The Internet presents and provides numerous opportunities to connect with other individuals for commercial transactions. Craigslist, Ebay, Stubhub, and other websites represent only a few of the options individuals have when attempting to sell goods, tickets, or services to other private individuals. Whereas in a bygone era a person may have taken out a classified ad in a newspaper to sell goods like jewelry, electronics, a car or other consumer goods today they are more likely to place an online listing. While most online sales are legally and should not present a problem to the parties, the possibility for allegations regarding criminal behavior on the part of the buyer and seller always exists.
If you are facing criminal charges due to alleged criminal behavior arising out of goods bought or sold on Craigslist or other sites, the experienced lawyers of The Law Offices of John J. Zarych can fight for you. Attorney John Zarych has more than 30 years of experience and can put this experience to work for you. To schedule a free and confidential initial consultation call our firm at 800-5089786 or contact us online today.
Police Allege Couple Committed Lacey Thefts and Sold Stolen Items Online
Police recently made arrests stemming from a burglary at a Lacey, New Jersey home where a Spanish provincial sterling silver flatware set, two laptop computers, and jewelry were allegedly stolen. According to police, the flatware set is valued at $2,000. The flatware set was later discovered in an online Craigslist advertisement. The set was sold to a man from Toms River who then sold the set in a separate sale on Ebay.
An investigation by police led them to suspect that a couple from Waretown utilized a Blue Ford F-150 pickup truck to commit the thefts. After executing a search warrant at the couple’s home, police claim that they found items from the burglaries at the couple’s home. The couple was arrested and face criminal allegations stemming from the thefts.
What Criminal Charges Will the Couple Face?
According to a police statement on the matter, each of the defendants in the matter is charged with one count of burglary and one count of theft. It appears that they are currently being held at Ocean County Correctional Facility with a bail set at $20,000.
NJ theft charges are codified under NJSA 2C:20-1. Under the law, a theft involving goods or services valued at more than $75,000, involving extortion, involving drugs or controlled dangerous substances, or involving human remains can be charged as a second-degree indictable offense. Second-degree crimes can be punished by a potential prison sentence of up to ten years and other penalties. However, many thefts are categorized as third-degree crimes because stolen property valued within the range of $500 to $75,000 would constitute a crime of this magnitude. A third-degree theft charge can carry a potential penalty of up to five years in prison and other consequences.
The couple also faces burglary charges. Under New Jersey state law the crime of burglary is defined and set forth under N.J. Stat. Ann. §§ 2C:18-1, 2C:18-2. Burglary is a multifaceted offense that requires a certain type of conduct. Essentially, for a person to be charged with burglary, New Jersey law requires an individual to enter into a structure without permission with the intent to commit additional crimes therein. Likewise, entering into restricted areas of a structure one otherwise ahs access to commit crimes can also give rise to burglary charges. Like theft, burglary can be charged in a number of degrees. Burglary is typically charged as a third-degree crime, but can be charged in the second degree when certain aggravating factors are present. Furthermore, the possession or manufacture of burglary tools is also prohibited under state law. N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C:5-5 is the law that criminalizes burglary tools and is written broadly so that even everyday items such as a screwdriver, hammer, or spark plug can be considered a burglary tool and create additional criminal charges.
Facing Theft Charges in New Jersey Due to Online Sales?
While online marketplaces like Craigslist and Ebay expand the markets that sellers can take part in, engaging in sales with strangers over the Internet increases the odds of misunderstanding and potential allegations arising from the sale. If you have been accused of selling stolen goods or merchandise, you could face serious criminal charges. The Atlantic City criminal defense lawyers of the Law Offices of John J. Zarych can fight to protect your rights and freedom. To schedule a free and confidential initial consultation call our firm at (609) 616-4956 or contact us online today.
