Anyone can make a wrong decision. You might have acted carelessly, without all the facts, or in a chaotic moment. Perhaps you were in the wrong place at the wrong time and have been unfairly accused. Maybe your best intentions led to a bad outcome. Whatever the circumstances, if you face a disorderly person charge in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, the Lento Law Firm can help.
The Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can help you navigate the charges, represent you in court, and ensure that law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and the court respect your due process rights.
If you are charged with a disorderly person offense in Hunterdon County, let the Lento Law Firm's criminal defense attorneys help you. Call the Lento Law Firm offices today at 888-535-3686 or complete our online form to discuss your case.
What Is a Disorderly Persons Offense in New Jersey?
Most states organize criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies. In New Jersey, the legal system uses the terms disorderly persons offense and indictable offense:
- Indictable offenses: In most states, an indictable offense is called a felony. In New Jersey, indictable offenses involve the most serious criminal allegations. A defendant accused of an indictable offense may elect to have a jury trial or a bench trial. A bench trial is a trial adjudicated by a judge without a jury.
- · Disorderly persons offenses: A disorderly persons offense is generally comparable to a misdemeanor. Other states allow misdemeanor defendants to elect to have a jury trial. In New Jersey, disorderly persons offenses are adjudicated by a municipal court judge in a bench trial without a jury.
Disorderly persons offenses include violations such as simple assault, harassment, trespassing, shoplifting, theft, possession of small amounts of marijuana, and resisting arrest.
Importantly, disorderly persons offenses can become indictable crimes. For example, a theft charge could become an indictable offense depending on the value of the stolen items. An assault could escalate to an indictable offense if the alleged victim has serious injuries.
Is a Disorderly Persons Offense a Crime in New Jersey?
Although the prosecution of a disorderly persons offense resembles a criminal trial in many ways, it is not. In New Jersey, a crime is an offense that requires a grand jury indictment and grants the defendant the right to a jury trial. Because disorderly persons offenses do not require an indictment or a jury trial, they are not considered crimes in New Jersey.
Despite this nuance, a disorderly persons offense shares many of the same consequences with misdemeanor crimes. Specifically:
- ·A defendant can be found guilty of a disorderly persons offense.
- ·A defendant may face fines and potential jail time for such an offense. Importantly, jail time is served in a municipal jail and not in a state prison.
- ·A conviction for a disorderly persons offense may appear in criminal background checks.
Individuals accused of disorderly person crimes should take the charges seriously and assemble a defense team to help navigate the legal system and fight the allegations.
What Are the Consequences of a Conviction for Disorderly Persons Offense?
In New Jersey, a conviction for a disorderly persons offense does not result in state prison time. The maximum penalty is up to six months in jail and a fine of $1,000. Additionally, the court might include probation or community service as part of the sentence.
Importantly, a conviction for a disorderly persons offense can lead to far-reaching collateral damage in almost every aspect of your life. A conviction might appear on criminal background checks, impede your efforts to find employment or housing and harm your reputation and personal relationships.
How Are Disorderly Persons Offenses Prosecuted in Hunterdon County?
In New Jersey, the municipal court of the city, township, or borough where the incident occurred has jurisdiction over disorderly persons offenses.
There are over 20 municipal courts in Hunterdon County, including:
- The Readington Township Municipal Court, located in Whitehouse Station, NJ.
- The Flemington Borough Municipal Court, located in Flemington, NJ.
- The Lambertville City Court, located in Lambertville, NJ.
Every municipal court will have its own processes and procedures for its bench trials. Some trials may be held in person; others may occur online.
During your first hearing, the charges against you are read, and you are asked to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. A bench trial may begin immediately or be scheduled for a later date. The experienced defense attorneys at the Lento Law Firm know how the municipal courts of New Jersey operate. We can work with you throughout the judicial process.
How Can the Lento Law Firm Assist Individuals Charged with a Disorderly Persons Offense?
If you face a charge for a disorderly persons offense in Hunterdon County, the Lento Law Firm can help. As your Criminal Defense Team, we can:
- Analyze the charges against you to develop a comprehensive defense strategy.
- Assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case, including identifying any potential defenses.
- Advise you on the charges, the legal process, possible sentences, and any diversionary programs for which you are eligible, such as Pre-Trial Intervention or Conditional Discharge. Diversionary programs can provide a critical opportunity for defendants to limit or avoid prosecution.
- · Represent you at your bench trial.
- Negotiate with prosecutors and the municipal court judge for dismissal, reduced penalties, or lesser charges.
Anyone accused of a disorderly persons offense should take the allegation seriously and seek out the assistance needed to defend themselves.
The Lento Law Firm Can Help
A conviction for a disorderly persons offense in Hunterdon County can have long-term effects on your life. You don't have to navigate the New Jersey judicial system alone. Instead, you can partner with the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team, and we will fight for you and your future. Contact the experienced attorneys of the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or complete a confidential online form.
