The Tormey Law Firm recently represented a client charged with shoplifting in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11(b). The charges arose out of an incident in Paramus, New Jersey. Since the amount of the alleged theft was over $500, the case was initially charged as a felony (indictable matter) and was sent to the Bergen County Superior Court, located in Hackensack NJ, for disposition. Our client faced several years in state prison, as well as having a felony on his record if convicted of this very serious theft offense. Additionally, because the client is a teacher, his teaching license could have been suspended or revoked if convicted of this crime.

The first thing our criminal defense lawyers did was to get the case remanded back to the Paramus Municipal Court as a disorderly persons offense (misdemeanor). As a result, the client now longer faced a felony charge on his permanent record.

Next, when the case was sent back to Paramus Municipal Court, our experienced criminal defense attorneys appeared with the client in court. The store representatives failed to appear, meaning that the State was unable to proceed with the case. Based on this, we requested the case be dismissed. Although the municipal court judge initially denied our motion, he did mark the next court listing as “try or dismiss.” When the store reps failed to appear again, the case was dismissed for lack of prosecution based on a motion by the defense.

This was a very good result for our client and a huge victory for the Tormey Law Firm. Thanks to our hard work, the client was able to avoid jail and his teaching license is no longer in jeopardy.