Shoplifting in New Jersey

[Ranger72]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: NJ
Last Monday I was caught in Kohls shoplifting with 117$ worth of merchandise! 2 items I put in a bag in the cart and 2 shirts I switched tags! The LP guy got me on the way out! Did the whole works on me and even told me that I was telling him the wrong info for address! I had my ID in the car. Anyway the police were brought in, arrested, taken to the station. Also told me I can never step foot in the store again! Does he mean that exact store or all of them? Anyway I did hire a lawyer for my court date. What are my chances for conviction? This is my first offense with a clean background! I feel so very low! And stupid! I've already been through enough punishment! If convicted, could I lose my unemployment benefits?

[LawResearcherMissy]

Also told me I can never step foot in the store again! Does he mean that exact store or all of them?

You'd be very wise to stay out of ALL of them. As it is, if you go back to that one again, you'll face trespassing charges.

What are my chances for conviction?

Pretty high, unless you ask for - and are granted - a diversion program, which involves fines, restitution, an anti-shoplifting course (at your expense), and a period of probation. Upon successful completion, you have a clean record.

I've already been through enough punishment!

If you're looking for sympathy, you are so very much in the wrong place. I'm of the school of thought that shoplifters should be tied to a chair, taken out back, and beaten bloody with a wiffle bat by the lowest paid person in the store, because people like you are why their wages are so low. You know what shrink is? That's the percentage of store inventory lost to thieves like you, and companies punish their employees for it. Not cool, dude. Not cool at all.

If convicted, could I lose my unemployment benefits?

You could if you end up in jail - unlikely, as a first offender, but if you whine at the judge about being "punished enough", you might get to find out what punishment actually means.