Property Crimes Cases We Handle

• Theft: Taking another person’s property without permission, with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. This can include shoplifting from a store, stealing from an individual, taking property from a parked vehicle, or unlawfully obtaining funds through electronic means. The severity of theft charges often depends on the value of the property taken.
• Burglary: Entering a building or structure without authorization, with the intent to commit a crime inside. While burglary is often associated with theft, the intended crime could also be vandalism, assault, or another illegal act. In New Jersey, burglary charges can be elevated if the suspect was armed or if a person was present in the building at the time.
• Robbery: Taking property directly from another person using force, threats, or intimidation. Robbery is classified as a violent offense, even if no weapon is displayed. Penalties can increase substantially if the incident involves a firearm or results in injury to the victim.
• Arson: Intentionally setting fire to a building, vehicle, or other property. In New Jersey, the degree of the arson charge depends on factors such as whether anyone was present or endangered, whether the property was occupied, and the motive behind the fire.
• Vandalism: Willfully damaging or defacing property, which can include graffiti, breaking windows, destroying landscaping, or damaging public property. Vandalism charges can apply to both public and private property, and penalties may include restitution for repairs.
• Criminal Trespass: Entering or remaining on someone else’s property without consent. This applies to homes, businesses, fenced-off areas, or construction sites. Trespass charges can escalate if the property was posted with clear warning signs or if the trespass occurred at night.
• Shoplifting: Removing merchandise from a retail store without paying, altering price tags, concealing goods, or attempting to pay less than the full price. Penalties are based on the value of the stolen goods and whether the accused has prior offenses.
• Receiving Stolen Property: Possessing, selling, or transporting property that you know, or should have known, was stolen. In New Jersey, even unknowingly possessing stolen goods can result in charges if the circumstances suggest you should have been aware.
• Forgery: Creating, altering, or using a false document, signature, or financial instrument with the intent to defraud. This can include forging checks, falsifying legal documents, or counterfeiting identification cards.
• Credit Card Fraud: Using another person’s credit card or credit card information without permission to make purchases or withdraw funds. This offense often overlaps with identity theft charges and can carry serious financial penalties.

Penalties and Consequences of Property Crimes in New Jersey

• Theft: Can be a disorderly persons offense for items valued under $200 or a felony for higher amounts, with potential prison time increasing as the value rises.
• Burglary: Generally charged as a third-degree crime, but can be elevated to second degree if the accused was armed or caused injury.
• Robbery: Typically a second-degree crime, but can be first degree if a weapon was used or if someone was injured.
• Arson: Penalties range from third-degree to first-degree charges depending on intent and whether human life was endangered.
• Vandalism: Can be charged as a disorderly persons offense or a more serious crime depending on the amount of damage caused.
• Criminal Trespass: Usually a disorderly persons offense, but can be more serious if it involves certain protected properties.
• Shoplifting: Penalties vary based on the value of the items stolen, with higher values leading to felony charges.
• Receiving Stolen Property: Punishment mirrors that of theft, depending on the value of the property.
• Forgery & Credit Card Fraud: Both are considered serious offenses, often charged at the third-degree level or higher.

Collateral Consequences of a Property Crime Conviction in New Jersey

• Employment Challenges: Many employers are hesitant to hire someone with a theft or fraud-related conviction, especially in positions involving money or valuable items.
• Housing Issues: Landlords may refuse to rent to individuals with a criminal record, limiting housing options.
• Educational Barriers: A conviction can affect college admissions, eligibility for scholarships, or participation in certain academic programs.
• Professional Licensing Problems: Some careers require state or federal licensing, and a property crime conviction can lead to denial or revocation.
• Reputation Damage: A criminal record can harm your personal relationships and standing in the community.

Common Defenses Against Property Crimes in New Jersey

• Lack of Intent: Many property crimes require proof that the accused intended to commit the act. For example, taking something by mistake or without realizing it belonged to someone else is not theft under the law.
• Mistaken Identity: Eyewitness identifications can be unreliable. If there is reason to believe the police identified the wrong person, your attorney can challenge the credibility of the evidence.
• Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is not enough evidence linking you to the alleged crime, charges may be reduced or dismissed.
• Consent: If the property owner gave permission for you to take, use, or enter their property, this may be a complete defense to the charge.
• Ownership Disputes: In some cases, property disputes are mistaken for criminal activity. If you believed you had a legal right to the property, this can be used as a defense.
• Illegal Search and Seizure: Evidence obtained through an unlawful search may be excluded from trial, which can weaken or destroy the prosecution’s case.
• Alibi: Demonstrating that you were somewhere else at the time of the alleged offense can be a strong defense.

How Can Mallon and Tranger Help With Property Crime Charges in New Jersey?

• Conducting a Comprehensive Case Review: Carefully examining police reports, physical evidence, and witness statements to uncover weaknesses or inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case.
• Challenging Unlawful Evidence: Filing motions to suppress evidence obtained through illegal searches or seizures, as well as questioning the credibility of key witnesses.
• Exploring Alternative Resolutions: Negotiating with prosecutors to seek charge reductions, diversion program placements, or plea agreements that can minimize long-term consequences.
• Representing Clients in Court: Using persuasive advocacy, legal knowledge, and trial experience to present a strong defense before a judge or jury.
• Creating a Tailored Defense Strategy: Developing a defense plan that reflects the specific facts of the case and the client’s goals, whether that involves avoiding incarceration, protecting professional licenses, or preventing a criminal record.

Additional Legal Services

• Drug crimes
• Sex crimes
• White-collar crimes
• Juvenile crimes
• Violent crimes
• Traffic violations
• Police brutality
• And more

Why Choose Mallon and Tranger?

Contact Mallon and Tranger After a New Jersey Property Crime Charge