Mr. Tormey recently represented a client in the Essex County Superior Court based on a shoplifting charge out of Millburn, New Jersey. The client was charged with shoplifting from two different stores in the Short Hills Mall on the same day in an attempt to steal approximately $2,000.00 in goods. Our client had no prior criminal record and was here on a green card. As a result, if she was convicted of this indictable (felony) level shoplifting charge, she would most likely be deported from the country. She was also facing three (3) to five (5) years in New Jersey state prison if she was convicted.

Mr. Tormey was able to convince the probation department and the prosecutor that our client was a perfect candidate for admission into the Pre-Trial Intervention program. PTI is a program for first-time offenders who have never been in trouble before. In order to complete the program, our client is placed on probation, required to complete community service, and remain arrest free for a one-year period. If she does so, the charges will be dismissed against her and she will have no criminal record. This will also allow her to remain in the country and should not effect her immigration status.