What is a Disorderly Persons Offense in New Jersey?
First and foremost, a disorderly persons offense is a degree of an offense and not an offense in and of itself. It is New Jersey’s version of a misdemeanor. As you will see below, this is still considered a criminal offense in New Jersey. So in other words, if someone is to be convicted of a disorderly persons offense, not only will they be facing jail time but they will also be scarred with a criminal record as well. Some of the most common disorderly persons offenses that we see most often at Keith Oliver Criminal Law include simple assault, disorderly conduct, shoplifting, harassment, possession of marijuana under 50 grams, false imprisonment, possession of drug paraphernalia and theft. If you have been charged with a disorderly persons offense in Monmouth County, in towns like Middletown, Holmdel, Tinton Falls, Freehold, Belmar, Manasquan, Manalapan, Marlboro, Asbury Park, Wall Township, Aberdeen or Ocean Township, the Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help. If you would like to speak to one of our Monmouth County criminal defense lawyers about your options then please contact us at 732.858.6959.
What Happens if I am Convicted of a Disorderly Person Offense?
In New Jersey, a Defendant could be charged with either a disorderly persons offense or a petty disorderly persons offense. Both of these offenses are considered “misdemeanor” offenses. So, if convicted, not only will someone be facing a permanent criminal record but jail time as well. Here is a breakdown in the potential penalties that one faces if charged with either a disorderly persons offense or a petty disorderly persons offense in New Jersey.
Disorderly Persons Offense
- 180 Days in Jail
- $1,000 Fine
- Criminal Record
- Probation
- Community Service
- Court Ordered Anger Management
- Fees & Assessments Ranging up to $1,000
Petty Disorderly Persons Offense
- 30 Days in Jail
- $500 Fine
- Criminal Record
- Probation
- Community Service
- Court Ordered Anger Management
- Fees & Assessments Ranging up to $500
If a Defendant is convicted of a disorderly or petty disorderly persons offense in New Jersey, they must wait at a minimum of three years before they can petition the court to expunge their record.
Where Do I Go to Court for a Disorder Persons Offense?
Pursuant to the New Jersey Court Rules, all disorderly persons and petty disorderly persons offenses must be litigated in the local municipal court in the municipality where the incident occurred. So, for example, if someone has been arrested for the possession of marijuana under 50 grams in Middletown, New Jersey, then those charges must be litigated in the Middletown Municipal Court, which is located at 1 Kings Highway. This is unlike all indictable (felony) offenses, as those charges must be sent to the Monmouth County Superior Court to be litigated. With that being said, it is important to note here, that if someone has been charged with both a disorderly persons offense and a felony offense, then both charges must be transferred to the Monmouth County Superior Court for disposition. For more information on disorderly persons offenses, including who has jurisdiction, please feel free to contact our office at 732-858-6959.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Disorderly Persons Offense in NJ?
If you have been charged with a disorderly persons offense like the possession of marijuana, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, lewdness, theft by deception, receiving stolen property or any other disorderly persons offense in Monmouth County, Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help. Our attorneys are dedicated to aggressively challenging the evidence presented against our clients in order to make sure that a simple mistake or misunderstanding does not jeopardize their future. As you can see from reading above, these are serious criminal offenses and they can carry life changing consequences. So, if you are facing a disorderly persons offense in Hazlet, Howell, West Long Branch, Red Bank, Eatontown, Lake Como, Shrewsbury, Sea Bright, Atlantic Highlands or elsewhere in Monmouth County, let Keith Oliver Criminal Law help. For a free initial consultation today, please contact us at 732-858-6959.