Even if the Cops Said No, Could I Still Go to Jail
I live in New Jersey and i was caught shoplifting at Kohl's. I was arrested and both the loss prevention guy and the cops said i wont go to jail, i just have to show up for my court date and pay whatever amount the judge decides. This eased my mind a bit, but im still a nervous wreck. Even though the police said i wouldnt go to jail because i only stole $30 worth of merchandise, could the possibility still exsist?
Re: Even if the Cops Said No, Could I Still Go to Jail
this is from a really quick look but it appears that shoplifting of less than $200 is considered a disorderly person offense. this is what I found as to penalty:
Quote:
Shoplifting is a disorderly persons offense if the full retail
Offense: value of the merchandise was less than $200.00.
N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11c(4). A disorderly persons offense is
punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed six
months (N.J.S.A. 2C:43-8), a fine not to exceed $1,000 or
both (N.J.S.A. 2C:43-3c).
and this:
Quote:
Additional Mandatory For a first offense, at least ten days of community service;
Penalties: for a second offense, at least 15 days of community
service; and for a third or subsequent offense, a
maximum of 25 days of community service and any
person convicted of a third or subsequent shoplifting
offense shall serve a minimum term of imprisonment of
not less than 90 days. N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11c(4).
mandatory means "must be imposed" so from that, I would expect to get at least 10 days of community service.