Shoplifting

Published on: April 25, 2017

Have You Been Charged with Shoplifting at Jersey Gardens Outlet in Tinton Falls or Monmouth Mall in Eatontown?

Monmouth Mall is one of the most popular spots in Eatontown, not just for shoppers but for shoplifters. Jersey Outlets in Tinton Falls is an outdoor outlet that attracts shoppers from all over New Jersey, and many are arrested for shoplifting each year. Unfortunately for those who give in to the temptation of a “five-finger discount,” the mall and outlet do not have much forgiveness when it comes to prosecuting those who steal goods while pretending to be a customer.

If you have recently been arrested for shoplifting at Monmouth Mall in Eatontown or Jersey Gardens Outlet in Tinton Falls, there are several things you should know.

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Published on: October 7, 2013

Random Drug Testing in New Jersey Schools

By Tara Breslow-Testa, Esq.

This New York Times article discusses the debate over random drug testing in high schools in New Jersey. I will be interesting to see if this goes through, and what the legal ramifications are for those who test positive.

See link below for article:

Published on: June 14, 2013

Arrested in Long Beach Island (LBI)? You need an Experienced Criminal Lawyer!

By Tara Breslow-Testa, Esq.

As the warm weather air rolls in and July 4th is around the corner, beach-lovers head to Long Beach Island (LBI). Inevitably, when there is a sudden increase in population in a shore town, the local police department increase their police presence as well. This increase in police presence in the summer months is evident in the towns of Beach Haven, Ship Bottom, Long Beach Township, Surf City, Barnegat Light and Harvey Cedars.

If you have visited LBI, you know it is a beautiful place, however many juveniles and adults are arrested while on vacation in LBI over the summer months. An arrest can have significant long term negative effect on your life . Whether the arrest be for a borough ordinance violation, Possession of Marijuana less than 50 grams, Drug Paraphernalia, Criminal Mischief or Simple Assault, all these matters require court appearances. A Disorderly Person offense holds a maximum of 6 months in jail, a probation term and up to $1000 in court fines. It is imperative that you have an experienced criminal defense attorney fighting on your side in these local municipalities of Beach Haven, Long Beach Township (which includes Brant Beach, Holgate, Brighton Beach, Beach Haven Crest, Beach Haven Terrace, Beach Haven Gardens, Haven Beach, The Dunes, Spray Beach and North Beach Haven), Surf City, Barnegat Light, Harvey Cedars and Ship Bottom.

If the matter is classified as an indictable offense, whether is it be 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th degree the matter will be transferred to the Superior Court located in Toms River, New Jersey. Again, it is important to have an attorney with experience on your side.

Published on: April 25, 2013

Pre-Indictment Court in Superior Court

By Tara Breslow-Testa, Esq.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a felony offense, it will likely that your matter will be sent to the Superior Court in the county where you were arrested. For example, if you were arrested in Monmouth County, your matter will be transferred to the Superior Court located in Freehold. Once the matter is transferred it will undergo a screening process, and it is possible that prior to the matter being sent to the Grand Jury for Indictment, the matter will be sent to the Pre-Indictment Court, otherwise known as PIP court. Judge Kilgallen is the newly assigned Judge who presides over PIP court in Monmouth County.

It is not always beneficial to accept a plea deal in PIP court. However, sometimes it is the best deal that a defendant will ever be offered. It is important to know the risks as well as the benefits of accepting or rejecting a plea offer. An experienced criminal defense lawyer in New Jersey can help advise you whether this will be the best deal or if you can do better if you wait.

Published on: January 26, 2011

Freehold Shoplifting at Mall- How a Disordering Persons could become a Felony

By Tara Breslow-Testa, Esq.

A 19 year old man from Morganville, New Jersey was accused of shoplifting three hats, valued at $102.02, from a store at the Freehold Mall located in Freehold, NJ. This amount of stolen goods would normally result with a disorderly persons charge that would likely be heard in Freehold Municipal Court. A disorderly persons offense holds up to a maximum of six months in jail, and up to a $1,000 in fines, and other court costs.

This is very common charge in Freehold as well as in Eatontown, NJ where Monmouth Mall is located. If the amount shoplifted is worth more than $200, then the accused would have been charged with a fourth degree shoplifting. If there is a third shoplifting conviction, the accused could face 90 days mandatory jail time. Hiring a New Jersey Criminal Defense attorney with experience in dealing with shoplifting is important no matter how time you have been charged.

During this incident at Freehold Mall when the accused was confronted by security, he punched the security official in the face and attempted to flee the scene. Eventually, the accused was arrested and regardless of the small amount of items shoplifted, this alleged act of assault could turn this disorderly persons charge into a serious felony offense of aggravated assault or even robbery. If someone is charged with a felony offense, the matter will be heard in Superior Court. If the incident occurs in either Monmouth Mall or Freehold Raceway Mall, then the Superior Court charge will be heard in Freehold at the Superior Court located on 71 Monument Park in Freehold. The accused could face third or even second degree charges depending on the injuries.

In this matter, the accused was also charged with giving false information to police. The man was later transferred to Monmouth County Jail and held on a low bail.
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