Need an Attorney in Neptune for a Disorderly Persons Offense
Neptune Township, which is located in the southeastern region of Monmouth County is home to just under 30,000 residents and spreads over 8 square miles. The population increases significantly during the summer months due in large part to it being located right near the ocean and in parts, right on Shark River. An increase in population tends to lead to an increase in crime, and Neptune Township is no exception. Annually, the police department is forced to deal with its fair share of crime. In 2019 alone, the Neptune Township Police Department issued just under 1,000 indictable offenses (felony), more than 2,800 disorderly persons offenses in addition to more than 100 driving while intoxicated offenses. As you can imagine, if you or a loved one has been arrested in Neptune Township, you are not alone. If you would like to schedule a free initial consultation today with one of the criminal defense attorneys at Keith Oliver Criminal Law, then please contact us at 732.858.6959.
What is a Disorderly Persons Offense? Is it Serious?
Have you been arrested in Neptune Township? Summonsed to appear in the Neptune Township Municipal Court on a disorderly persons offense? Was it for Simple assault? Disorderly conduct? Marijuana Possession? Shoplifting? Harassment? If so, here is what you need to know. Right off the bat it is important to understand that a disorderly persons and petty disorderly persons offense are considered a degree of a crime and not a specific crime in and of itself. In other words, it is New Jersey’s version of a misdemeanor, we simply do not use that phrase. As yo will see below, disorderly and petty disorderly persons offenses are not something to take lightly. The potential consequences if convicted will almost certainly have an impact on one’s life moving forward.
Do I need a Lawyer for a Disorderly Persons Charge in Neptune Township?
One of the more frequent questions we hear from potential client’s is “How serious is a disorderly persons offense?”. As touched upon above, disorderly persons and petty disorderly persons offenses are New Jersey’s version of a misdemeanor. That means that these are considered criminal offenses and not simply “violations” under the New Jersey criminal code. Not only will a conviction lead to the individual being saddled with a criminal record but it could also subject them to a term of incarceration as well as high fines. Furthermore, a criminal conviction for a disorderly persons offense will remain on the individual’s criminal history for at least three years and in most circumstances five years. That is also provided that the individual does not have any other convictions. For more information on expunging a disorderly persons offense in Monmouth County, please click the link. Here is a quick breakdown of some of the more significant consequences of a disorderly persons conviction:
Petty Disorderly Persons Offense
- Up to 30 Days in Jail
- $500 Fine
- Fees & Assessments Nearing $200
- Community Service
- Probation
- Criminal Record
- Court Mandated Treatment
Disorderly Persons Offense
- Up to 180 Days in Jail
- $1,000 Fine
- Fees & Assessments Nearing $1,000
- Community Service
- Probation
- Criminal Record
- Court Mandated Treatment
Is Court Mandatory for Disorderly Persons Charge in Neptune?
In short, yes. Since disorderly persons and petty disorderly persons offenses are considered criminal charges in New Jersey, court appearances are mandatory. Anyone arrested and charged with a disorderly persons offense in Neptune Township will be summonsed to appear in the Neptune Township Municipal Court to answer for those charges. The Neptune Municipal Court, which is located at 25 Neptune Boulevard, has original jurisdiction over all disorderly persons, petty disorderly persons, traffic offenses and borough ordinances that occur within municipalities boarders. If an individual is ultimately charged with a disorderly persons offense and an indictable offense (felony) arising out of the same incident, then all charges must be transferred from the Neptune Township Municipal Court to the Monmouth County Superior Court, which is located in Freehold.
Common Disorderly Persons Offense Charges in Neptune Township
Neptune Township Police Department issued just under 3,000 disorderly persons and petty disorderly persons offenses complaints in 2019 alone. That certainly puts Neptune Township in the top percentile for all municipalities in not just Monmouth County but New Jersey. Some of the most common offenses we see being charged include but are not limited to simple assault, disorderly conduct, harassment, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, shoplifting and failure to turn over a controlled dangerous substances.
Local Disorderly Persons Charge Lawyer in Neptune Township
Keith Oliver Criminal Law is a Monmouth County based criminal defense firm that has been defending those charged with disorderly persons and petty disorderly persons offense in Neptune Township for years. Our attorneys have dedicated their careers to defending those accused of these types of crimes. If you would like to schedule a free initial consultation today, please contact our office at 732.858.6959 or you can try contacting us online. Do not underestimate the potential consequences that a disorderly persons offense can have on your future. If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact us.