Potential Legal Penalties for Criminal Charges in Elizabeth
New Jersey criminal law categorizes criminal offenses as either disorderly persons offenses (what other states call misdemeanors) or indictable crimes (felonies in other jurisdictions). Each category of criminal offense also has several degrees of offenses that reflect the seriousness of the crime and determine the potential legal penalties for a conviction.
Possible sentences for a conviction in Elizabeth include:
- Petty disorderly persons offense – Up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500
- Disorderly persons offense – Up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000
- Fourth-degree crime – Up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
- Third-degree crime – Up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000
- Second-degree crime – Up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000
- First-degree crime – Up to 20 years in prison, although certain first-degree crimes such as murder may have maximum sentences as long as life imprisonment, and a fine of up to $200,000
Long-Term Consequences of a Criminal Record in Elizabeth
In addition to jail, prison time, and fines, a criminal conviction can have other long-lasting negative consequences. Thus, hiring an experienced attorney to fight for you is crucial to protecting your future.
Some of the long-term consequences of having a criminal record include:
- Harsher penalties if you get convicted of another crime in the future
- Difficulty securing employment, housing, loans, or educational opportunities when your criminal record shows up on background checks
- Loss of driving privileges, the right to own or possess firearms, voting rights, or eligibility to hold public office, depending on the crime
- Restrictions on your ability to travel abroad
- Potential for adverse child custody determinations
Your Legal Rights During and After an Arrest in Elizabeth Explained
During an arrest and while facing criminal prosecution, you have several rights afforded to you under the federal and state constitutions. You should remember to exercise these rights after getting arrested and when facing a criminal court:
- The right to refuse to consent to a search – If the police ask to search your vehicle or home, they must have a search warrant or grounds to conduct a warrantless search. You have the right to refuse to consent to a search if the police do not have a search warrant or the authority to perform a warrantless search.
- The right to remain silent – You have the right to remain silent and to refuse to answer questions that the police ask you during an interrogation. You should politely let the police know that you wish to remain silent and do not want to answer any questions. Do not assume you can explain or talk your way out of an arrest or criminal charge.
- The right to legal counsel – You have the right to consult with an attorney before deciding to answer the police’s questions and to have your attorney present during questioning. When charged with a crime, you have the right to legal counsel once the state indicts you. If you cannot afford a defense attorney, the state must appoint a public defender or another attorney to represent you.
- The right to know what charges you face – You have the right to know what crimes the police have arrested you for, especially before you answer the police’s questions. The police cannot misrepresent the charges they have arrested you for to induce you to make incriminating statements.
Contact Our Elizabeth Criminal Defense Attorney for Legal Help Now
If you were arrested in Elizabeth, New Jersey, get the legal help you need to defend your rights, reputation, and future. Contact William Proetta Criminal Law today for a free, confidential consultation with an Elizabeth, NJ, criminal defense attorney. We are standing by to review your charges and explain your legal options.
