Burglary Charges Defense Lawyer in Cherry Hill, NJ Represents Clients Charged with Theft, Burglary & Robbery in Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, and Throughout NJ
Theft offenses in New Jersey are divided into categories depending on the circumstances surrounding the crime. All theft crimes involve the illegal taking of another’s property (or attempts at such). Robbery and burglary charges are two specific types of New Jersey theft charges—and two of the more serious offenses. Contact our New Jersey theft attorney for a free initial consultation today.
If you have been arrested on theft, robbery, or burglary charges in New Jersey, it is important to speak with an experienced New Jersey theft attorney who will take your case seriously. The Law Offices of Michele Finizio is composed of the very best New Jersey theft attorneys in the state. With over two decades of experience, Michele Finizio has the experience and resources needed to handle even the most complex theft cases.
The Law Offices of Michele Finizio stands by its clients every step of the way. New Jersey prosecutors can be relentless in pursuing convictions for theft, robbery, and burglary offenses. Theft crimes are prosecuted vigorously on their own. When the use of force or illegal entry into someone’s home is involved, prosecutors dig in even deeper. You need an aggressive and experienced New Jersey theft attorney by your side to level the playing field and protect your rights.
Whether this is your first offense or you have a prior criminal history, it is never a good idea to try handling your case alone. Experienced New Jersey theft attorney, Michele Finizio, understands how to use affirmative defenses to your advantage and knows what strategies work in undermining the prosecution’s case. Contact an experienced, respected burglary charges defense lawyer in Cherry Hill, NJ at The Law Offices of Michele Finizio today. Your first consultation is always free and completely confidential.
Facing A Criminal Charge And Have Questions? We Can Help. Contact The Law Offices of Michele Finizio Today At 856-888-9059 Or Fill Our Our Convenient Online Contact Form For A Free Consultation About Your Case.
New Jersey Theft, Robbery & Burglary Charges
Theft crimes are classified based on the circumstances surrounding the illegal taking of another’s property without any intention of returning it. Any crime that involves stolen property is technically a theft crime. Examples of New Jersey theft crimes The Law Offices of Michele Finizio handles include:
- Shoplifting
- Theft of a motor vehicle
- Carjacking
- Extortion
- Theft of services
- Receiving stolen property
Two of the more serious varieties of theft charges are robbery and burglary. Robbery is a theft crime that is committed using force or threats of force. Robbery is usually prosecuted as a second-degree felony, but robbery can be elevated to a first-degree crime if the prosecution can prove one of the following:
- The defendant attempted to kill anyone in the course of committing the robbery
- The defendant was armed with a deadly weapon
- The defendant inflicts serious bodily injury
The prosecution can convict on burglary charges upon proof beyond a reasonable doubt that, with intent to commit a crime, the defendant committed any one of the following acts:
- Entered a structure (such as a home or office) that was not open to the public and to which the defendant did not have a license or permission to enter
- Remained in a structure knowing that he or she did not have a license or permission to be there
- Trespassed on utility company property where notices prohibiting trespassing were conspicuously posted
In most cases, burglary is a third-degree crime that can result in three to five years in state prison, along with a maximum $15,000 fine. However, burglary can be upgraded to a second-degree crime if either of the following is true:
- The defendant injured someone, whether purposefully, knowingly, or recklessly, or attempts to injure someone in the course of committing (or attempting to commit) the offense
- The defendant was armed with (or displays what appears to be) an explosive or a deadly weapon
When robbery or burglary charges are classified as second-degree crimes, the potential punishment can include five to ten years in state prison. The offense will also be subject to New Jersey’s No Early Release Act, which carries a presumption of incarceration even for first offenders.
Trusted New Jersey Theft Attorney Dedicated to Getting Results for Clients Arrested on Theft, Robbery & Burglary Charges
Proving the elements of theft, robbery, and burglary involves complex evidentiary considerations. The prosecution may have video surveillance footage or eyewitness testimony on their side. In other cases, they may have nothing more than circumstantial evidence that you were involved in the crime.
An experienced New Jersey theft attorney can conduct a detailed investigation to uncover any violations that might lead to that evidence being excluded from the trial. The firm approaches every case as though it will litigate through trial before a judge and jury. A leading burglary charges defense lawyer in Cherry Hill, NJ will build a comprehensive defense strategy that explores every aspect of your case.
Arrested on Theft, Robbery & Burglary Charges? Call an Experienced New Jersey Theft Attorney to Explore Your Options Today
The Law Offices of Michele Finizio focuses on criminal defense so that you can rest assured you are getting the specialized and skilled representation you need. The firm’s attorneys will personally handle your case and will be there to answer your questions throughout the entire criminal process. Skilled New Jersey theft attorney, Michele Finizio, aggressively pursues the best outcome for every client.
To learn more about the firm and explore your defense options, call or contact the firm for a free initial consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Theft, Robbery, and Burglary Charges in New Jersey
Will I have to go to jail if convicted of robbery or burglary charges?
It depends upon the circumstances. If your robbery or burglary charges are prosecuted as second-degree crimes (or even first-degree in the case of robbery), you need an extremely skilled New Jersey Theft Attorney on your side to have any hope of avoiding jail. Second-degree convictions carry a presumption of incarceration. In order to get probation (or admission into a diversionary program), your lawyer will have to demonstrate compelling circumstances. If the charge is a third-degree or lesser charge and this is your first offense, an experienced lawyer may be able to help you get admitted into a diversionary program.
At The Law Offices of Michele Finizio, the lawyers aim for not-guilty verdicts but are also committed to getting the best outcome for clients—which may mean a diversionary program in some cases.
What if I was convicted of a theft crime that is not robbery or burglary? Do I have to go to jail for larceny?
Larceny, which is another word for theft, does not always carry jail time. Theft can be graded as a misdemeanor or felony. Whether jail is on the table will depend upon several factors, the most important of which are:
- Whether this is your first offense
- The value of the items stolen
- Whether any violent acts were involved in the offense