Eluding Charges issued in Fair Lawn NJ

The Fair Lawn police department was involved in a car chase that resulted in the driver, an Orange County resident, crashing his vehicle. The defendant was apparently attempting to evade capture after he is alleged to have shoplifted from the local CVS. According to the initial reports, the defendant stole $140 worth of gum and razors early this morning prior to taking police a wild chase that ended in a crash in Paterson New Jersey. Once the store became aware of the shoplifting, they notified the police and fortunately for them, they were able to make a positive id on the car the defendant fled in.  O’Shaughnessy, a Fair Lawn police officer was able to spot the defendants car and chase him into Paterson New Jersey. Even after the defendant crashed his car, he still attempted to flee on foot but he didn’t make it very far. He was quickly apprehended after the chase and was brought initial to the Fair Lawn Police Department.

As a result of his actions, the defendant has been charged with shoplifting, eluding, resisting arrest, reckless driving and operating an uninsured vehicle with a suspended license. If the defendant just stopped at the CVS he would have only been facing a disorderly persons (misdemeanor) shoplifting, since the value of the money was under $200. However, since the defendant fled, he will be charged with a second degree eluding. If convicted of a second degree eluding, a defendant could be sentenced up to ten years in a New Jersey State Prison. Conversely, a defendant convicted of a disorderly persons offense shoplifting, could only be sentenced up to six months in the Bergen County Jail.  The defendant is currently being held in the Bergen County Jail on a $25,000 bail. 

Eluding Attorney in Bergen County NJ

As you can tell, what started out as something minor can quickly escalate into a life changing event. If you or someone you know has been charged with eluding, marijuana distribution, cocaine possession or robbery in New Jersey, the Law Offices of Marshall, Bonus, Proetta & Oliver can help. (for more info on distributing marijuana click here) If you would like a free initial consultation with any one of our eluding attorney in Bergen County NJ, please contact any one of our Bergen County Offices at 1-800-682-4037.