Edison NJ Disorderly Persons Offense Lawyers
Under New Jersey law, a disorderly persons offense is a classification of crimes similar to misdemeanors. Charges for disorderly persons offenses are the most common criminal charges handled in Municipal Courts throughout Middlesex County and New Jersey. These charges are also issued very frequently to individuals with no prior criminal record. If you have been charged with a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey, there may be a host of questions that leave you feeling overwhelmed. What are the penalties for a disorderly persons offense? How can I handle a disorderly persons charge? Will a disorderly persons offense show up on my criminal record? At The Law Offices of William Proetta Criminal Law, our criminal defense attorneys answer questions like these every day. Having successfully resolved thousands of disorderly persons offense cases, including marijuana possession, disorderly conduct, underage drinking, and simple assault, we can help you navigate through the legal process toward the best possible result.
From our offices in Edison, we serve clients in New Brunswick, Woodbridge, East Brunswick, Old Bridge, Piscataway, Metuchen, and surrounding communities. Call (732) 659-9600 or contact us online to arrange a free consultation with an experienced disorderly persons offense attorney.
What are the Penalties for a Disorderly Persons Offense in NJ?
A disorderly persons offense is similar to a misdemeanor in New Jersey. Since it is not an indictable crime (or felony), it is not subject to indictment before a grand jury. Although a disorderly persons offense is not punishable by a New Jersey State Prison sentence, it can still lead to time. The potential penalties for a disorderly persons charge in New Jersey include heavy fines, jail, driver’s license suspension, and a criminal record. Specifically, the range of penalties for a disorderly persons offense are as follows:
- Jail sentence for up to 6 months
- Fine of up to $1,000
- Driver’s license suspension for 6 months to 2 years (for drug charges)
- $50 fee to the Victims of Crime Compensation Board (VCCB)
- $75 fee to the Safe Neighborhood Services Fund
- Court costs amounting to $33
It is important to note there are other consequences that may be imposed for a disorderly persons offense, including community service, probation, and immigration issues. For instance, criminal mischief charges for graffiti require community service if convicted. Further, crimes of moral turpitude like shoplifting can cause problems for those who don’t have permanent U.S. citizenship.
Will a Disorderly Persons Offense Appear on my Criminal Record?
Regardless of the specific disorderly persons offense you are charged with, a conviction will appear on a criminal background check. Some of the most common disorderly persons offenses in Middlesex County are issued for fighting, disturbing the peace, petty theft, improper behavior, fake ID’s, possessing marijuana and drug paraphernalia. A conviction for any of these offenses can result in a criminal record that hinders your future opportunities.
Employers and educational institutional often run criminal background checks and rule out applicants with criminal histories. Similarly, professional licensing boards check criminal records before granting or renewing licenses for realtors, doctors, accountants, nurses, pharmacists, and other licensees. If we can’t get your charges dismissed outright, our lawyers always seek to downgraded disorderly persons offense charges to municipal ordinance violations. A municipal ordinance violation is similar to a ticket and will not result in you having a criminal record.
Woodbridge NJ Disorderly Persons Offense Attorneys
If you have been charged with a disorderly persons offense in Middlesex County, New Jersey, it’s essential to know your rights and your legal options. The skilled criminal defense lawyers at William Proetta Criminal Law in Edison, New Jersey are here to answer all of your questions and to help you beat these charges. Whether you have been charged with a disorderly persons offense in South Brunswick, Perth Amboy, North Brunswick, Sayreville, Carteret, or elsewhere in Middlesex County, our attorneys are dedicated to helping you achieve the best outcome.
If you enlist our firm, we do everything we can to help you avoid a criminal record and the penalties of a conviction for a disorderly persons offense. Contact the experienced Middlesex County disorderly persons defense lawyers at William Proetta Criminal Law for a free consultation about your case. Call our Edison office at (732) 659-9600 or reach out online and take the first step toward protecting your future.
