New Jersey Sephora Shoplifting Attorney

No one who shops at Sephora in New Jersey wants to be accused of shoplifting. The penalties for a shoplifting conviction—which can include jail time, fines, and mandatory community service—far outweigh the benefits one might gain from a successful theft. A felony theft charge also stays on an offender’s criminal record for years, making it harder to find a job or housing.

If the police have arrested you on suspicion of stealing from Sephora, contact a New Jersey Sephora shoplifting defense lawyer right away. The Law Office of Jason A. Volet can help you through the legal process while protecting your rights and building a compelling defense strategy. Attorney Jason A. Volet has decades of legal experience as a prosecutor and defense lawyer, giving him in-depth knowledge of these cases he can use to aid your defense. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.

How Does Sephora Build a Case Against Shoplifters?

Like many large retail chains, Sephora takes aggressive steps to prevent shoplifting and hold alleged thieves accountable through the legal system. Most stores feature multiple surveillance cameras that employees use to watch customers for signs of shoplifting. Many Sephora stores also employ security guards to walk the floor and see if anyone is trying to steal cosmetics or other items. These security guards won’t hesitate to stop a suspected shoplifter, detain them, and turn them over to the police. Sephora will also turn over their surveillance footage and other evidence to the police to assist in a shoplifting investigation and make it easier for prosecutors to secure a conviction.

What Are the Penalties for Shoplifting from a New Jersey Sephora?

New Jersey’s shoplifting law specifies the penalties for this offense. The two factors that determine the penalty for shoplifting are the retail value of the merchandise and whether the offender was part of an organized retail theft scheme. Based on these factors, the penalties for shoplifting from a New Jersey Sephora store include:

• Stealing less than $200 worth of merchandise – Up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000
• Stealing $200-$500 worth of merchandise – Up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
• Stealing $501-$74,999 worth 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 worth of merchandise, or stealing over $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

Community service may also be required. At least 10 days of community service is required for a first offense. A second offense comes with a required community service term of 15 days. A third or subsequent offense requires at least 25 days of community service and 90 days in jail.

What If the Person Shoplifting Is Under 18?

Minors in New Jersey can face charges as adults in some circumstances, including some serious shoplifting cases. If a juvenile faces shoplifting charges as an adult, they face the same penalties as adult offenders, including the possibility of a jail sentence.

In general, though, minors accused of shoplifting in New Jersey won’t face the same penalties as adults. State law says prosecutors must file a motion with the courts to transfer a juvenile 15 or older to adult court. A judge is unlikely to approve that motion for a relatively minor offense like shoplifting. Criminal cases involving offenders under 15 only go through the adult court system in extreme circumstances. That said, it’s essential for minors accused of shoplifting to work with a knowledgeable attorney to avoid having their case transferred to adult court.

Because the juvenile justice system in New Jersey focuses on rehabilitation instead of punishment, the penalties for those under 18 accused of shoplifting typically do not include detention in a juvenile facility. Instead, the penalties for juvenile offenders often include probation, mandatory counseling sessions, and community service. However, repeat offenders or those accused of stealing large amounts of merchandise could face time in a juvenile detention facility.

Can a Shoplifting Charge Go on My Record?

A shoplifting charge in New Jersey will go on your record, though how long it stays on your record depends on whether you’re convicted and other factors. If prosecutors dismiss your charges without a trial or pre-trial intervention program, you can immediately file a motion with the courts to have your arrest record expunged. If you plead guilty or a jury finds you guilty after a trial, you’ll have to serve your sentence and wait a while before you can apply to have your records expunged.

The waiting periods to apply to have a shoplifting charge expunged are:

• Prosecutors drop the charges – No waiting period
• Charges dismissed after a pre-trial intervention program – Six months after completing the program
• Juvenile shoplifting charges – Three years after completing your sentence
• Shoplifting as a disorderly persons offense (misdemeanor) – Five years after completing your sentence but possibly three years in certain cases
• Shoplifting as an indictable crime (felony) – Five years after completing your sentence but possibly four years in certain cases

What Are Some Possible Defenses for a Sephora Shoplifting Charge?

Some possible defense strategies if you face shoplifting charges in New Jersey include:

• Proving that you didn’t intend to steal the items
• Showing how Sephora security guards or the police made an error and arrested the wrong person
• Showing how Sephora guards or the police violated your civil rights
• Negotiating a plea bargain to reduce your charges or the penalties for the offense

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

Working with an experienced and knowledgeable shoplifting defense lawyer can make all the difference in these cases. Here are a few reasons to choose the Law Office of Jason A. Volet for a New Jersey Sephora shoplifting case:

• Attorney Jason A. Volet has nearly 20 years of legal experience as a defense attorney and former prosecutor.
• Volet is certified as a criminal trial attorney by the New Jersey Supreme Court, a rare honor among defense lawyers.
• Our firm has a proven record of successful results for our clients, including a case where we got the sentence reduced for a defendant with a lengthy criminal history accused of shoplifting to probation.
• Our client testimonials demonstrate our skill and determination. Here’s what one client said: “… I can’t say enough good things about Mr. Volet. Professional, knowledgeable, no [nonsense] and gets the job done. … His fee is reasonable and he knows what he’s doing. Thank you Mr. Volet and I hope I never need your services again!” – Anonymous

Contact a New Jersey Shoplifting Defense Attorney

The Law Office of Jason A. Volet has the resources and drive to help avoid the devastating consequences of a New Jersey shoplifting conviction. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.

Visit Our New Jersey Shoplifting Defense Law Offices