Theft & Property Crime Defense in Somerville, New Jersey
If you have been charged with shoplifting, theft, burglary, or another property crime in Somerville or a nearby New Jersey court, you may be facing consequences that go far beyond fines. A conviction can affect your job, professional license, immigration status, and future opportunities. As a Somerville theft crime defense lawyer, Christopher G. Olsen focuses his criminal defense practice on protecting your record and your future when accusations involve someone else’s property.
Accused of Theft or Property Damage in Central New Jersey?
A momentary mistake, a misunderstanding at a store, or a dispute over property can quickly turn into criminal charges. You may be worried about jail time, probation, restitution, and what will appear on background checks for years to come. New Jersey’s theft and property crime laws are complex, and penalties can escalate based on the value of the property, prior record, and where the alleged conduct occurred. Christopher provides calm, straightforward guidance, reviews how the accusations arose, and builds a defense strategy focused on limiting long-term harm to your life in Somerville and surrounding communities.
Common New Jersey DUI Situations We Handle
Shoplifting and Retail Theft
Allegations involving merchandise at big-box stores, malls, or local shops are among the most common theft charges. Christopher examines store reports, surveillance video, and witness statements to challenge assumptions about intent, value, and what actually happened, and he looks for options that protect your record whenever possible.
Theft of Property or Services
These cases can involve accusations of taking money or items, failing to return property, or obtaining services without paying. Christopher reviews the relationship between the parties, any contracts or communications, and the way police became involved, often exposing gaps between a civil dispute and a true criminal offense.
White-Collar or Business-Related Property Theft
Accusations involving workplace funds, business property, or misuse of accounts can threaten both your career and your reputation. Christopher treats these cases with discretion, reviews financial records carefully, and explores resolutions that take into account the complexity of business relationships and transactions.
Burglary and Trespass-Related Offenses
Entering a home, business, or vehicle without permission can lead to serious charges, especially if the state claims an intent to commit a crime inside. Christopher analyzes how the property was entered, what evidence supports any alleged intent, and whether the state is overcharging the situation based on limited or circumstantial facts.
Receiving Stolen Property and Possession Cases
You may be accused of possessing items that the state claims were stolen, even when you did not take them yourself. Christopher focuses on what you knew about the property, how it came into your possession, and whether the state can prove you were aware of any problem.
Criminal Mischief and Property Damage
Allegations of damaging someone else’s property — from vehicles and homes to personal items — can lead to criminal mischief charges and significant restitution demands. Christopher works to clarify what damage actually occurred, whether it was intentional, and how repair or restitution efforts might help manage the outcome.
What To Expect From Your New Jersey Theft Defense
From the first conversation, Christopher listens to your side of the story and explains, in plain English, what the charges mean and what penalties you might face. He reviews police reports, complaints, store or business documents, and any available video to understand the full picture, not just the accusation. You will receive candid feedback about the strengths and weaknesses of the case and realistic options, whether that means negotiating a reduced charge, contesting the allegations, or focusing on protecting your record. Throughout the process, you can expect steady communication and a clear explanation of each court date and decision.
Typical steps in a theft or property crime case may include:
- Initial consultation and review of the charges, value thresholds, and potential consequences.
- Requesting discovery, including reports, video, receipts, financial records, and witness statements.
- Identifying defenses based on intent, ownership disputes, mistaken identity, or problems with how evidence was gathered.
- Negotiating with prosecutors where appropriate, or preparing for hearings and trial when a contested approach makes sense.
- Addressing restitution, record-protection strategies, and long-term considerations such as employment and licensing.
How Value and Circumstances Affect New Jersey Theft Cases
| Scenario | How It’s Typically Charged | Potential Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Low-value shoplifting with no prior record | Often handled as a lower-level offense in municipal court, though details depend on the exact value and circumstances. | Penalties may include fines, probation, and restitution, and the focus of the defense is often on protecting your record and limiting future impact. |
| Higher-value theft or repeated conduct | May be charged as a more serious offense with exposure to steeper fines and possible jail time. | The defense often centers on challenging value calculations, questioning intent, and exploring negotiated resolutions that reduce long-term penalties. |
| Burglary or theft involving homes or businesses | Typically treated as a more serious property crime because it involves entry into a structure or heightened concerns about safety. | Consequences can include significant sentencing exposure, so the defense focuses on what the state can truly prove about entry, intent, and your role. |
| Property damage or criminal mischief | Charges focus on alleged damage rather than taking property, with restitution often playing a central role. | A strong defense may highlight disputes over how damage occurred, repair costs, and whether alternatives to conviction are possible. |
The outcome of a theft or property crime case often depends on the value of the property, where the incident took place, and whether you have any prior record. This overview is not legal advice, but it can help you understand why two people facing “theft” charges may have very different risks and options. Christopher uses these factors to build a strategy that matches your priorities, whether that means avoiding jail, protecting professional opportunities, or minimizing long-term record impact.
Common Questions About New Jersey Theft & Property Crime Charges
How serious is a shoplifting charge in New Jersey?
The seriousness of a shoplifting charge depends on the value of the items and your prior record. Even lower-value cases can carry fines, probation, and lasting record consequences, especially if not handled carefully. Higher-value cases may be treated more severely and can resemble other theft charges. Christopher reviews the value, evidence, and your background to explain realistic outcomes and strategies.
If I return the property, will the charges go away?
Returning property or making restitution may help in negotiations, but it does not automatically erase criminal charges. The decision to continue or dismiss a case rests with the prosecutor and the court, not just the alleged victim or store. However, responsible steps taken early can sometimes influence how your case is viewed and what resolutions might be available. Christopher helps you decide what actions make sense in your specific situation.
Can I be charged if I never left the store with the item?
Yes, in some circumstances, New Jersey law allows shoplifting charges based on concealment or other conduct inside the store, even if you did not exit the building. The state still has to prove intent to deprive the store of its property. Christopher examines store policies, video footage, and witness accounts to challenge assumptions about what you intended to do.
What is the difference between theft and burglary?
Theft generally involves taking property that belongs to someone else, while burglary focuses on entering a structure — such as a home, business, or other building — with the intent to commit a crime inside. You can be charged with burglary even if nothing was ultimately taken, depending on what the state claims your intent was. Christopher analyzes the facts and the way the charges were filed to see whether burglary is truly supported or should be challenged.
Will a theft conviction show up on background checks?
Theft and property crime convictions often appear on background checks and can affect employment, housing, and professional opportunities. That is why protecting your record is such a central part of the defense strategy. During a consultation, Christopher explains how different outcomes — from dismissals to reduced charges — may affect what shows up on future screenings and what options may exist for record relief down the road.
Facing Theft or Property Crime Charges in Somerville?
A theft or property crime accusation does not define you, and it does not mean the case is already decided. With focused criminal defense representation rooted in Somerville and central New Jersey courts, you can take informed steps to protect your rights, your record, and your future.
If you or someone you care about is facing shoplifting, theft, burglary, or related property crime charges in Somerset, Morris, or Middlesex Counties, reach out to Christopher to talk through what happened and what matters most to you.