Bound Brook NJ Harassment Lawyers
If you have been arrested and charged with harassment in Somerset County, the attorneys at Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help. An individual can be charged with harassment for a variety of different reasons. So whether it stemmed from an incident with a coworker, loved one or a total stranger it is imperative that you speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney about your options. As you will see below, anyone convicted of harassment in New Jersey will not only be saddled with a criminal record but can be incarcerated in the county jail as well, even for a first time offender. Furthermore, if the if the offense occurs between loved ones, it could be considered an act of domestic violence. If that is to occur, the harassment can be used as basis for the “victim” to obtain a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) as well. If an individual is charged with a TRO as well, they will need to defend those charges in the family division of the Somerset County Courthouse. They are separate and apart from the underlying criminal harassment charge. In fact, some may argue that the TRO can be more devastating if it becomes a final restraining order then the underlying criminal charge. If you would like to speak to one of our Somerset County criminal defense attorneys about your options today then please contact us at (908) 533-1064.
Keith Oliver Criminal Law has been defending clients charged with harassment, stalking, terroristic threats, simple assault, disorderly conduct, false imprisonment and endangering the welfare of a child in courts throughout New Jersey, including Somerset County for years now. If you would like to discuss your options with one of our experienced criminal defense lawyers then please contact us at (908)533-1064. We can discuss the specific facts of your case and we will give you our honest feedback on how we can be of assistance. Our attorneys practice in courts throughout Somerset County, including Bridgewater, Bound Brook, South Bound Brook, North Plainfield, Watchung, Franklin, Raritan, Bernards and Bedminster. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us and as always our initial consultations are free of costs. Now here is some information on harassment charges in New Jersey.
Harassment Defense Attorneys in Bridgewater NJ
Harassment Charges in NJ: NJSA 2C:33-4
Most harassment charges in Somerset County stem from either a bad breakup between lovers or confrontation between coworkers. Harassment charges are governed by NJSA 2C:33-4 in New Jersey. The statute has been broken down into three different subsections, all of which cover different types of conduct. The statute states in pertinent part:
A person commits a petty disorderly persons offense if, with purpose to harass another, he:
- Makes, or causes to be made, a communication or communications anonymously or at extremely inconvenient hours, or in offensively coarse language, or any other manner likely to cause annoyance or alarm;
- Subjects another to striking, kicking, shoving, or other offensive touching, or threatens to do so; or
- Engages in any other course of alarming conduct or of repeatedly committed acts with purpose to alarm or seriously annoy such other person.
So as you can tell from reading above, the first section of the statute, NJSA 2:33-4a, deals with a situation where the Defendant is alleged to have been making communications which are offensive to others or at extremely inconvenient hours. The second subsection, NJSA 2C:33-4b,deals with a situation that involves an offensive touching or threat thereof. This aspect of the statute is less than an actual “assault” charge. The third and last section of the statute, NJSA 2C:33-4c, is basically the catchall aspect of the statute and it revolves around the “repeatedly acts” by a Defendant. However, the courts have held that “it is not sufficient if the course of conduct or repeated acts are merely irritating, nettlesome, or vexing”. It must be more than that.
When it comes to defending harassment charges, it is crucial to look at the mens rea aspect of the statute. The State has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that it was the Defendant’s underlying purpose to harass the “victim”. That is an extremely tough burden for the State to prove. The statute is extremely broad and often times it is wrongful charged as a result of that. That is why if your or a loved one has been charged with harassment, it is crucial that you speak an experienced criminal defense attorney about your options.
Will I go to Jail for a Harassment Charge in NJ?
Harassment is a petty disorderly persons offense in New Jersey. A petty disorderly persons offense is New Jersey’s version of a misdemeanor. Anyone convicted of a harassment charge in New Jersey will be facing up to thirty (30) days in the Somerset County Jail, a fine up to $500, a criminal record, probation, community service and a no-contact order. Provided the Defendant has no prior criminal history and the crime is not considered an “act of domestic violence” then they could be eligible for the Conditional Dismissal Program. If they are accepted and complete the program without violating any of the terms the charges will be outright dismissed.
Harassment Lawyers in North Plainfield NJ
Regardless of whether you have been charged with harassment, criminal mischief, aggravated assault, terroristic threats or served with a temporary restraining order, the attorneys at Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help. We have been defending clients accused of crimes in courts throughout New Jersey, including Somerset County for years now. We serve all of Somerset County, including towns like Bound Brook, Bedminster, Bernards, Hillsborough, Montgomery, Raritan, Watchung, Somerville and Readington. For a free consultation today, please contact us at (908) 533-1064.