Woodbridge NJ Disorderly Person Offense Defense Attorney
The municipal courts in Middlesex County possess jurisdiction to decide a disorderly persons offense. Although this type of charge is New Jersey’s version of a misdemeanor, a conviction results in a criminal record that will be reflected on a background check. Jail may also be ordered by a municipal judge if you are convicted of this variety of criminal offense. Notwithstanding all of this, you should know that our lawyers are ordinarily successful in obtaining a downgrade of these charges to an ordinance violation, something that eliminates a record. The busiest jurisdictions in the county for a disorderly persons offense over the last 12 months were Woodbridge, East Brunswick, Edison, New Brunswick, Perth Amboy and Old Bridge. If you were charged with a disorderly person offense in these or another municipality, it is certainly in your best interests to contact a lawyer at our firm. We have been defending individuals arrested on charges throughout Middlesex County for over 100 years between us and attorneys on our criminal defense team are former prosecutors. To take advantage of a free consultation, call our Woodbridge Office at 732-751-4458.
Disorderly Persons Offense Defense Lawyers in East Brunswick
The New Jersey Criminal Code contains a long list of charges that fall within the category of a disorderly persons offense. These violations are filed by both police and civilians throughout Middlesex County every day. In order to assist you in gaining an understanding as to the law and penalties for each of these offenses, the lawyers at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have drafted pages that discuss each charge individual, including:
- Simple Assault
- Harassment
- Disorderly Conduct
- Shoplifting (merchandise with a value of less than $200)
- Possession of Less than 50 Grams of Marijuana
Penalties That Apply to Disorderly Persons Offenses in Edison New Jersey
There are penalties that include fines, mandatory court assessments, probation, community service and even jail that apply whenever someone is found guilty of a disorderly person offense in Edison or another municipality. A fine of up to $1,000 may be imposed if you are convicted of a disorderly persons offense and $500 in the case of a petty disorderly persons offense. In addition, the court must collect a $75 Violent Crimes Compensation Board (“VCCB”), $50 Safe Neighborhood Services Fund assessment, as well as $33 in court costs. There is a period of incarceration of up to six (6) months for disorderly persons offense and up to thirty (30) days for a petty disorderly persons offense.
Driver’s License Suspension in Drug Related Cases. As an additional measure to discourage possession and distribution of controlled dangerous substances, lawmakers have required the suspension of an individual’s driver’s license if they are found guilty of any 2C drug offense including possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The suspension applies irrespective of whether the defendant was operating a motor vehicle at the time of the arrest.
Criminal Record. A conviction for a disorderly persons offense results in a criminal record that can effect employment, your ability to secure loans and maintain a professional license if you are an accountant, doctor, nurse, securities broker, attorney or pharmacist.
Immigration Consequences. Certain disorderly persons offenses are considered crimes involving moral turpitude under Federal Immigration Law. If someone is not a United States citizen and is convicted of such an offense, they may be subject to denial of a change in status (e.g. application for VISA renewal, Green Card or Citizenship) or even removal.
New Brunswick Disorderly Persons Offense Lawyer
As you can see from the aforesaid, a conviction for simple assault, shoplifting, possession of marijuana, or some other disorderly persons offense can have serious ramifications. It is not therefore in your interest to treat such a charge lightly. Contacting a skilled New Brunswick disorderly persons offense lawyer at the Marshall Defense Office will allow you to gain an understanding of what you are up against and what can be done to avert an unfavorable result. We are highly knowledgeable in the municipal court system in Middlesex County including Piscataway, Carteret, North Brunswick, Sayreville and South Plainfield. Initial consultations with our attorneys are always free of charge so there clearly is nothing to lose and everything to gain by contacting us. Call our New Brunswick Office at 732-246-7126 for the assistance you deserve.
