New Jersey Target Shoplifting Attorney

Target is one of the most popular big box chains in New Jersey, making its stores frequent targets for shoplifters. However, shoplifting from Target carries significant penalties, including a lengthy jail sentence, large fines, mandatory community service, and more. Anyone accused of stealing from Target needs a skilled criminal defense attorney to avoid the worst possible outcome.

The Law Office of Jason A. Volet can guide you through the legal process if you face charges for shoplifting from Target. As a former New Jersey prosecutor, Attorney Jason A. Volet understands the nuances of these cases and the tactics authorities use to secure convictions. Our team can provide the comprehensive legal representation you need, explain each step of your case, and develop a strong defense strategy to help you contest these charges. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation with our New Jersey Target shoplifting defense lawyer.

What Methods Does Target Use to Monitor for Shoplifting?

Target uses several methods to watch for shoplifting at its New Jersey stores, including:

• Surveillance cameras – Cameras placed throughout Target stores help employees monitor customers for signs of theft, such as people hiding items in their clothing or placing items in their carts without paying for them at the self-checkout lanes.
• Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tags – If you’ve shopped at Target recently, you’ve likely noticed that many clothes and other items have small electronic tags attached. Only Target employees can deactivate them after a customer purchases an item. If someone tries to leave a store without paying for an item, the attached EAS tag will sound an alarm to alert store security employees.
• Loss Prevention Officers – Certain Target employees watch customers for signs of shoplifting. While these employees often focus on customers in checkout lines or at store entrances and exits, they may also move throughout the store to watch for suspected shoplifters. Some Loss Prevention Officers may even go “undercover” by dressing in plain clothes to patrol the store.

Can I Be Charged for Shoplifting After I Have Left Target?

If you’re caught or suspected of shoplifting, Target security officers will likely detain you at the store while waiting for the police to arrive. However, New Jersey prosecutors can charge you with shoplifting even after you’ve left the store. If there’s surveillance footage or other evidence suggesting you stole merchandise from Target, the authorities can charge you with shoplifting after you leave and take you into police custody.

Target may even let you steal items from their stores to build a stronger case against you. According to news reports, Target loss prevention officers sometimes let repeat shoplifters keep stealing from their stores until the amount stolen is enough for a felony charge. This tactic can lead to much more severe penalties for offenders.

What Penalties Might I Face If I Am Convicted of Shoplifting at a New Jersey Target?

Two critical factors determine the penalties for shoplifting from New Jersey Target stores. The first is the retail value of the merchandise the offender allegedly stole. The second is whether the offender stole the merchandise as part of an organized retail theft operation. According to the New Jersey shoplifting statute, the possible penalties for this offense 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 operation – 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 operation – 5 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000

You may also be required to perform community service. A first shoplifting offense requires at least 10 days of community service. For a second offense, the required community service term is 15 days. A third or subsequent offense will require at least 25 days of community service and 90 days in jail.

Could I Be Banned from Shopping at Target If I Am Convicted of Shoplifting?

Anyone convicted of shoplifting at Target should expect the company to ban them from the store they allegedly stole from – and likely all the company’s stores. Target often uses facial recognition software and artificial intelligence-powered cameras to identify suspected shoplifters. This technology can help loss prevention officers recognize convicted shoplifters.

Can I Be Charged with Shoplifting If I Accidentally Did Not Pay for an Item?

Accidents happen, and people sometimes face shoplifting charges for not paying for items at Target that they intended to purchase. Prosecutors can still file charges in these cases, but a capable attorney can help demonstrate how the incident was a mistake and that you intended to pay for the items.

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

Your choice of a criminal defense lawyer has a significant impact on your case. If you need a New Jersey shoplifting defense attorney, here are a few reasons to hire Jason A. Volet and his team:

• Attorney Jason A. Volet is certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a criminal trial attorney, demonstrating his skill and knowledge in this complex area of the law.
• Volet is a former New Jersey prosecutor, so he knows the strategies police and prosecutors use to win these cases and secure convictions.
• With nearly 20 years of experience, our firm has a proven history of successful results, including one case where we reduced the sentence for a defendant accused of shoplifting to probation, despite the defendant’s lengthy criminal history.
• We have many positive reviews from our clients, including this one: “My experience with Jason Volet was nothing but great. He always made me feel safe and comfortable about my case and always had my best interest in mind. … I would definitely recommend Jason to anyone who is in need of a criminal attorney.” – Samantha

Contact a New Jersey Shoplifting Defense Lawyer

Working with a New Jersey shoplifting defense attorney is the best way to protect yourself if the authorities have accused you of stealing from Target. Call the Law Office of Jason A. Volet now or reach out online for a free initial consultation.

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