Wall NJ Disorderly Persons Offense Charge Defense Attorney
What is a disorderly persons offense? Do I need a lawyer for a disorderly persons offense in Wall Township? How much jail time is there for a disorderly persons offense in Wall Township? These are just some of the most common questions we get asked when consulting with a potential client about “disorderly persons offense(s)”. First, it is important to understand that a disorderly persons offense is a degree of a crime in New Jersey and not a specific crime in and of itself. In other words, it is New Jersey’s version of a misdemeanor. We simple just do not use the traditional terms “felony” and “misdemeanor” when it comes to breaking down the degree of crimes. There are two different “levels” of “misdemeanor’s” in New Jersey: disorderly persons offense and petty disorderly persons offense. The specific charge and in some instances the circumstances surrounding the charge will dictate which level an individual is facing. Some of the most frequently charged disorderly persons offense we see in Wall Township include simple assault, shoplifting, trespassing, possession of marijuana under 50 grams and drug paraphernalia. When it comes to petty disorderly persons offenses by far the most common are disorderly conduct and harassment. Regardless of the level, both are considered criminal offenses in New Jersey and as you will see below, a conviction for either could not only land an individual in the Monmouth County Jail but could also scar with a criminal record and subject them to high fines.
Facing a Disorderly Persons Charge in Wall Township? Do I have to go to Court?
Yes, court appearances are mandatory for anyone who has been charged with either a disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons offense. The local municipal court in the municipality where the incident occurred with have what is known as original jurisdiction over the charges. So, for example, if an individual is vacationing in Wall Township and they are involved in a domestic dispute where in which they ultimately get charged with simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct. All of the individuals charged will be sent to the Wall Township Municipal Court, which is located next to the police station at 2700 Allaire Road for litigation. With that being said, if the individual in the above example was charged with aggravated assault as opposed to simple assault, which happens to be considered an indictable (felony) offense, then all of the charges, including the disorderly persons offenses must be transferred from the Monmouth County Superior Court, which is located in Freehold for litigation. For more information the Wall Township Municipal Court, including who will be presiding over the matter.
How Much Jail Time on a Disorderly Persons Offense in NJ?
Anyone convicted of a disorderly persons offense in Wall Township will be facing up to six months in the Monmouth County Jail, probation, up to a $1,000 fine, community service and fees and assessments that can range up to $1,000. Although the potential penalties are less stringent when it comes to petty disorderly persons offenses, they still could include up to 30 days in the Monmouth County Jail, probation, up to a $500 fine, community service and fees and assessments nearing $250. To make matters worse, anyone convicted of one of these offenses will be scarred with a criminal record for at least four years, whereby they would then potential be able to petition the court for an expungement. For more information on expunging a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey, including who is eligible, please click the link. With all that being said, certain individual’s could be eligible for either the conditional discharge program or the conditional dismissal program. For additional information on the potential penalties for a disorderly persons offense, please click the link.
Common Disorderly Persons Offenses in Wall Township
Wall Township, which, geographically speaking, is one of the largest municipalities in all of Monmouth County sure does deal with its fair share of crime. From 2018 to 2019, the Wall Township Police Department as well as the New Jersey State Police, which have jurisdiction in certain areas throughout the municipality, issued more than 4,000 disorderly and petty disorderly persons offenses. That is by far the most of any municipality in Monmouth County. Some of the most common offenses include:
- Simple Assault
- Harassment
- False Imprisonment
- Obstruction
- Lewdness
- Hindering
- Disorderly Conduct
- THC Vape Pens
- Possession Marijuana Under 50g
- Drug Paraphernalia
- Resisting Arrest
- Shoplifting
Need to Speak to a Local Criminal Lawyer in Wall Township
Keith Oliver Criminal Law is a Monmouth County based criminal defense firm. Our office has been defending those accused of serious disorderly persons offenses in the Wall Township Municipal Court for the last decade. Our attorneys fully understand what a criminal conviction, let alone a jail term can do to an individual’s future. As such, we are dedicated to aggressively defending the charge in order to secure a favorable outcome for our clients. If you would like to set up a free initial consultation today, please contact our office at 732.858.6959 or you can try contacting us online. As you can see from reading above these types of charges are not something to take lightly.