Juvenile Shoplifting Attorney in Ocean County

Ocean County Shoplifting Charges N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11

Juveniles in Ocean County often find themselves with a great deal of time on their hands. If they, or someone they are with, are caught trying to steal or conceal merchandise, they may be detained, brought to the local police department and issued a delinquency complaint for shoplifting. A juvenile adjudication of delinquency for shoplifting can have detrimental repercussions on a juvenile’s future. Depending on how much the merchandise was valued at, your son or daughter may be facing upwards of a second degree offense. Navigating the juvenile process can be a daunting task. Allow the juvenile defense attorneys at William Proetta Criminal Law represent you and your child in their matter. Our law firm has handled hundred of juvenile matters and are well-suited to handle your Ocean County case. Contact our Point Pleasant office today at 848-238-2100.

Shoplifting Law N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11

Under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11, there are six (6) defined types of conduct that are considered shoplifting. Of these six (6), two (2) occur with regularity amongst juveniles:

N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11(b)(1) makes it a crime for:

  • “Any juvenile to purposely take possession of, carry away, transfer or cause to be carried away or transferred, any merchandise displayed, held, stored or offered for sale by any store or other retail mercantile establishment with the intention of depriving the merchant of the possession, use or benefit of such merchandise or converting the same to the use of such person without paying to the merchant the full retail value thereof.”

N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11(b)(2) makes it a crime for:

  • “Any juvenile purposely to conceal upon his person or otherwise any merchandise offered for sale by any store or other retail mercantile establishment with the intention of depriving the merchant of the processes, use or benefit of such merchandise or converting the same to the use of such person without paying to the merchant the value thereof.”

What are the Penalties for Juvenile Shoplifting in New Jersey?

Juvenile matters that are handled at the Ocean County Superior Court Family Division or  the local municipal authority will be subject to penalties different than those of an adult. The degree of the offense and the penalties are subject to the value of the merchandise involved.

Second Degree Juvenile Shoplifting:

  • The juvenile charges will be a second degree offense if the merchandise involved exceeds $75,000.00 in value. If adjudicated delinquent, you or your child will be facing up to 3 years in the Ocean County Youth Detention Center.

Third Degree Juvenile Shoplifting:

  • The juvenile charges will be a third degree offense if the merchandise involved exceeds $500 but is less than $75,000.00. If adjudicated delinquent, you or your child will be facing up to 2 years in the Ocean County Youth Detention Center.

Fourth Degree Juvenile Shoplifting:

  • The juvenile charges will be a fourth degree offense if the merchandise involved exceeds $200 but is less than $500. If adjudicated delinquent, you or your child will be facing up to 1 year in the Ocean County Youth Detention Center.

Disorderly Persons Juvenile Shoplifting:

  • The juvenile charges will be a disorderly persons offense if the merchandise involved is less than $200. If adjudicated delinquent, you or your child will be facing up to 6 months in the Ocean County Youth Detention Center.

In addition to court-required detention, the court may also impose the following additional forms of disposition:

  • Probation
  • Community based services
  • Child Behavior Health Services/Department of Children and Families Out-Patient
  • Fines, restitution and community service
  • Substance abuse treatment

Are There Diversionary Programs for Juvenile Offenses?

Yes. There are diversionary programs available for mostly juveniles facing a delinquency hearing. For serious charges, there is a program known as Deferred Disposition. For more minor acts of delinquency, there is a procedure known as a Juvenile Conference Committee. Deferred Disposition typically last one year and may have other court-imposed requirements for compliance. Upon completion, you or your child will avoid having a record of being adjudicated delinquent. Juvenile Conference Committees are an informal means of resolution where community members act in an advisory capacity and recommend a form of “punishment” in lieu of proceeding on the original complaint. It is recommended that you consult with an experienced juvenile defense attorney before pursuing either option.

Our office may be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Do not hesitate to call and set up your free initial consultation with an attorney today. Be proactive in protecting your child’s rights in their juvenile matter. Call 848-238-2100.