Badge - Rated by Super Lawyers Victor A. Rotolo
Badge - Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Badge - Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forums
Badge - New Jersey Supreme Court Certified Attorney
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Badge - New Jersey's Best Lawyers For Families 2018
Badge - Rated by Super Lawyers
Badge - AV Preeminent Victor A. Rotolo
Badge - Client Champion Gold 2020
Badge - Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce
Please click Award & Selection Criteria & Methodology for information regarding the specific criteria used for selection of each of the above awards.

Theft, Shoplifting

Some teens do it for thrills, some out of boredom and still others on a dare. Whatever the underlying reason, shoplifting is a crime and, in New Jersey, it is one that carries stiff penalties. When facing a criminal charge, a juvenile requires representation by an experienced attorney so that his/her youthful mistakes do not ruin the future.

As a former prosecutor in Hunterdon County, Anthony Kearns is fully familiar with police practices as is Victor Rotolo, a former police officer in Elizabeth, NJ. As experienced criminal attorneys, they are advocates for juveniles in the court room. Their combination of skills and experiences enables them to represent juvenile clients.

According to a paper released by the Hunterdon County Sheriff’s Department, most shoplifting cases are committed by amateurs, not professionals. Of those amateurs, approximately 24% are teens between the ages of 13 and 17.

The most obvious definition of shoplifting is taking something without the intention of paying for it. Under New Jersey law, it is also considered shoplifting if you alter the price of an item; hide something on your person or in something you are carrying so as not to pay for it; or put merchandise in a different container in order to pay a lower price. It is even considered shoplifting if you take a shopping cart from a store without plans to return it.

New Jersey anti-shoplifting laws are among of the toughest in the country. Penalties for shoplifting in this State range from up to six months in prison and fines of up to $1,000 to between 5 and 10 years in prison and fines of up to $150,000, with the exact penalty determined by the retail value of the stolen item.

In addition to prison terms and fines, courts may also rule that restitution be paid. This restitution includes the retail value of the item, and also could include costs incurred to recover the item, and the store’s legal and court expenses.

First-time teen offenders may be released to the custody of their parents. Their cases may be referred to a juvenile office or juvenile court where the penalty would be decided. Although juvenile records are supposed to be kept confidential, the information sometimes gets out and may be seen by schools the teen is trying to get into or even by future employers.

Shoplifting is a crime not taken lightly in New Jersey and, as such, it may be necessary for you to seek the services of an experienced criminal attorney. If your teenager is accused of shoplifting, contact Kearns Rotolo Law attorneys to receive advice. Protect your rights and your teen’s rights. Call Kearns Rotolo Law today.

What Our Clients are Saying
★★★★★

The absolute BEST!!! I have a family of attorneys but needed someone local. Victor was recommended to me and words cannot describe how pleased I was with his firm. The outstanding service and attention each member of his staff gave to me surpassed any and all expectations. Victor surrounds himself with a hardworking team that he leads. I felt it was money spent wisely. I will continue to recommend Victor and his associates.

- Stephanie
★★★★★

Mr. Rotolo has helped me numerous times in legal matters and has continued to support and help me through countless hardships. He is dedicated to providing the best service and is a true professional. I will continue to consult with him regarding any legal issues in the future. He is a respectable, hardworking, kind hearted man and I would recommend his legal services to anyone.

- Matthew
★★★★★

I am an attorney and have practiced law for 26 years. I hired Vic to handle a very difficult family matter because I do not handle family law. Vic was extremely competent and obtained a result far beyond my expectations. Without his counsel my son's and family's life would have been changed forever. Thank you Vic for your good lawyering. I very much appreciate the personal attention and time dedicated to this matter. I highly recommend Vic.

- Anthony
★★★★★

We recently had a situation where we needed to hire an attorney. We selected Kearns Rotolo Law and I can honestly say that we were above and beyond satisfied with Vic and his team. We would absolutely recommend this firm to anyone should the need arise. We blindly picked the firm out of the phone book because I liked his ad. Now I believe that God was pointing us in the right direction. Thank you Vic and Kearns Rotolo Law for being there for us in our time of need.

- Kim
★★★★★

Victor's expertise, due diligence, and empathy for his client made my first experience with the law (and last) a non-stressful one. Before the case, I did my research and looked over about 20 lawyers before choosing Victor. All my sources pointed to him as the best and they weren't off even a bit. Victor treated my case like it was his own and kept me up to date with all my appointments, breakthroughs in the case, and guided me step through step in a process that I never thought that I had to come to endure. If Victor's not available Susy will go out of her way to take care you. The productivity and efficiency in that office is second to none. Thank you Victor!

- Michael