Lake Como, NJ Trespassing / Disorderly Conduct Charges

If you’ve been charged with trespassing or disorderly conduct in Lake Como, New Jersey, especially after a night out at local hotspots like Bar Anticipation or Joe’s Surf Shack, you are not alone. These charges are among the most common offenses at the Jersey Shore during the summer months, particularly in beach towns packed with nightlife. What might start as a misunderstanding, a drunken mistake, or a brief lapse in judgment can quickly turn into a criminal record that follows you for years.

The Law Office of Tara Breslow understands the environment in which these charges occur and offers experienced legal defense for individuals facing criminal accusations after nights out in Lake Como and surrounding Jersey Shore towns. 

Tara runs a boutique firm where she personally handles every case. She is passionate about getting to know each of her clients and she believes that the best advocacy comes from having one attorney and point of contact. 

She is a seasoned criminal defense attorney who has spent 25 years representing clients throughout the Jersey Shore.  

Understanding the Party Culture in Lake Como

Lake Como is a small borough in Monmouth County, but during the summer months, it becomes a destination for young adults, beachgoers, and college students looking to enjoy the vibrant nightlife. Bars like Bar Anticipation and Joe’s Surf Shack are known for their lively scenes, beachside ambiance, and weekly events that attract crowds from across New Jersey and New York.

However, this increase in activity also brings heightened law enforcement presence and a low tolerance for perceived disturbances. Police frequently patrol the streets around these venues, especially during weekends and holidays, and arrests for trespassing and disorderly conduct spike accordingly. In some cases, security or staff may call the police if a patron refuses to leave, enters restricted areas, or behaves disruptively. While many of these incidents are minor in nature, they can result in formal criminal charges.

Trespassing Charges in New Jersey

Trespassing is typically a property-related offense, but in the context of Lake Como nightlife, it often involves entering or remaining in a bar, club, or nearby residence or private space without permission.

Legal Definition of Trespassing

Under N.J.S.A. 2C:18-3, trespassing occurs when a person knowingly enters or remains in a place without authorization. There are several degrees of trespassing under New Jersey law:

• Defiant trespassing occurs when a person remains on a property despite signs or verbal communication prohibiting entry.
  
• Unlawful entry of structures like bars, sheds, or locked areas may elevate the offense to a more serious charge.
  
• Trespass on school property or utility infrastructure carries enhanced penalties.

In most bar-related situations in Lake Como, individuals are charged with defiant trespassing. For example, someone might be asked to leave Bar Anticipation by staff but refuses to do so, or they may attempt to re-enter after being removed by security. Another common scenario involves sneaking into a bar through a side entrance to avoid paying cover or showing ID.

Penalties for Trespassing

Trespassing in New Jersey is generally charged as a disorderly persons offense, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and fines up to $1,000. If the trespassing occurs in a dwelling or is considered more serious, such as entering a restricted area or damaging property, it can be upgraded to a fourth-degree crime, with potential penalties including 18 months in prison and greater fines.

While these penalties may seem severe for a night out gone wrong, they reflect New Jersey’s interest in protecting private property and public order. Fortunately, with skilled representation, many trespassing cases can be resolved without jail time or a criminal conviction.

Disorderly Conduct in Lake Como

Disorderly conduct is one of the most common charges issued during summer nights near Lake Como bars and clubs. Law enforcement officers often use this charge as a catch-all for behavior they consider disruptive, rowdy, or threatening, even if no one is physically harmed.

Legal Definition of Disorderly Conduct

N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2 defines disorderly conduct as causing public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof. This can involve fighting, threatening behavior, or using offensive language in public. It also includes unreasonably loud or abusive conduct, especially if it occurs in a public place such as a sidewalk, street, or outside a bar.

In Lake Como, disorderly conduct charges frequently arise from arguments between patrons, loud or drunken outbursts, and conflicts with bar staff or police. For example, someone yelling profanities outside Joe’s Surf Shack or becoming combative with security when being escorted out of the venue might be arrested for disorderly conduct—even if they weren’t physically violent.

Consequences of Disorderly Conduct

Disorderly conduct is classified as a petty disorderly persons offense in New Jersey. While it’s considered less serious than a misdemeanor in many states, the consequences are still real. Penalties may include:

• Up to 30 days in jail
  
• A fine of up to $500
  
• A permanent record that may appear on background checks

Although it might seem like a minor charge, disorderly conduct can cause significant problems for students, young professionals, and out-of-state visitors. It can affect school disciplinary proceedings, job opportunities, and future licensing or immigration matters.

Common Scenarios in Lake Como Arrests

It’s not uncommon for a night out in Lake Como to escalate quickly. You might be out with friends celebrating a birthday or holiday, and a misunderstanding with bar staff or other patrons leads to police involvement. Common scenarios include:

• Being asked to leave a bar and refusing
  
• Sneaking into a bar or returning after ejection
  
• Getting into a verbal argument outside a venue
  
• Using a fake ID and drawing the attention of bouncers
  
• Becoming loud or disruptive in line or while waiting for an Uber

Even if alcohol played a role, the law does not excuse the behavior, and officers will usually arrest first and sort out the facts later. That’s why it’s essential to take any charge seriously and secure legal counsel as early as possible.

Representing Clients Across the Jersey Shore

With deep ties to the Jersey Shore, The Law Office of Tara Breslow is positioned to handle cases arising from Monmouth, Ocean, and Atlantic Counties. Whether you live in New Jersey or were visiting from out of state, Tara Breslow can appear in local courts on your behalf and help you avoid unnecessary travel or disruption to your life.

Municipal courts in towns like Lake Como, Belmar, and Wall Township handle thousands of disorderly persons offenses during the summer, and an experienced attorney can make a critical difference in how your case is resolved. Tara understands the local court systems, prosecutors, and procedures, and she uses that knowledge to your advantage.

Protecting Your Future After a Night Out

Whether you’re a student from Rutgers, Monmouth University, or another out-of-state school, a young professional spending the weekend at the shore, or someone caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, a criminal charge for trespassing or disorderly conduct can have lasting repercussions. Don’t assume that just because the charge is “minor,” it isn’t serious.

A conviction, even for a petty disorderly persons offense, can remain on your record, interfere with career or academic plans, and show up in criminal background checks. It’s vital to work with a defense attorney who knows how to protect your rights, fight the charges, and position you for the best possible outcome.

Contact The Law Office of Tara Breslow Today

If you’ve been arrested or issued a summons for trespassing, disorderly conduct, fake ID possession, or related offenses in Lake Como, NJ, time is of the essence. The earlier you get legal help, the more options you may have for resolving the case favorably.

Attorney Tara Breslow is known for her meticulous preparation, strategic thinking, and unwavering advocacy for her clients. She understands the challenges young people and visitors face when charged after a night out; and she knows how to fight back effectively.

With offices throughout the Jersey Shore, The Law Office of Tara Breslow represents clients throughout Monmouth County. Contact the firm today to schedule a consultation and begin building your defense.