Atlantic City, NJ Theft Attorney Protects Clients Accused of Theft and Property Crimes

A conviction for a theft crime in New Jersey can have serious consequences, including prison time, heavy fines, and a lengthy period of probation. Perhaps worst of all, a theft crime conviction will leave you with a permanent criminal record that could hinder future employment opportunities and housing options, as well as cause you public and personal embarrassment. Additionally, if you are not a U.S. citizen, a conviction for a crime of moral turpitude can result in your deportation from this country. That’s why you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who is prepared to vigorously defend you against accusations of stealing.

John Tumelty is the founding partner of the Law Offices of John W. Tumelty, a well-regarded law firm with strong ties to the South Jersey community. Mr. Tumelty provides criminal defense for clients charged with a variety of theft and property crimes in Cape May County, Atlantic County, and elsewhere in New Jersey.

What are the Most Common Theft Offenses and Property Crimes in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, general theft offenses are governed by N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3. Practically anything can be considered “property” for the purposes of the theft statute. This includes both movable property and immovable property. Theft of movable property refers to the theft of anything of value, while theft of immovable property refers to the illegal transfer of an interest in property. Other, more specific theft offenses are addressed by unique statutes within the NJ criminal code:

• Shoplifting: The most common theft offense in New Jersey is theft from a retail store.
• Burglary: Home invasion for the purpose of committing a crime can lead to felony charges for burglary.
• Robbery: N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1 prohibits the use of threat or force while committing a theft.
• Receiving stolen property: Under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-7, knowingly receiving stolen property is a serious criminal offense.
• Theft by deception: N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4 proscribes theft by deception, which occurs when a person uses dishonesty to obtain property.
• Theft of services: It is against the law to intentionally obtain services, such as labor or transportation, through deception or threats.
• White collar crimes: Charges for fraud, embezzlement, and forgery are often brought in conjunction with theft charges.

If you are convicted of a theft offense in the State of New Jersey, you could face significant punishments. The penalties for theft offenses are generally determined by the value of the stolen property:

• $75,000 or more: Second degree felony, punishable by a sentence of between five and 10 years in New Jersey State Prison.
• Between $500 and $75,000: Third degree felony, with a conviction resulting in a possible sentence of between three and five years in NJ State Prison.
• Between $200 and $500: Fourth degree felony, which can result in a potential term of incarceration of 18 months in state prison.
• Less than $200: Disorderly persons offense, which is punishable by up to six months in the county jail.

Property Crimes Lawyer Fights Shoplifting and Other Theft Charges in Cape May and Atlantic Counties

Since the theft statute is extremely broad and covers a wide range of offenses, it is often possible for a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney like Mr. Tumelty to get theft charges downgraded to lesser offenses.

You can count on John Tumelty to provide an aggressive defense to your theft crime charges. As a former State and Atlantic County prosecutor, Mr. Tumelty prosecuted major felony crimes such as armed robbery and white collar offenses. His trial experience in criminal law from both sides of the fence gives him unique insight into how a prosecutor thinks. He knows how prosecutors evaluate a criminal case and prepare a case for court. Mr. Tumelty has office locations in Marmora and Somers Point, so he is always available for an in-person consultation about your case.