One of the more common – and serious – municipal court penalties is Theft. Most theft and shoplifting charges heard in municipal court are so-called “disorderly persons” offenses which involve the theft of property worth less than $200 in total value. By contrast, the theft of items worth more than $200 is an indictable offense meaning those charges are heard at the New Jersey Superior Court-level. Do not, however, make the mistake of thinking that the relatively small property value at stake before a municipal court judge translates to equally modest penalties. Nothing could be further from the truth! Violators face potentially life-changing penalties upon conviction. Here are three common theft charges heard in municipal court:

a.  Theft of movable property – N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3(a)

b.  Receiving stolen property – N.J.S.A. 2C:20-7

c.  Theft by deception – N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4

d.  Shoplifting – N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11

The law offices of Carlos Diaz-Cobo is experienced and committed to successfully defending individuals accused of theft. Call the Law Offices of Carlos Diaz-Cobo at 732-249-1125.