Shoplifting Lawyers in Parsippany NJ

Disorderly Persons Arrests and Charges in Parsippany Court

Shoplifting Charge Parsippany

Have you received a summons for shoplifting in Parsippany? Were you wrongfully arrested and charged based on false allegations? We can help. Here is an example of a real shoplifting case we handled with great success in Parsippany Court for one of our clients.

The Morris County Criminal Defense Lawyers at the Tormey Law Firm LLC recently represented a client who was charged with shoplifting under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11. The amount of the alleged shoplifting was $24.00 from ShopRite in Parsippany. This is a misdemeanor charge known as a disorderly persons offense which is prosecuted in the Parsippany Municipal Court. The client was facing up to a $1,000 fine, up to six (6) months in the Morris County Jail, probation, and a permanent criminal charge on his record if convicted. He had no prior criminal history so there is a presumption of non-incarceration for first time offenders. In addition, he was eligible for a first offender program known as a conditional dismissal. This is a program you can only use once in your life and would allow the charges to be dismissed at the end of a one-year probationary period. Further, if the defendant is not a United States citizen, a conviction for shoplifting, a crime of moral turpitude, could jeopardize his immigration status.

Discovery Evidence from the Parsippany Police Department

In this case, we received the discovery package which is the police reports, videos, etc. All the evidence in the case the State possesses and intends to rely upon to prove the charges against the defendant.

Status Conference in Parsippany Municipal Court

We then appeared in court and conferenced the case with the Parsippany Municipal prosecutor. The store representatives failed to appear for court on the first date. Without their appearance and ability to testify against the defendant, the case can’t be proven in court. We asked the Judge to enter a try or dismiss listing for the second court date. This means that, if the store fails to appear again, the case will be dismissed for lack of prosecution. The defendant has a right to a speedy trial and to confront his accusers so they can’t keep making him appear in court if the State’s witnesses don’t show up.

Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Prosecution in Parsippany Court

The store representatives again failed to appear in court on the second court date. As a result, the Judge dismissed the charges against the defendant. Because the case was dismissed, the defendant is eligible to file an automatic expungement immediately to have the arrest removed from his record as well.

False Arrest for Shoplifting Morris County? Contact Travis Tormey For Help

This was a great result for the client and the Tormey Law Firm LLC. If you a loved one needs assistance with a shoplifting charge in Parsippany NJ or anywhere in Morris County, contact our Morristown offices now for a free initial consultation at 908-336-5008.