In Gloucester County, New Jersey, facing a charge for a disorderly persons offense might initially seem minor, but the repercussions can be more significant than you think. Even seemingly minor offenses in New Jersey can result in fines, jail time, and a criminal record that may appear on background checks for years. Since these offenses are judged solely by a judge without a jury, your risk of receiving the maximum penalty for your offense is greater if you attempt to face the judge on your own with no attorney to represent you.
This is why, even for disorderly persons offenses, selecting the right New Jersey criminal defense attorney is crucial. The Lento Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team offers extensive experience and a proven history of defending clients in municipal courts throughout Gloucester County and the entire state. We have an in-depth knowledge of Gloucester County's legal processes, and we utilize this knowledge to get you the most favorable possible outcome for your case. Whether you're accused of shoplifting, simple assault, or harassment, the Lento Law Firm Team affords you the best chance of avoiding the worst penalties. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or complete our online form to arrange a consultation.
Understanding Disorderly Persons Offenses in New Jersey
Essentially, a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey is comparable to a misdemeanor in other states. While many states categorize criminal acts as misdemeanors or felonies, New Jersey's judicial system uses a different set of terms. Essentially, a "disorderly persons offense" in New Jersey is comparable to a misdemeanor in other states, while felony-level crimes are known as "indictable offenses." There's a third category, too: petty disorderly persons offenses, which are akin to infractions in other states.
Typical examples of disorderly persons offenses in New Jersey include:
- Simple assault
- Harassment
- Shoplifting (items under $200)
- Theft (under $200)
- Possessing small amounts of controlled substances (or more than one ounce of marijuana)
- Resisting arrest
Bear in mind that while disorderly persons offenses are akin in severity to misdemeanors, New Jersey law handles them differently. In many states, misdemeanor charges provide defendants the option for a jury trial, but this isn't the case for disorderly persons offenses. These case are heard by a Municipal Court judge in a bench trial--no jury involved. This distinction underscores the necessity of having a good lawyer to advocate for you in Gloucester County, even for minor offenses. Otherwise, you're simply subject to the judge's determination based on the available evidence.
Depending on the crime's seriousness, certain offenses can be upgraded from a disorderly persons offense to an indictable offense. For instance, if you're charged with shoplifting but the items you allegedly stole are valued at over $200, the charge could be elevated to an indictable offense.
Is a Disorderly Persons Offense a Crime?
In New Jersey, a disorderly persons offense is not officially classified as a crime. This distinction arises because, by legal standards, a crime in New Jersey is defined by two criteria:
- An indictment by a grand jury; and
- The defendant's right to a trial by jury.
Since disorderly persons offenses do not involve grand jury indictments or jury trials, they are not labeled as "crimes" under state law. However, for all intents and purposes, the potential consequences of a disorderly persons offense are the same as if you had committed a crime. Specifically:
- You can be convicted of the offense;
- You can go to jail for the offense; and
- A conviction will create a criminal record that shows up on background checks.
Disorderly Persons Charges in Gloucester County, NJ
If you are charged with a disorderly persons offense in Gloucester County, your proceedings will occur at the municipal court that has jurisdiction over the location where the alleged incident took place. For example, if your offense occurred Swedesboro, Harrison Township, or Woolwich Township, you'll appear before the Municipal Court Judge in the Swedesboro-Woolwich Municipal Court, which serves this area. Depending on the specific court's protocol, hearings may be conducted either in person or remotely via Zoom.
At your initial hearing, you will be informed of the charges and enter a plea—guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The case may immediately advance to a bench trial during the same session, or the judge may schedule a separate trial date. Your attorney might also request to reschedule the trial or negotiate for a reduction or dismissal of the charges.
Consequences of a Conviction
If you are convicted of a disorderly persons offense, you won't be sentenced to state prison, but you could still face jail time. The maximum penalties for a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey include:
- Fines up to $1,000; and
- Up to six months in county jail.
With effective legal representation, many disorderly persons offenses result in little or no jail time. You might be sentenced to probation as an alternative, or in some cases, an effective attorney can negotiate to have the charges dismissed. If you're eligible for a diversionary program like Pre-Trial Intervention, your attorney may also assist you in petitioning for admittance to this program. Completing a diversionary program may result in having the charges dropped with no criminal record.
Nonetheless, a conviction for a disorderly persons offense can have enduring impacts beyond the immediate sentence. Even if you get no jail time, a conviction may be visible on criminal background checks, affecting your job prospects, housing options, or other opportunities for years.
How We Can Assist You
The Lento Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team has extensive experience in defending against disorderly persons charges in Gloucester County. We can help in the following ways:
- Assessing the charges and evidence against you
- Advocating for an acquittal during the bench trial
- Negotiating for reduced charges, lighter penalties, or case dismissal before or during your hearing
- Helping you qualify for diversionary programs like Pre-Trial Intervention or Conditional Discharge, which could lead to the charges being dismissed without a criminal record
New Jersey treats minor offenses with seriousness, and so should you. If you are facing a disorderly persons charge in Gloucester County, do not jeopardize your future by going it alone. Contact the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team for a consultation by calling 888-535-3686 or filling out our online form.
