Disorderly Persons Offense & Traffic Charges in Perth Amboy New Jersey
The Perth Amboy Municipal Court has limited jurisdiction to proceed over misdemeanor criminal cases that fall under the category of a disorderly persons offense and traffic charges. A ticket, summons or criminal complaint issued by a member of the Perth Amboy Police Department, New Jersey Transit Police or the New Jersey State Police issued within the City is directed to the Perth Amboy Municipal Court located at 361 New Brunswick Ave, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861. Some common cases that are heard in Perth Amboy Municipal Court are:
- DWI
- Shoplifting
- Bad Checks
- Simple Assault
- Resisting Arrest
- Disorderly Conduct
- Obstructing the Administration of Law
- Driving While Suspended
- Driving Without Insurance
- Marijuana Possession (50 grams or less)
If you find yourself dealing with one of these issues, you need to consult with a municipal court attorney who can evaluate your case and give you some honest advice. The lawyers at the the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall are veteran defense litigators who have been appearing in Perth Amboy Municipal Court and other courts in Middlesex County for over 100 years combined. Several attorneys on the staff are also former prosecutors in the county. For a free consultation with a lawyer at the firm, call our Woodbridge Office at 732-210-9021.
Penalties For Being Convicted of a Municipal Offense in Perth Amboy, NJ
As mentioned above, New Jersey municipal courts handle traffic offenses, municipal ordinance violations, and certain criminal misdemeanor offenses. The penalties for most traffic offenses include heavy fines, loss of license, and in some cases mandatory jail time.
Municipal ordinance violations, which can range anywhere from carrying an open container of alcohol, public intoxication, and disturbing the peace, have a maximum sentence of 90 days in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
A disorderly persons offense for a criminal charge like harassment, simple assault, shoplifting, or petty theft, carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a maximum $1,000 fine. A petty disorderly persons offense for something like disorderly conduct carries up to thirty days in jail and a maximum fine of $500.
At your first appearance in a municipal court you will be asked to enter one of 3 different pleas:
- Not Guilty
- Guilty
- Guilty With an Explanation
If you enter a plea of not guilty, you are requesting a trial and for the prosecutor to come to court and prove their case against you. If you plead guilty, a trial will be scheduled for your case at a later date.
A guilty plea means that you admit to the offense as charged. A plea of no contest means that you do not contest the charges against you and that you agree to the sentence recommended by the prosecutors.
A sentence for a no contest plea is usually the same as for a guilty plea or a conviction. The court does not have to accept a no contest plea and will consider the factors of each case on its own merits.
Defending Your Municipal Case in Perth Amboy, New Jersey
In every court in the nation, including Perth Amboy Municipal Court, a defendant is presumed innocent and before he or she can be found guilty, the state must prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
In addition, both the United States and New Jersey constitutions guarantee anyone charged with a crime the right to be represented by an attorney. You can also waive your right to an attorney. But, if you do so and then decide to fight the charges, you will be held to the same standards as a trained attorney.
Hiring an attorney to represent you in your municipal court matter can be a huge advantage to you. A skilled and experienced municipal court attorney can assist you by: 1) advising you of your legal options and the consequences of a conviction; 2) evaluating the evidence and complaint in your case; 3) negotiating with the prosecutor; 4) filing and arguing motions on your behalf; and 5) by trying your case before the court or jury.
The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall: Perth Amboy, NJ Municipal Court Attorneys
At The Law offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, we have a team of municipal court attorneys ready to represent you in your municipal court matter. We know how to successfully defend clients who have been charged with municipal offenses. If you have been issued a citation or have had a complaint filed against in Perth Amboy Municipal Court, give our East Brunswick Office a call at (732) 227–1200 or contact us here online to arrange a free initial consultation.
