Can Shoplifting Be Expunged in NJ?

As with all crimes in New Jersey, a shoplifting conviction can have long-lasting consequences, even after you have served your criminal penalties. Those with shoplifting on their criminal records may face challenges when applying for jobs, loans, rental homes, and higher education. When your past mistakes have damaging effects on your future, you may feel justifiably frustrated.

If a shoplifting conviction is holding you back in life, don’t lose hope. An experienced New Jersey shoplifting expungement attorney may be able to help you remove your conviction from your criminal record. The Law Office of Jason A. Volet has years of experience successfully petitioning for expungements, and we want to help you, too. Contact our New Jersey law firm today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.

What Is Expungement?

Expungement is the process of petitioning the court to clear your criminal record of past convictions in New Jersey. When a record is expunged, it becomes virtually inaccessible on background checks. When asked about prior run-ins with the law on most employment applications, you will have no legal obligation to disclose expunged arrests or convictions. An expungement can give eligible individuals a fresh start in life.

What Are the Penalties for Shoplifting in NJ?

Shoplifting is the act of taking, transporting, or transferring a retailer’s merchandise without paying the intended price for the item. Penalties for shoplifting depend on the value of the stolen merchandise.

• $75,000 or more – Incarceration of 5 to 10 years and a fine of up to $150,000
• Between $500 and $75,000 – Incarceration of 3 to 5 years and a fine of up to $15,000
• Between $200 and $500 – Incarceration of up to 18 months and a fine of up to $10,000
• Less than $200 – Incarceration of up to 6 months and a fine of up to $1,000

In addition to prison time and fines, individuals convicted of shoplifting may have to perform 10 to 25 days of community service.

Is Shoplifting a Misdemeanor or a Felony in NJ?

Rather than misdemeanors and felonies, New Jersey has disorderly persons offenses and indictable offenses. Whether shoplifting is a disorderly persons offense or an indictable offense in New Jersey depends on the value of the stolen goods. Shoplifting merchandise worth less than $200 is a disorderly persons offense. Shoplifting items of a higher value classifies as an indictable offense.

How Long Does Shoplifting Stay on Your Record in New Jersey?

If you receive a conviction for shoplifting in New Jersey, the conviction will remain on your record permanently until you take steps to legally remove it. Working with a skilled New Jersey criminal defense attorney is critical if you want to remove a conviction from your record as soon as possible.

How Do I Know If I Am Eligible to Expunge a Shoplifting Conviction?

To qualify for expungement of a shoplifting conviction in New Jersey, you must meet several requirements:

• You must meet the required waiting period for your category of offense.
• You must have fully paid any fines or restitution associated with your conviction.
• There cannot be any charges currently pending against you.
• There are limits to how many convictions you can expunge based on the categories of offenses in your record.

The expungement petition process can be complex. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer guide you through the process is vital to ensure you successfully meet all statutory expungement requirements.

How Long Do I Have to Wait to Expunge a Shoplifting Conviction?

In general, you must wait five years after completing your sentence before your shoplifting conviction can be expunged. Some individuals who have fulfilled other expungement criteria may be able to petition for an Early Pathway Expungement. Your attorney can determine your eligibility.

What If I Entered a Pre-Trial Intervention Program to Avoid Conviction of Shoplifting Charges?

The successful completion of a Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program in New Jersey will mean that you will not have a conviction on your permanent record. However, some background checks may still be able to see a record of your PTI, which can create its own problems. The good news is that a skilled NJ expungement attorney can also petition to expunge a PTI from your criminal record. The waiting period for PTI expungement is just six months from your completion of the program.

Can a Juvenile Convicted of Shoplifting Have Their Records Expunged?

Juveniles with criminal shoplifting convictions are eligible for expungement. Speak with an experienced juvenile expungement attorney at the Law Office of Jason A. Volet for details about eligibility.

Contact a New Jersey Expungement Legal Advisor

If you are considering expunging a prior shoplifting conviction from your record, having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side is critical. At the Law Office of Jason A. Volet, our certified criminal trial lawyer has over 15 years of experience handling expungements and other post-conviction relief.

As a former Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor, attorney Jason A. Volet understands expungement criteria from both sides. This inside knowledge of prosecutors’ strategies equips him to handle the expungement process and build the most compelling case for your petition.

Whether you are seeking expungement for a disorderly persons or indictable offense, our firm will thoroughly review your criminal history to determine your eligibility. If we believe you qualify for expungement, we will meticulously handle every aspect of the petition process on your behalf.

Don’t let a prior shoplifting conviction continue dictating your future. A knowledgeable New Jersey expungement lawyer at the Law Office of Jason A. Volet can help you move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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