Theft charges and penalties

(3)Theft constitutes a crime of the fourth degree if the amount involved is at least $200.00 but does not exceed $500.00.
If the amount involved was less than $200.00 the offense constitutes a disorderly persons offense.
Criminal Indictable and Disorderly Offense  Penalties

Disorderly person criminal offenses- ex Simple Assault, shoplifting & cases in Municipal Court
  Jail 2C: 43- 8 jail  6 month maximum
  probation 1-2 year    
  community service  180 days maximum
  mandatory costs, VCCB and other penalties
Disorderly- fines: 2C: 43- 3  $1,000 Fine  maximum

 There are many other penalties that the court must impose in criminal cases.  There are dozens of other penalties a court can impose, depending on the type of matter.
 Drug offenses: in addition to above penalties, mandatory minimum $500 DEDR penalty, mandatory lab fee and other court costs over $200, mandatory 6 month- 2 year loss of license, Probation, drug testing and other penalties. If attorney's Conditional Discharge motion is granted for first time offender. penalty can be reduced. In certain drug cases, the fine can be up to $75,000.

-Petty Disorderly person - 30 days jail   maximum
Petty DP $500 max Fine, VCCB and other penalties

 Indictable Criminal Penalties    [Felony type]  [ Superior Court]
     Jail  potential          Fine max Probation
 1st degree 10- 20 years $200,000 [presumption of jail]
 2nd degree 5-10 years $150,000 [presumption of jail]
 3rd degree 3- 5 years $15,000 1 year- 5 year
 4th degree 0- 18 months $10,000 1 year- 5 year

 There are many other penalties that the court must impose in criminal case.  There are dozens of other penalties a court can impose, depending on the type of matter. Read www.njlaws.com/jail_for_crimes_and_disorderly_conduct.html

 If you or a family member are charged with a criminal offense, you should retain an experienced criminal attorney to argue to reduce the penalties!