Arrested at an Amusement Park in NJ?
You may have gone to an amusement park in Ocean County, New Jersey to have a good time, but once a visit ends in criminal charges, the fun and games are over. While amusement parks like Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Six Flags Great Adventure, Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach, and Venice Amusements have reputations for being family-oriented destinations, many people are arrested at these locations every year. Charges like disorderly conduct, simple assault, resisting arrest, and possession of marijuana are common at Ocean County, NJ theme parks—particularly in the height of the summer season. Here’s what you need to know if you or someone you love has been charged with an offense. If you are seeking answers about your specific criminal case, contact our local law office in Point Pleasant at (848) 238-2100 to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Common Criminal Charges at Jersey Shore Amusement Parks
While many amusement parks do not serve alcohol, some are located in close proximity of bars and can attract party-goers. Often times, criminal charges at an amusement park arise from poor behavioral choices by an individual who is drunk or if there is a fight between two people. Public drunkenness is not a criminal offense in New Jersey, but certain actions that can stem from intoxication, like disorderly conduct, are illegal. If you get into a physical fight with someone at an amusement park, you may be charged with assault. When tensions are high, some people add to their own troubles by trying to run away from the police or pull away from police, which can result in resisting arrest or obstructing the administration of law charges.
What Happens if I’m Arrested at an Amusement Park in Ocean County?
If you are arrested at an amusement park in Ocean County, NJ, you will be taken to the local police station for processing. Then, the next steps in your case will depend on what type of offense you are charged with. You might be released on your own recognizance for certain lower level offenses or be held in custody for a short time. If you are held in custody, it’s typically because you have been charged with a more serious crime such as drug distribution or intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance (CDS), aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of a child, or unlawful possession of a weapon. The prosecutor may file a motion for detention in your case, arguing that you are at a high risk of failing to appear in court, harming someone, or obstructing justice. If that occurs, you will have a detention hearing to determine whether you should remain detained while waiting for your trial. If the prosecutor does not file a motion for detention, they may recommend conditions on your release at your first appearance before a judge or agree to your release without conditions.
Charged With an Offense at a Theme Park, Where Will My Case Be Heard?
If you are charged with a disorderly persons offense like disorderly conduct, harassment, possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, or simple assault, your case will be heard in the municipal court of the city or town where you were charged. While disorderly persons offenses are akin to misdemeanors in other states, you should not downplay their significance. These offenses can carry potential penalties of up to 6 months in prison and significant fines.
More serious offenses – including first, second, third, and fourth degree indictable crimes – are heard in the superior court of the county where you were charged. If you were arrested and charged with an offense at an amusement park in Ocean County, NJ, then your case will be heard at Ocean County Superior Court. In either scenario, it is imperative to have a criminal defense lawyer aggressively fighting to minimize or alleviate the potential penalties you face.
Point Pleasant Defense Lawyer for Criminal Charges at the Boardwalk
Everyone makes mistakes. If you are arrested at an amusement park in Ocean County, NJ, your priority should shift to minimizing the impact and avoiding a criminal record and the other serious consequences of being convicted. To accomplish that, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer who will argue your best defense. Whether your charges can be reduced or dismissed altogether, you can and should find out before heading to court. Contact our Ocean County criminal defense lawyers today at (848) 238-2100 for a free review of your case.
