Charged with Disorderly Conduct in the City of Asbury Park NJ
Over the last decade or so the City of Asbury Park has come full circle. Now of days, the City of Asbury Park attracts thousands upon thousands of tourists what seems like every weekend. Unlike other popular shore towns like Belmar, Manasquan, Sea Bright and Point Pleasant, Asbury Park attracts tourist year round. As far as nightlife is concerned, the City of Asbury Park has become the place to go in Monmouth County, no matter what time of year it is. Bars like Porta, Johnny Macs, Watermark, Beach Bar, Langosta Lounge, the Stone Pony, Bond Street Bar and the Saint have been thriving year in and year out. With that being said, when the nightlife scene is in full swing, crime is always not to far behind. By far one of the most common criminal charges that we see being issued on what seems like an hourly basis, is what is known as disorderly conduct. Disorderly conduct is what most call a “catch all” crime in New Jersey. The specific language of the statute is so vague that it tends to sweep a tremendous amount of potential conduct under it. Some of the most common incidents that lead to a Defendant being charged with disorderly conduct in Asbury Park include fist fights, disturbing the peace, verbal arguments, public intoxication and general improper behavior. With that being said, it is also not uncommon to see Defendants also being charged with simple assault, underage drinking, possession of a fake ID, possession of marijuana, harassment or resisting arrest as well. The City of Asbury Park issued more than 3,500 disorderly persons offense complaints last year alone. That does not include felony offense and city ordinances. Another 3,500 more of those types of complaints were issued. As you can see, the bars in Asbury Park are not the only place that are busy, the Asbury Park Municipal Court is just as busy too. It is important to note here that Disorderly Conduct is a type of charge and disorderly persons offense, is a degree of a charge.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Disorderly Conduct Charge in Asbury Park?
If you have been charged with a criminal complaint for disorderly conduct or any other offense for that matter in Asbury Park, the Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help. Since disorderly conduct is classified as a petty disorderly persons offense, if anyone is convicted of this charge they will be scarred with a criminal record. A criminal record could drastically effect someone’s ability to not only maintain but obtain meaningful employment and it could also prevent someone from being able to obtain professional licenses as well. If you would like to speak to one of our Monmouth County criminal defense attorneys about your options, then please contact our office at 732.858.6959. During the initial consultation we can discuss the specifics of your case and we will give you our honest feedback on how we think we can be of assistance. Do not let a simple lapse in judgement or a misunderstanding jeopardize your future.
Where Do I go to Court for a Disorderly Conduct Charge in Asbury Park?
Anyone who has been charged with disorderly conduct in the City of Asbury Park will be summonsed into the Asbury Park Municipal Court, which is located at One Municipal Plaza, to answer for the charges. The Asbury Park Municipal Court is unlike any other municipal court in New Jersey, as their court session take place every Friday at 7:30 am. The Honorable Daniel J. DiBenedetto is the presiding judge and the municipal prosecutor is James N. Butler, Esq., who has held that position for more than thirty years.
What Does the State have to Prove to Convict Someone of Disorderly Conduct?
Pursuant to NJSA 2C:33-2, a person can be charged with disorderly conduct under either the improper behavior or offensive language subsection of the statute. Here is a complete breakdown of each subsection, including what the prosecution must prove in order to obtain a conviction.
Improper Behavior:
With the underlying purpose to cause a public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm or recklessly creating a risk thereof the Defendant:
- Engaged in fighting, threatening, or violent behavior; or
- Created a physically dangerous condition by any act that serves no legitimate purpose
Offensive Language:
While in a public place, and with the purpose to offend the sensibilities of a hearer or in reckless disregard of the probability of doing so, the Defendant addresses unreasonably loud and offensively coarse or abusive language.
For more information on how to defend a disorderly conduct charge in Monmouth County, please click the link.
What is the Sentence for Disorderly Conduct? Jail Time for a Disorderly Conduct Charge?
Disorderly conduct is a petty disorderly persons in New Jersey, which is our version of a misdemeanor. If convicted, a Defendant would be facing up to thirty (30) days in the Monmouth County Jail, a $500 fine and a criminal record. With that being said, since this offense is considered a “catch all” offense, it tends to be over used by the police, which is great from a defense standpoint. This is where an experienced Monmouth County criminal defense attorney can make a difference. If you would like to speak to one of our criminal defense attorneys about your options, then please contact us at 732.858.6959.
Disorderly Conduct Defense Attorney in Asbury Park NJ
Being summonsed into court can be terrifying for most. However, at Keith Oliver Criminal Law, we feel that once someone hires the right attorney, someone who not only specialize in criminal defense but someone who also has experience dealing with the specific courts, it can go a long way to alleviating a lot of the stress most feel. Unlike what happens at most larger firms, at Keith Oliver Criminal Law, your case will be personally handed by Mr. Oliver and will not be handed off to some associate. If you would like to speak to one of our Asbury Park criminal defense lawyers today about your options, then please contact us at 732.858.6959. We defend all types of criminal matters including aggravated assault, disorderly conduct, terroristic threats, heroin possession and cocaine possession.