Felony Theft Lawyer Gloucester County — Defending Against Grand Larceny Charges
Felony theft in Gloucester County, known as an indictable crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2, carries severe penalties including years in state prison. A felony theft lawyer Gloucester County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense. Our firm has documented results in New Jersey courts. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747.
New Jersey Felony Theft Law and Penalties
In New Jersey, theft offenses are not called felonies but are classified as “indictable crimes” and graded by degree based on the value of the property or other specific circumstances. The governing statute is the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, specifically N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2. The degree of the crime dictates the potential penalties upon conviction.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Gloucester Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings extensive experience to theft cases. Understanding the nuances of property valuation and intent is critical for a grand larceny defense lawyer Gloucester County.
Official Resources on Theft Laws
For the official text of New Jersey’s theft statutes, refer to the New Jersey Legislature’s website for N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2. For local court procedures and filing information, visit the Gloucester Vicinage website.
Local Court Process for a Felony Stealing Charge in Gloucester County
An indictable theft charge in Gloucester County begins with a complaint and warrant. Your first appearance will be at the Gloucester County Superior Court in Woodbury for a detention hearing, as New Jersey has abolished cash bail. The court uses a Public Safety Assessment to decide pretrial release. A felony stealing charge lawyer Gloucester County must immediately work to secure your release and challenge the prosecution’s evidence. The case then proceeds through grand jury indictment, discovery, and potential plea negotiations or trial.
- Initial Arrest & Detention Hearing: You will be brought before a judge at the Gloucester County Superior Court for a first appearance and detention hearing within 48 hours.
- Case Review & Discovery: Your attorney will obtain all police reports, witness statements, and video evidence from the prosecution to build your defense.
- Grand Jury Presentation: The prosecutor will present evidence to a grand jury to secure an indictment, formally charging you with an indictable crime.
- Pre-Trial Conferences: Your lawyer will attend status conferences to negotiate with the state, potentially seeking a downgrade to a disorderly persons offense or entry into a diversion program like PTI.
- Trial or Resolution: If a favorable plea cannot be reached, your case will proceed to a jury trial in Gloucester County Superior Court.
Potential Penalties for Theft Crimes in New Jersey
In Gloucester County, a felony theft charge can result in a prison sentence of 18 months to 10 years, significant fines, and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense Degree | Property Value / Circumstance | Incarceration | Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Degree Crime | Theft over $75,000; certain firearms, drugs, or public benefits | 5-10 years (presumption of imprisonment) | Up to $150,000 |
| 3rd Degree Crime | Theft between $500 and $75,000 | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 |
| 4th Degree Crime | Theft between $200 and $500 | Up to 18 months | Up to $10,000 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Gloucester County Theft Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We approach each theft case with a detailed strategy, examining every element the state must prove, from the value of the property to your alleged intent. Our goal is to protect your future and your record.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in criminal cases. In Gloucester County and across New Jersey, we work to have charges dismissed, reduced, or resolved through diversionary programs like Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Gloucester County Felony Theft Defense Lawyer Near You
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing charges at the Gloucester County Superior Court in Woodbury. We are accessible via I-295, Route 55, and the NJ Turnpike. If you need a felony theft lawyer Gloucester County near Woodbury, Washington Township, Deptford, or Monroe Township, we can help.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations available.
Frequently Asked Questions: Felony Theft Charges in NJ
What is considered felony theft in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, theft is a felony-level “indictable crime” if the value exceeds $200, involves a firearm, or meets other specific criteria under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2. Degrees range from 4th degree (theft of $200-$500) to 2nd degree (theft over $75,000).
Can a grand larceny charge be reduced in Gloucester County?
Yes. An experienced grand larceny defense lawyer Gloucester County can negotiate to downgrade charges to a disorderly persons offense or secure admission into Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI). Success depends on the facts, your record, and the strength of the defense presented to the prosecutor.
What are the defenses against a felony stealing charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent, mistaken identity, claim of right (believing you owned the property), insufficient evidence of value, and challenges to the legality of a search or seizure. A felony stealing charge lawyer Gloucester County will identify the best defense for your situation.
Do I need a lawyer for a first-time theft charge?
Yes. Even a first-time indictable theft charge carries the risk of state prison. A lawyer is essential to seek PTI, which can lead to a complete dismissal after supervision, avoiding a permanent conviction.
What is the difference between theft and robbery in NJ?
Theft involves unlawfully taking property. Robbery (N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1) is theft accomplished by using force or threatening immediate force. Robbery is always at least a 2nd-degree crime with more severe penalties than theft alone.
Internal Resources
For more information, see our New Jersey Criminal Defense overview. We also assist clients in nearby counties like Camden County and Burlington County. If you are facing other charges, learn about our services as a Gloucester County DUI lawyer or Gloucester County immigration lawyer.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.
New Jersey law governs this practice area.
Gloucester County cases are handled by our Fairfax felony theft practice, where the whole process is set out.
Your case in Gloucester County, New Jersey
Indictable charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division; disorderly-persons offenses are heard in the municipal court where the charge was filed. In Gloucester County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Gloucester Vicinage (15th Vicinage), 70 Hunter Street, Woodbury, NJ 08096, telephone (856) 853-3200, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, N.J.S.A. Title 2C. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Gloucester County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Gloucester County NJ lawyers directory.