What is the new charge called shoplifting with an organized retail theft enterprise(s)?
The New Jersey shoplifting laws now also include special provisions for shoplifting that occurs under the direction and control of an organized enterprise. The potential penalties resulting from a conviction on this charge are severe. The New Jersey Shoplifting Law impose enhanced penalties for a person convicted of shoplifting as part of an “organized retail theft enterprise.” An organized retail theft enterprise is defined under the criminal code as the association of two or more individuals for the purpose of effectuating the transfer of merchandise that has been shoplifted. This type of charge is also an indictable charge. It is a second degree offense, instead of the usual third degree, whenever a person shoplifts merchandise with a value that exceeds $1,000 consistent with an organized retail theft enterprise. Any other shoplifting offense, which is undertaken by an organized retail theft enterprise is considered a third degree crime even if it involves merchandise of limited val
