NJ Criminal Defense

In ALL 21 NJ Counties FREE Defense Consultation:

Open 24/7  (732) 385-3339
(888) 628-8394

  • Home
  • Practice Areas
    • All Practice Areas
    • Assault Charges
    • Arson Charges
    • Bad Checks Charges
    • Bail Jumping Charges
    • Burglary Charges
    • Cell Phone Ticket
    • Credit Card Theft And Fraud Charges
    • Criminal Coercion Charges
    • Criminal Sexual Assault Charges
    • Criminal Mischief Charges
    • Criminal Sexual Contact Charges
    • Criminal Harassment Charges
    • Domestic Violence Charges
    • Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License Charges
    • Driving Without Insurance Charges
    • Drug Possession Charges
    • Marijuana Possession Charges
    • Cocaine Possession Charges
    • Heroin Possession Charges
    • Methamphetamine Possession Charges
    • Drug Possession with Intent Charges
    • Embezzlement Charges
    • Criminal Record Expungement
    • Eluding Charges
    • False Imprisonment Charges
    • Gun/Firearms/Weapons Charges
    • Forgery Charges
    • Criminal Fraud Charges
    • Manslaughter or Murder Charges
    • Insurance Fraud Charges
    • Invasion of Privacy Charges
    • Kidnapping Charges
    • Theft Charges
    • Leaving the Scene of an Accident Charges
    • Prostitution Charges
    • Receiving Stolen Property Charges
    • Reckless Driving Charges
    • Resisting Arrest Charges
    • Violation of a Restraining Order Charges
    • Robbery Charges
    • School Zone Distribution of Drugs Charges
    • Shoplifting Charges
    • Simple Assault
    • Stalking Charges
    • Terroristic Threats Charges
    • Traffic and Driving Charges
    • Trespassing Charges
    • Juvenile Alcohol Possession Charges
    • Underage Drinking Charges
  • Case Results
  • About
    • About Our Firm
    • Certified Municipal Court Lawyer
    • Fees
  • Our Reviews
  • Q & A
  • Contact

As seen on

What’s The Penalty For Shoplifting In New Jersey?

August 8, 2014 by Matthew Reisig

Shoplifting is the crime of purposely taking merchandise and attempting to carry it away, concealing merchandise for the purpose of depriving the merchant of its value, altering labels to manipulate the value of merchandise, or under-ringing the value of merchandise.

Like most theft crimes, the penalties are directly related to the quantity or value of things taken, so stealing a pack of gum from a convenience store is not the same as stealing a car from an auto dealership.

If you are alleged to have stolen goods worth less than $200, you will be charged with a Disorderly Persons Offense, carrying a maximum penalty of six months in jail.

If you are a first offender, you benefit from the presumption of non-incarceration and shouldn’t go to jail.

When the value of goods taken is between $200-$500 dollars, you will be charged with a Fourth Degree crime, which carries a sentence of up to 18 months, though again, New Jersey would prefer not to incarcerate with no criminal history.

Shoplifting in the Third Degree spans a huge value – $500-$75,000 – and can put you away for three to five years in state prison.

A Second Degree Shoplifting charge means that the value of stolen goods exceeded $75,000, and there is simply no question that you need legal help.

To avoid a 5-10 year sentence upon conviction, call attorney Matthew Reisig at 732-625-9661 and learn how to fight the charges against you.

Filed Under: Shoplifting

Primary Sidebar

Reisig Criminal Defense & DWI Law, LLC if you want to win1

RECENT POSTS

  • How Long Does a Domestic Violence Case Take in New Jersey?
  • How to Get a No-Contact Order Lifted in New Jersey
  • How To Get Rid Of A Restraining Order In New Jersey
  • How To Clear A Domestic Violence Record In New Jersey
  • Do I Need A Lawyer For A Domestic Violence Charge in NJ

HAVE A QUESTION? TYPE IT HERE

Categories

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

"*" indicates required fields

We offer free consultations. No office visit required, we will get back to you within 24 hours.

* ALL FIELDS REQUIRED

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Call Us Today: (888) 628-8394 or (732) 385-3339

© 2025 Reisig Criminal Defense & DWI Law, LLC
125 Half Mile Road, Suite 200, Red Bank, NJ 07701  (732)*625*9661
2500 Plaza 5, 25th floor, Jersey City, NJ 07311  (201) 793-7226
923 Haddonfield Rd, Suite #300, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002  (856) 334-0559
317 George Street, 3rd Floor, New Brunswick, NJ 08901  (732) 659-0984
Attorney Advertising / Disclaimer / Privacy Policy

* The reference to 1,389 cases without a DWI conviction applies to cases prior to November 1, 2017. This information should not create an unjustified expectation that similar results can be obtained for others without regard to the specific factual and legal circumstances.

** 82% Winning Percentage at Trial is from 2012 through 2017.