On September 16, 2014, a Brooklyn man responded to a Craigslist advertisement regarding the sale of a Mercedes-Benz SUV. The 41 year old man drove to Elizabeth, New Jersey and was shot after test driving the vehicle. Police responded to reports of gunshots near the corner of Jacques and East Jersey Streets and found the victim dead at the scene.

According to police, the Craigslist ad was posted for the sole purpose of luring someone to the site with the intention of robbing them. Four men have been arrested and charged with felony murder. The maximum sentence for felony murder is 30 years to life in prison.

Robbery (N.J.S.A 2C:15-1)

The State of New Jersey code of criminal justice states that a person is guilty of robbery if, in the course of committing a theft, he:

(1) Inflicts bodily injury or uses force upon another; or

(2) Threatens another with or purposely puts him in fear of immediate bodily injury; or

(3) Commits or threatens immediately to commit any crime of the first or second degree.

Robbery is a crime of the second degree. If you are charged with second degree robbery you will face 5 to 10 years in prison. Robbery is a crime of the first degree if while committing the robbery, you attempt to kill someone, inflict serious bodily injury or use or threaten to use a deadly weapon. First degree robbery is punishable by 10 to 20 years in prison. In addition, for serious crimes such as robbery, New Jersey law dictates that 85% of the sentence must be served before parole eligibility.

Staying Safe – Exchange Zones for Online Purchase Pickups

Several exchange zones have been established by local townships to allow for the safe exchange of money for items purchased online. Marlboro Township Council recently approved an “online exchange zone” at the municipal complex for township residents. A registration form must be filled out on the township website prior to buying or selling anything in the safe zone. Mayor Jonathan Hornik stated that funds for the exchange zone were obtained from federal asset forfeiture.

Meeting with a stranger you have conducted business with online can be dangerous, or even fatal as in the case of the Brooklyn man. Visit your township or borough website to determine if they maintain a safe exchange zone. Locally, Freehold Borough, Manchester and Waretown all have safe zones in either the municipal complex or police department parking lots. Although most exchange zone are under video surveillance, it is recommended that transactions take place during daytime, you bring a cell phone with you and notify someone that you are going to the exchange zone. Do not go to a strangers' home or give them your address, and beware of people who do not want to meet at a designated exchange zone.

If you find yourself faced with robbery charges of the first or second degree, you need to contact a New Jersey criminal defense attorney immediately. These charges are serious. The criminal defense lawyers at Villani & DeLuca have the experience and knowledge you need. Do not wait. Call 732-965-3350 today for a free consultation.