In the State of New Jersey, shoplifting is a criminal offense that can result in the imposition of significant fines and a term of incarceration (jail). The severity of a shoplifting charge depends on the value of property or items allegedly shoplifted or misappropriated by a defendant. For example, if the value of the property exceeds $200.00 then the shoplifting case will be heard in Superior Court because it can be a felony of the 4th degree or higher. However, if the value of the property alleged to have been shoplifted is less then $200.00 then that matter will be heard by a Municipal Court Judge at the Municipal Court level. It should be noted, that the offense of shoplifting is still considered a criminal offense even though it is prosecuted at the Municipal Court level.