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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
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    3

    Default What is the Penalty for Third Degree Shoplifting

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: New Jersey. am 21 years old and being charged with taking 650 dollars worth of merchandise from the Microsoft store it is my first offense and I have a clean record but for a stupid domestic charge between me and my gf which was dropped completely 2 years ago and a theft charge that was reduced to an ordinance because i found a stolen phone on the ground also got in trouble when I was in 8th grade :/ but i believe these were only arrests the charges were always dropped I am a straight a student deans list at college and have my associates I am very scared but everyone is saying no jail just fines and maybe probation is that true?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: What is the Penalty for Third Degree Shoplifting

    $650? This is NOT your first time shoplifting, this is your first time being caught.

    Expect the judge to go hard on you. Also expect that the store will be sending you a Civil Demand letter that needs to be paid.

    PS: Don't tell the judge you're a dean list student, it shows you really should have known better.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
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    3

    Default Re: What is the Penalty for Third Degree Shoplifting

    I have never shoplifted before in my life I wasn't thinking and did a stupid thing I am very scared and am wondering if I will go to jail ? I am willing to pay any fines restitution or anything of the sort

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
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    98,846

    Default Re: What is the Penalty for Third Degree Shoplifting

    A crime of shoplifting in the third degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years ( N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6a(3)), a fine not to exceed $15,000.00, or both ( N.J.S.A. 2C:43-3b(1)).

    Were you stealing a Windows phone? If so, the record you describe screams out, "This is a guy who steals then sells cell phones."

    Alas, even if this was the first time you tried to steal something, you're going to have a hard time convincing anybody to believe you. Experience instructs that the person who, at the age of 21, is stealing high-end consumer electronics has a long history of stealing other products.

    You should consult a criminal defense lawyer about the possibility of getting the charge reduced to a petty offense.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
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    Michigan
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    Default Re: What is the Penalty for Third Degree Shoplifting

    Yep, most shoplifters start off with something small and cheap, not something that expensive.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: What is the Penalty for Third Degree Shoplifting

    It was only video games they said and I already have an attorney everyone is saying no jail is that true ?

    - - - Updated - - -

    It was not one thing it's aggregated to that amount but only video games they said .

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Posts
    24,521

    Default Re: What is the Penalty for Third Degree Shoplifting

    Based on the law provided above, jail is possible. It is not definite. No jail is possible. It is not definite.

    Until the crystal ball comes back from the cleaners, the Magic 8 ball is recalibrated, or Madame Zuileka comes back from her vacation, we don't know which is going to happen any more than you do.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: What is the Penalty for Third Degree Shoplifting

    $650 in video games? That is absolutely NOT your first time stealing! Don't lie to your lawyer or the judge.

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