No, robbery and theft are distinct crimes in New Jersey. While both crimes involve taking another person’s property, only robbery is understood to be the violent taking of someone else’s property, and robbery is charged as a violent crime.
Theft, on the other hand, is simply the unlawful taking of another’s property with the intent of depriving the owner of its use.
Theft has a range of applications, from stealing personal property, to shoplifting, to identity theft crimes, to embezzlement, to obtaining goods through false pretenses.
And while robbery is charged based on the seriousness of the threat or injury, theft is usually charged based on the value of the property that was stolen.
In New Jersey, theft of property worth less than $200 is a disorderly persons offense, while goods worth between $200 and $500 are charged as a fourth degree crime.
Third degree theft is charged when the stolen property is worth between $500 and $75,000, and when the amount is greater than $75,000, you’ll be charged with first degree theft.
Many other factors can apply, and for any type of theft crime, you’ll benefit substantially from the assistance of a good criminal defense attorney.
Call Matthew Reisig today at 732-625-9661.