If you have been charged with theft, it is in your best interest to consult with a lawyer who has experience helping clients fight against similar charges. A skilled Jersey City theft lawyer could plan a defense strategy to dismiss the charges or negotiate for reduced penalties.
The Law Office of Eric M. Mark is here to advise you and be your legal advocate. A dedicated criminal defense attorney could provide the strong and compassionate legal support you need and deserve.
New Jersey law defines theft as intentionally taking someone else’s property without permission with the intent to deprive the owner of its use. Some examples of theft charges include:
Plain and simple, theft is intentionally taking another person’s property without their permission. Penalties for a theft conviction vary depending on the value of the items stolen.
Burglary involves breaking into a place with the intention of committing a crime. Burglary can also mean entering a place normally and purposely staying on the premises after closing time; when entry is no longer allowed.
Robbery is a type of theft that involves violent threats or actions in addition to taking something that belongs to someone else without their permission. If there is a weapon involved, the charge becomes armed robbery, which has more severe penalties.
If a person takes money or property that they were tasked with keeping safe, such as in a business, this is called embezzlement.
Fraud is a non-violent type of theft. Fraud occurs when someone intentionally misleads another person, convincing them to hand over money or property under false pretenses.
This is not an exhaustive list of theft charges. There are a number of theft charges that someone could face under state law, but skilled Jersey City lawyers know how to fight back.
Intent is a key factor in any theft case– theft cannot occur without deliberate intent. Intent can be a crucial factor in a theft defense, demonstrating that the defendant did not actually intend to take the property in question.
Depending on the circumstances of a case, a Jersey City theft attorney could also argue that the defendant was wrongly accused. There may be a solid alibi that places the defendant in another location at the time of the theft.
Entrapment is another potential defense, arguing that law enforcement set a trap for the defendant. An attorney could argue that the theft would never have happened if law enforcement had not become involved.
Attacking the prosecution’s evidence is one of the most widely used defense tactics in theft cases. An attorney could carefully examine the evidence and determine whether parts of it were illegally obtained, or if a witness statement was unreliable. With key evidence dismissed, there may not be sufficient proof to convict the defendant of theft.
If you or a loved one have been charged with theft, do not wait to take legal action. Taking your case to an experienced attorney ensures you get the legal representation you need. A Jersey City theft lawyer could help you understand your theft charges, potential penalties, and next steps in the legal process.
We are here to fight for your rights, but we cannot help until you contact us. Schedule your free case evaluation today to get started.
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