First Offense Shoplifting Charge

My question involves criminal law for the state of: NJ
I was caught shopliftimg $60 worth of stuff at Stop and Shop.
Cop came said ill ne recieving something in the mail
I wasmt arrested or anything..
Whats gonna happen? Am I gonna get a summons or am I gonna have to go to court..this is my first and last time

Not all towns in NJ take you into custody for misdemeanor shoplifting. This is a town by town decision. The store will go down to Police station to sign the complaint. You should be receiving a summons in the mail to appear in municipal court to face the charge in a few weeks. Also you can expect a civil demand letter from the store or the store's law firm to pay a $150.00 fine.

Im not gonna go to jail or anything like that..ill just have to pay some fines rite

No jail for a 1st offense in NJ. You will have to pay a fine plus court costs plus you'll have a criminal record. What town did this occur in?

Court Costs.
Fine.
Criminal Record.
Civil Demand....you will be getting a letter in the mail from either the stores Corporate Office or their lawyers. This is separate from the criminal charges.
Possibly a Diversion Program, AntiShoplifting Program, Community Service, Probation....all of which will require some fees....

You likely won't see jail.

It occured on toms river nj..thanks.
Ill only have the one court date.it wont be a drawn out thing im embarrased enuff

Toms River is a Mall town so the court deals with a high volume of shoplifting cases. Towns like that sometimes have a borough ordinance that they offer first offenders to plead to. If that's the case you'll still pay a fine to the court but you won't have a criminal record. Ask the prosecutor beforehand if this is possible.

If not...court can drag on for months.

Arraignment (where you are read the charges and plea).
Pre-Trial Meeting...your lawyer and prosecutor try to work a deal.
If you don't take a deal...
Trial.
Verdict
Pre-Sentencing
Sentencing

Or get a lawyer and get working on stuff. Or go to Arraignment, plea "not Guilty" and ask for a public defender, and get him/her working on stuff.

thanks I just want this over with

I had to call the court to changey address and there is nothing in the computer yet..is that a good thing..how long do they have to sign complaint

I called one day....nothing in the system....Got the letter the next....

This is the second time I called _

Keep watching your mail. They are not there at YOUR convenience.

Why would Khols want to spend all that money in lawyer fees? for omethign that cost 60$ wouldnt it be easier for them to just fine him

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Quoting PandorasBox

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If not...court can drag on for months.

Arraignment (where you are read the charges and plea).
Pre-Trial Meeting...your lawyer and prosecutor try to work a deal.
If you don't take a deal...
Trial.
Verdict
Pre-Sentencing
Sentencing

Or get a lawyer and get working on stuff. Or go to Arraignment, plea "not Guilty" and ask for a public defender, and get him/her working on stuff.

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Likely, there will be a plea deal offered at the Arraignment.

He will have court costs and fines, plus the Civil Demand. Plus any attorney/public defender fees.

So my court date is may 2..what shld I expect and what shld I plead guilty or not guilty or guilty with explaination
I just want this over with as soon as possible

Jenya, why are you so determined to convince all of us that the stores will find it too expensive to take a shoplifter to court when we all know good and well that this is not always, or even mostly, the case?

I wanna know what's going to happen...it was only. $60 im embarrassed and feel stupid enough I just want this to be over so I can put it behind me.

You will go to court, meet with the District Attorney or City Attorney and they will more than likely give you an option that includes probation. I was in a situation recently and even though it was in Colorado and the laws are different, what happens in court for small offenses will work out similarly if you do not have a record. If you have questions send me a message or read what happened to me: http://www.expertlaw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117814