Penalties For Looting During Floods In Bergen County

In early August of 2024, Bergen County experienced significant flooding. Heavy rain prompted the National Weather Service to issue a flood advisory warning, with several urban areas experiencing a sudden rise in water levels. Vehicles were seen driving while partially submerged in water, and some roads were completely closed by the authorities. What if you have been accused of looting during an emergency of this nature? What are the potential penalties, and how can you defend yourself? These are questions you might want to ask a New City theft lawyer.

You May Face a Mandatory Minimum Jail Sentence if You Loot During Floods 

A new Bill could establish mandatory minimum sentences for looting during emergencies in New Jersey. According to NJ S447, which was recently introduced, you could face a mandatory six-month jail sentence for committing any “unlawful conduct” during an emergency situation. As long as this conduct threatens the resources of a resident or a municipality of New Jersey, these penalties could apply. This applies to crimes such as burglary, robbery, or theft.

Courts May Have Little Sympathy for Theft During Floods 

Even if the mandatory minimum sentences never pass into law, you still face serious penalties for theft during emergencies. Regardless of the presence of flooding, theft and shoplifting is still a crime in New Jersey. Compared to a shoplifting offense carried out during normal conditions, a crime during an emergency may elicit little sympathy from criminal courts. Judges and juries may therefore push for higher penalties due to the heinous opportunistic nature of this offense.

New Jersey Is Struggling With Looting Incidents 

Outside of Bergen County, other areas of New Jersey continue to struggle with looting incidents. For example, New Jersey officials reported that a state of emergency had been issued in May of 2024 – with Wildwood facing serious “civil unrest.” This unrest began when a teenager was stabbed on the boardwalk, which seemed to lead directly to looting and further violence.

Looting may be prosecuted as a more serious offense compared to shoplifting, especially if incidents become violent. If you become violent or destroy property, you could face charges such as burglary or robbery. For example, you might break a window and assault security guards before stealing items. Even if you never assault anyone or destroy property, you could still face heightened penalties for carrying out shoplifting offenses alongside large crowds of people.

Find an Experienced Defense Lawyer in Bergen County 

If you’ve been searching for an experienced defense attorney in Bergen County, look no further than Phillip J. Murphy, Attorney at Law. The penalties for looting can be quite severe, especially if the alleged offense took place during an emergency. We have considerable experience with theft-related offenses, and we can help you strive for positive outcomes. Reach out today to learn more about your legal options.

Sources: 

northjersey.com/picture-gallery/news/bergen/2024/08/07/nj-flooding-bergen-county-rain/74702677007/

billtrack50.com/billdetail/1664438

nj.gov/njoem/laws-directives/pdf/Civil_Defense_Disaster_Control_Act_updated-1-2022.pdf