Property Crimes

Middlesex County Attorneys Defend Clients Accused of Property Crimes Providing a strong defense against theft, robbery and burglary charges

If you have been accused of committing a crime, it is essential that you retain an experienced defense attorney immediately. At Brause, Brause & Ventrice, L.L.C., our Middlesex County property crime lawyers have more than 60 years of combined legal experience.

We defend every client vigorously in court, and we also provide invaluable legal advice and assistance out of court. A robust criminal defense is necessary to help you win a dismissal, acquittal, a reduced plea bargain, or a reduced sentence.

Property crimes range in severity from armed robbery to shoplifting, with potential sentences which may include lengthy periods of incarceration, fines, penalties, restitution, and community service. The consequences of a criminal conviction often reach far beyond the walls of the courthouse, and may impact employment, certain types of licenses, and personal relationships. The skilled and experienced property crime lawyers at the Middlesex County firm of Brause, Brause & Ventrice, L.L.C., will fight to protect your freedom and your future if you are facing criminal charges.

Common Types of Property Crimes

Theft is a general term that refers to the unlawful taking of property from another person. Common types of theft include:

  • Robbery involves taking property from another person by the use of force, threats, or intimidation. Robbery is considered a violent crime.
  • Burglary involves the commission of a theft or some other crime after entering a home, a building, or other structure with the intent to commit a crime.
  • Theft or larceny involves the taking and carrying away of the personal property of another person with the intent to deprive that person of the property permanently.
  • Extortion involves obtaining money or property from another person through the use of physical or psychological coercion.
New Jersey Penalties for Indictable Crimes

Unlike most jurisdictions, which classify crimes as felonies and misdemeanors, the New Jersey Criminal Code classifies indictable violations as “crimes” and municipal offenses as “disorderly persons offenses” or "petty disorderly persons offenses." In the State of New Jersey, a disorderly person offense carries up to six months incarceration plus fines and penalties. Indictable crimes vary in degree of severity:

  • Fourth degree crime: Carries up to 18 months incarceration plus fines and penalties.
  • Third degree crime: Carries three to five years incarceration plus fines and penalties.
  • Second degree crime: Carries five to 10 years incarceration plus fines and penalties.
  • First degree crime: Carries 10 to 20 years incarceration, and more in some cases, plus fines and penalties.
At Brause, Brause & Ventrice, L.L.C., we carefully review all of the evidence and legal issues in every case, and we will discuss and explain everything so that you are able to make an informed decision how to proceed.  We will investigate whether there is sufficient evidence to link you to the crime charged.  We will investigate whether the methods that were used by members of law enforcement were constitutionally sound.  If, for example, the arresting officer did not have the right to search your home, your vehicle, your person, or your property to collect evidence against you, this would amount to an unlawful search and seizure. If, for example, you made any statements or confession to members of law enforcement, we will scrutinize the surrounding circumstances to evaluate whether the statements or confessions were made after being advised of Miranda warnings, or whether the statements or confessions were unlawfully coerced.  Unlawfully obtained evidence, including physical evidence, statements, and confession, may not be admissible in court against you.

Middlesex County Property Crime Attorneys Mount the Strong Defense You Deserve

Contact the attorneys at Brause, Brause & Ventrice, L.L.C. if you have been accused of a property crime in New Jersey. Call our Metuchen office at 732-767-0044 or use our online contact form to schedule a free initial consultation with a property crime attorney in Middlesex County.