Defendant Charged with Robbery in Bergen County NJ
An employee at the Mahwah, New Jersey Home Depot prevents a would be shoplifter from leaving the store after he observed the defendant attempting to leave the store after concealing some items. Apparently, the incident turned physical when the employee approached the defendant. According to the reports, several plants and flowers were knocked over during the tussle, which did not end until a Rockland County, New York off duty officer intervened and restrained the defendant.
According to the employee, he had initially recognized the defendant from a previous incident which occurred a few months ago. During this incident, the defendant allegedly attempted to conceal more than $2,000 worth of power tools, electrical / plumbing supplies and a microwave by placing several bags of grass seed on top of the items. When the employee attempted to confront the defendant, is when he took a would be third degree felony shoplifting and turned it into a second degree robbery charge. It is also believed that the defendant may have had the assistance of an accomplice and as a result the Mahwah Police Department is currently reviewing the surveillance footage for any leads. The Defendant is currently being held in the Bergen County Jail on a $75,000 bail. He has formally been charged with shoplifting in the third degree, robbery in the second degree and aggravated assault in the third degree. If convicted, the defendant could be facing up to twenty years in a New Jersey State Prison.
Bergen County NJ Robbery Lawyers
This is a classic example of a shoplifting gone wrong. The defendant, if convicted of shoplifting in the third degree, would most likely receive, at a worse case scenario, probation. However, since he decided to use force while committing the shoplifting, the crime has been elevated to robbery. If convicted of robbery, there is a much greater chance that the defendant will be serving some time in a New Jersey State Prison. If you or someone you know has been charged with robbery, assault or theft in Bergen County you should seek the advice of an experienced Bergen County NJ robbery lawyer. If you would like a free initial consultation with any one of our eight criminal defense attorneys, please contact one of our Bergen County Offices directly at 1-800-682-4037.