Monmouth County NJ Theft of Services Lawyers
If you have been charged with a theft of services in Monmouth County or elsewhere in New Jersey, it is crucial that you speak to an experienced criminal defense lawyer about your options. The charge of theft of services can happen for a variety of different reasons but one of the most common scenarios involves a situation where either a contractor fails to preform the terms of the contract and/or if they do, the homeowner fails to pay the full bill. Regardless of the underlying reasons behind the charges, the offense of theft of service is a very serious crime and one that tends to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. If you have been arrested and charged with theft of services, theft by deception, receiving stolen property, theft of moveable property or burglary in Monmouth County, the criminal defense attorneys at Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help.
At Keith Oliver Criminal Law, we treat every case like it is our only case. We pride ourselves on being able to give our clients the attention that they not only deserve but need in order to successfully represent their interests. We will aggressively challenge all the evidence presented against you in order to obtain a favorable resolution. If you would like to come into our office for a free face to face consultation then please contact us at (732) 858-6959. We can go over the specific facts of your case and formulate a game plan that works best to suit your needs. We serve all of Monmouth County, including towns like Freehold, Holmdel, Middletown, Tinton Falls, Howell, Belmar, Manasquan, Long Branch, Asbury Park, Ocean Township and Wall Township. If you have any questions whatsoever, please do not hesitate contact us. Now here is some more information on theft of services charges in New Jersey.
Theft of Services Lawyers in Wall NJ
Theft of services charges have become more and more common over the years in Monmouth County. All theft of services charges in New Jersey will be governed by NJSA 2C:20-8b, which states in pertinent part:
- A person is guilty of theft if he purposely obtains services which he knows are available only for compensation, by deception or threat, or by false token, slug, or other means, including but not limited to mechanical or electronic devices or through fraudulent statements, to avoid payment for the service.
In other words, if it is alleged that the Defendant received the benefit of a service while all along never having the intentions of paying for that service. To be convicted of this offense in New Jersey, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt:
- That the Defendant purposely obtained a service;
- The Defendant knew the services were available only for compensation;
- The Defendant obtained the services by deception or threat, or by a false token; &
- The Defendant’s underlying purpose was to avoid having to pay for said services.
How to Defend Theft of Services Charges
When it comes to defending these types of charges, it is crucial to look at what will be considered a “service”. “Services” include but are not limited to: labor, professional service, transportation, telephone services, accommodations in hotels, restaurants or elsewhere, entertainment, admission to exhibitions, use of vehicles or other movable property. As you can tell, the term “services” is very broad, which is not necessary a bad things. This is where an experienced Monmouth County criminal defense can look to exploit. If you would like to speak to one of our attorneys about your options then please contact us at (732) 858-6959.
Is Theft of Services a Felony Offense in NJ?
Just like every other theft related offenses in New Jersey, theft of services can either be a disorderly persons offense or a second, third or fourth degree felony offense. The actual degree that a Defendant is charged with will depend directly on the dollar amount of the “loss in services” in question. Here is a chart that will breakdown not only the different degree but the potential exposure one faces if convicted.
| Degree | Dollar Amount in Question | Penalties |
| 2nd Degree Felony | More than $75,000 |
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| 3rd Degree Felony | More than $1,000 but Less than $75,000 |
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| 4th Degree Felony | More than $200 but Less than $1,000 |
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| Disorderly Persons Offense | Less than $200 |
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Theft of Services Defense Lawyer in Tinton Falls NJ
Being charged with a criminal offense can be terrifying but hiring the right attorney, one that not only knows the law but one who is familiar with the courts as well can go a long way to alleviating the stress. If you have been charged with theft of service, robbery, passing bad checks, receiving stolen property, theft by deception or any other charge for that matter, the Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help. We have been defending clients charged with these types offenses in courts throughout New Jersey, including Monmouth County for years now. If you would like to schedule a free consultation then please contact us at (732) 858-6959. We appear in courts throughout Monmouth County, including Aberdeen, Matawan, West Long Branch, Keyport, Manalapan, Marlboro, Eatontown and Neptune.