Need a Lawyer for 4th Degree Felony in Monmouth County?
Have you been charged with a fourth degree indictable offense in New Jersey? Was it for Stalking? Possession of Marijuana? Assault by Auto? Violation of a Restraining Order? Shoplifting? If so, we strongly urge that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately to discuss your options. When it comes to mounting a successful defense, it is imperative that the client fully understand all of their options, including potential defenses and applicable penalties if convicted. Although a fourth degree indictable offense, which is New Jersey’s version of a felony, is the lowest degree, the potential sentences if convicted can be crippling. For more information on fourth degree felonies in New Jersey, please see below.
How Come I have to Appear in Monmouth County Superior Court?
Unlike all disorderly persons offenses (misdemeanors), all indictable offenses (felony), including fourth degrees, must be transferred from the local municipal court to the Monmouth County Superior Court for disposition. For example, if an individual is charged with driving while intoxicated and assault by auto in Middletown, the charges, including the DWI will be transferred to the Monmouth County Superior Court, which is located in Freehold for disposition. With that being said, it is possible at the individual’s Central Judicial Processing Hearing (CJP) or at their Pre-Indictment Conference (PIC) for defense counsel to convince the prosecution to downgrade and remand the felony charges back to municipal court for disposition.
What is the Sentence for a Fourth Degree Indictable Offense in New Jersey?
In New Jersey indictable offenses are broken down into four separate degrees: first, second, third and fourth. The specific charge will dictate what degree of a felony an individual faces. Although a fourth degree indictable offense is the lowest degree, the potential penalties are severe and can have life long consequences. Here is a breakdown of the potential penalties one faces if convicted of a fourth degree indictable offense:
- 18 Months in a New Jersey State Prison
- $10,000 Fine
- Felony Criminal Record
Anyone convicted of a fourth degree felony will need to wait at least fives years before they could possible petition the court for an expungement of the conviction. For more information on expunging a felony conviction in New Jersey, please click the link.
Common Fourth Degree Felony Offenses Charged in Monmouth County?
Although Monmouth County is one of the more affluent counties in New Jersey, it is not immune to its fair share of crime. Some of the most common fourth degree indictable offenses that we see being charged in towns like Middletown, Asbury Park, Wall Township, Ocean Township, Manalapan, Freehold Township, Keyport, West Long Branch, Belmar and Red Bank:
- Criminal Sexual Contact
- Possession of Marijuana over 50 Grams
- Cyber Harassment
- Shoplifting
- Stalking
- Resisting Arrest
- Theft by Deception
- Lewdness
Criminal Defense Lawyers in Monmouth County NJ
Keith Oliver Criminal Law is a Monmouth County based criminal defense firm comprised of attorneys who have dedicated their careers to exclusively representing those charged with criminal offenses, including fourth degree indictable offenses. If you unfortunately found yourself in this type of situation, we can help. Our office serves all of Monmouth County, including Long Branch, Marlboro, Keansburg, Oceanport, Manasquan, Little Silver, Tinton Falls and Howell. If you would like to set up a free initial consultation today with one of our Monmouth County criminal defense attorneys then please contact our office at 732.858.6959 or you can try contacting us online.
