Sea Girt New Jersey Disorderly Persons Offense Lawyer

Criminal laws are categorized differently in New Jersey than in other states. Instead of a misdemeanor or infraction, you could be facing a disorderly persons offense or a petty disorderly persons offense if you cross the legal line and end up in trouble with the law in Sea Girt, New Jersey.

Just because the criminal activities go by a different name in the law doesn't mean the charges don't have the potential to impact your life. If you've been charged with a disorderly persons offense in Sea Girt, New Jersey, your best step is to contact seasoned legal counsel to help you deal with the situation and get the best possible outcome from a tough situation.

The experienced Sea Girt disorderly persons offense attorneys at Tara Breslow-Testa and Associates are ready to help you. In fact, Tara Breslow-Testa works on each case herself. She provides her clients with individualized attention, which is something you don’t see at most larger defense firms. Call (732) 784-2880 or contact us online to schedule your consultation.

A disorderly persons offense in New Jersey is a category of crime that won't result in prison time if you are convicted. There are a handful of offenses that come under this category, including:

• Simple assault
• Passing bad checks
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Shoplifting
• Lewdness

More crimes come under the heading of disorderly persons offenses in New Jersey beyond the common examples noted above. Some examples of petty disorderly offenses include:

• Harassment
• Disorderly Conduct
• Trespass

Facing any of these charges in court is not an insignificant matter. Your reputation at work and in the community can be jeopardized with a conviction, so it is always a good idea to consult with skilled defense counsel when dealing with any kind of legal charge.

Unlike more serious criminal acts that would be felonies in other states but are called simply 'crimes' of varying degrees in New Jersey law, disorderly persons offenses can be brought without a grand jury indictment or preliminary hearing. They are known as "non-indictable" offenses.

A prosecutor files a disorderly persons case in Municipal Court to begin the prosecution. You don't have the option of a jury trial when facing a disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons offense. Since the most you can face on such a charge is six months in jail, the law considers that your constitutional right to a jury of your peers is not activated on such a charge.

Even on disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons offenses, though, you do have the right to an attorney to assist with your defense. It is in your best interests to reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you with your defense.

Although prison time is not a possibility with a disorderly persons offense, you can be sentenced to jail upon conviction. You can face up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine if convicted of a disorderly persons charge in Sea Girt, New Jersey. A petty disorderly persons conviction can result in three months in jail and a fine of $500. Other terms of a sentence might include community service, probation, or possibly restitution payments for damages done, depending on the facts of your case.

Beyond jail time and financial penalties, a disorderly persons conviction becomes part of your criminal record for all to see. The effects of a conviction on your record can complicate schooling efforts, job prospects, and even housing opportunities. Some types of crimes may subject you to more harsh judgments in the community than others. Still, a criminal record is never helpful in seeking employment, housing, higher education, or financial assistance like a loan.

As with most criminal matters, there is a time limit on when the state can prosecute you for an alleged offense. The statute of limitations that restricts how long a prosecutor has to charge you with a disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons offense is one year in New Jersey. If more than a year has passed since the date of the alleged criminal activity, you cannot be brought into court and prosecuted on the charges.

While a disorderly persons offense charge in Sea Girt may seem less important than matters that could send you to prison with a conviction, you should still take the charges very seriously. You have a right to legal counsel to assist you with your defense. An experienced defense attorney can help you understand the charges, communicate with the prosecutor and court, and work toward the best outcome in a difficult situation.

We are ready to help you find your best outcome. By looking at your specific situation and working with you and your goals, we can help you navigate through these challenging times. The Sea Girt disorderly persons offense attorneys at Tara Breslow-Testa and Associates can put together a plan to help you get the best results possible. Savvy criminal defense attorney Tara Breslow-Testa handles every case herself to ensure quality representation. Call us today at (732) 784-2880 or contact us online to schedule your consultation.