New Jersey Macy’s Shoplifting Attorney

Shoplifting from Macy’s in New Jersey can have severe consequences. Not only could you go to jail for several years, but you also have to deal with the effects of having a criminal record, such as trouble finding a job or a place to live. No amount of “free” Macy’s merchandise is worth that cost.

The Law Office of Jason A. Volet can provide the aggressive, comprehensive legal representation you need in a Macy’s shoplifting case. A New Jersey Macy’s shoplifting defense attorney can:

• Explain your charges and the legal process
• Communicate with the police and prosecutors on your behalf
• Investigate the incident to develop a solid defense
• Represent you in any court proceedings

Attorney Jason A. Volet’s extensive legal experience and history as a former prosecutor make him uniquely qualified to help you. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.

What Happens If I Am Caught Shoplifting from Macy’s?

If a Macy’s security guard suspects you stole from the store, they can detain you for a short time while they wait for the police to arrive. Once the police arrive, Macy’s employees will turn over whatever evidence they have—surveillance footage, the security guard’s observations, etc.—to support a shoplifting charge. If the police believe they have probable cause for an arrest, they’ll take you into custody, starting the formal legal process of your criminal case.

From there, it’s up to the prosecutor to decide whether to file a shoplifting charge. Prosecutors have broad discretion in these cases, and they may choose to drop your charges. A dismissed charge is more likely if it’s your first offense or you stole a small amount of merchandise. If prosecutors decide to pursue a shoplifting charge, it’s crucial to contact an attorney immediately.

What Should I Do If I Am Accused of Shoplifting from Macy’s?

Here’s what to do to protect yourself if a Macy’s employee accuses you of shoplifting:

• Cooperate with the employee and follow their instructions, but don’t say anything. Keeping quiet is the best way to protect yourself until your lawyer gets there. You don’t want to give the employee or a police officer anything to use against you.
• Contact an experienced shoplifting attorney while you wait for the police to arrive. They will ensure your rights are protected and handle any communication.
• If the police take you into custody, ask for a lawyer if you haven’t already. Still say as little as possible, even if the police try to question you or push you to talk. It’s your right to remain silent, and it will keep you from making incriminating statements.
• Once your lawyer arrives, tell them everything you can remember about the incident. Your attorney can then start building your defense and speak with police and prosecutors on your behalf.

What Penalties Could I Face for Shoplifting from a New Jersey Macy’s?

The penalties specified in New Jersey’s shoplifting statute include:

• Stealing less than $200 of merchandise – Up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000
• Stealing $200-$500 of merchandise – Up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
• Stealing $501-$74,999 of merchandise, or stealing less than $1,000 of merchandise as part of an organized retail theft scheme – 3 to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000
• Stealing $75,000 or more of merchandise, or stealing more than $1,000 of merchandise as part of an organized retail theft scheme – 5 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000

Convicted shoplifters may also be required to do community service. A first offense comes with a required community service term of at least 10 days. For a second offense, 15 days of community service is required. A third or subsequent offense will require at least 25 days of community service plus 90 days in jail.

Could Shoplifting from a Macy’s Be Considered a Felony?

Of the four levels of shoplifting offenses in New Jersey, three are indictable crimes (the New Jersey legal term for what most states call felonies). Only stealing less than $200 of merchandise from a Macy’s is a disorderly persons offense (New Jersey legal jargon for a misdemeanor). Anything more than that will likely be a felony offense.

Because Macy’s sells higher-quality items than many department stores, it’s easy for shoplifters to steal $200 or more of merchandise and hit the threshold for a felony charge. It’s also worth remembering that stealing a small number of items from Macy’s can still lead to a felony charge if the prosecution can prove the offender committed the crime as part of an organized retail theft operation. Given the high stakes in these cases and the potential for a felony charge, anyone accused of shoplifting from Macy’s should contact a New Jersey criminal defense attorney immediately.

Can Macy’s Shoplifting Charges Be Expunged from My Record?

You can have a New Jersey shoplifting charge and your arrest removed from your record and public databases. However, removing a shoplifting conviction from your record takes time, and you must wait a while before you can file a motion with the courts asking them to expunge the charge.

The waiting periods for expunging a shoplifting charge in New Jersey are:

• Charges dropped by the prosecutors without a trial or pre-trial intervention program – No waiting period
• Charges dropped after a pre-trial intervention program – Six months after finishing the program
• Conviction for misdemeanor shoplifting – Five years after completing your sentence but possibly three years in certain cases
• Conviction for felony shoplifting – Five years after completing your sentence but possibly four years in certain cases

If you want a shoplifting offense removed from your record, it’s essential to work with a capable attorney. They can handle the necessary legal procedures and help you make your case for expungement to the courts.

Why Choose the Law Office of Jason A. Volet for Your Shoplifting Defense Case?

Who you choose to represent you in a Macy’s shoplifting case can have a substantial impact on the case’s outcome. Attorney Jason A. Volet’s nearly 20 years of experience as a prosecutor and defense lawyer have given him in-depth knowledge and insights he can apply to your case.

Additionally, our firm’s results demonstrate our effectiveness in representing defendants in New Jersey. In one case, we were able to reduce a client’s penalties for shoplifting and theft charges to probation, despite the client’s lengthy criminal history.

Our client testimonials speak directly to our skill and determination in protecting your rights. Here’s what one client said about their experience with our firm:

“I’ve hired Jason Volet multiple times, and he has never disappointed me. He is professional, and reliable. He is an amazing attorney and handles everything flawlessly. I’ll always continue going back to him no matter what my situation is, I highly recommend him to everyone!” – Julia

Contact a New Jersey Shoplifting Defense Attorney

Don’t risk the potential consequences of a New Jersey shoplifting charge by not hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney. Call the Law Office of Jason A. Volet now or reach out online for a free consultation.

Visit Our New Jersey Shoplifting Defense Law Offices