• 01
  • August
    2011

Shoplifting isn't only for the young at heart. A 75-year old woman has been accused of stealing more than $500 worth of jewelry from a department store in West Nyack, New Jersey. She faces petty larceny charges.

New Jersey Law: Shoplifting

Shoplifting / larceny is called "theft" under the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice. Criminal penalties for theft vary depending on the amount and value of the goods the defendant is accused of stealing.

  • Second degree theft: Someone who steals property that is $75,000 or more can be charged with theft in the second degree. A defendant could face up to $150,000 in fines and 10 years in prison for second degree theft.
  • Third degree theft: Anything between $500 and $75,000 is a crime of the third degree (stealing a firearm, car or animal is also theft in the third degree). A defendant could face up to $15,000 in fines and five years in prison for third degree theft.
  • Fourth degree theft: Fourth degree theft includes stealing property worth $200 to $500. A defendant could face up to $10,000 in fines and 18 months in prison for theft in the fourth degree.
  • Disorderly persons offense: Stealing goods under $200 is considered a "disorderly persons offense." A defendant could face up to ten days in jail for a disorderly persons offense.

In New Jersey, individuals convicted of theft / larceny also have to pay for the items they stole (restitution), court costs and a shoplifting surcharge (usually $150). If a child steals, his or her parents are responsible for paying the cost of the stolen goods.

Local courts handle shoplifting charges. Therefore, if you have been accused of shoplifting - no matter what your age - it is important to hire a shoplifting defense attorney who has practiced in your local court.

Source: New City Patch, "75-Year-Old N.J. Woman Accused of Shoplifting"