Since we pay for our own possessions with our hard-earned money, no one should be able to take that away from us. We work every day to provide for ourselves and for our families. This money makes a living for us. It also may provide us with luxury items. These items can be big televisions for a place where the family can gather in front of during the holiday season to watch Christmas movies together. A new radio system could serve as a source for Christmas music to blast through the house during the month of December. With the holidays in season, theft can become more of an issue. Whether it is done through a home invasion or through fraudulent ways, it can be considered theft when someone takes your assets. Theft can include offenses such as fraud, shoplifting, home invasion, robbery and extortion.
When people face theft charges, they can face various consequences. These consequences can be based on how much the stolen property is valued at. Their penalties should align with how much value they took from a person. When property is valued at less than $200, individuals can be charged with a disorderly persons offense. If the stolen property is valued between $200 and $500, individuals may be charged with a fourth degree theft charge. This can lead to up to 18 months of imprisonment. As the property value increases, the charges can become more serious due to the more valuable assets stolen. Property valued between $500 and $75,000 can lead to third degree charges, making a prison sentence up to five years. Property valued at more than $75,000 can lead to second degree charges, making imprisonment penalties for up to 10 years.
What is fraud?
Fraud is a form of theft that is done by stealing property or someone’s identity through deception of a victim. When people face fraud charges, it can include offenses from disorderly persons offenses to second degree crimes. When they are faced with crime charges, it may lead to incarceration. The charge can depend on the amount of property that is valued to be stolen. Fraud offenses can include check forgery, passing bad checks, charity scams, straw-man purchases, contractor disputes, credit card fraud, identity theft, Social Security Disability fraud and insurance fraud.
If you have been charged with a crime in New Jersey, it is essential to retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Contact the Law Office of Michael A. Policastro today to schedule a consultation so we can discuss your situation.
