westlake and Joseph Lombardi
Court Schedule: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 AM; Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 PM
Edison Township, located in Middlesex County, has 99,967 residents and is the fifth-most populated municipality in New Jersey. Court is currently scheduled to meet every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 AM and Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 PM. This is an extremely busy jurisdiction and defendants can expect longer than average wait times due to the large volume this court does. Edison Township Municipal Court accepts checks, credit cards, money orders, and cash for payment. Time payment requests are considered on a case by case basis and must be court approved.
Located within Edison Township is the Menlo Park Mall is a two-level shopping mall, located on U.S. Route 1 and Parsonage Road. The Menlo Park Mall features Macy’s, Nordstrom, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Abercrombie & Fitch, Apple, AX Armani Exchange, Banana Republic, bebe, Chico’s, Forever 21, Neiman Marcus, Fortunoff Backyard Store, H&M, Hollister Co., J.Crew, J. Jill, Lucky Brand, Michael Kors, Old Navy, Sephora, Sony Style, Swarovski, Vans, and Zara International.
Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed
