Legal Question in Criminal Law in New Jersey

Hi,

Charged with N.J.S. 2C:20-8A. I bought a monthly pass off craigslist and it turned out to be fake which i had no knowledge of, i was riding the train home from new york and the cop arrested me and i was charged with theft of services. This is my first offense, i have a clean history. What should i do ? Is this a criminal offense? Will this go on my record and affect any job i am applying for? Do i need to get an attorney?


Asked on 7/07/12, 10:47 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Ronald Aronds Law Office of Ronald Aronds, LLC

It is a criminal violation. I don't know the value of a monthly pass, but whatever the value is would determine the seriousness of the offense. From what you are sayinjg you may have an actual defense to the charge. There is a presumption of nonincarceration on smaller value offenses for a first time offender. If you have a criminal record it could indeed affect your ability to get some types of employment. I always recommend that people with criminal charges hire an attorney to represent them or that they apply for the public defender if they cannot afford a private attorney. Please contact me to discuss your case in more detail. Thank you.

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Answered on 7/08/12, 10:46 am


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