You may not think that trespassing or petty theft violations can threaten your future, but no matter the disorderly persons offense you face in Morris County, New Jersey, you need to take it seriously. Although disorderly persons offenses are less severe than other types of crimes, they can still lead to steep fines, imprisonment, and continued hardships as you struggle to secure a job or education.
Without legal representation, you are at increased risk of punishment due to how New Jersey handles these low-level offenses. Instead of a jury of your Morris County peers, judges directly decide cases involving disorderly persons offenses. The Lento Law Firm can provide the experienced criminal defense you need to avoid the maximum sentence and continue living your life unencumbered. Call our Criminal Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or contact us through our website to describe your case and learn how we can help defend your rights and future.
What Is a Disorderly Persons Offense in Morris County, New Jersey?
Most people are familiar with misdemeanors and felonies, but New Jersey uses a slightly different system. If you are charged with a crime in Morris County, it will take one of two forms:
- Disorderly Persons Offense: Similar to a misdemeanor in other states, it is typically reserved for low-level offenses. However, they are distinct, primarily because New Jersey disorderly persons charges do not guarantee the accused the right to a jury trial. These offenses can also take the form of petty disorderly persons offenses for even more minor violations.
- Indictable Offenses: Similar to felonies in other states, with varying levels of severity from first to fourth-degree crimes. Being charged with an indictable offense in Morris County does provide the accused the right to a jury trial.
Despite being less serious than indictable offenses, many disorderly persons offenses can lead to significant jail time, including:
- Harassment
- Marijuana and drug paraphernalia possession
- Theft
- Resisting arrest
- Assault
- Trespassing
The specifics of each incident will determine whether Morris County considers it an indictable offense or a disorderly persons offense. For example, petty theft under two hundred dollars will lead to a lower charge, while higher values lead to indictable offense charges. However, even given the same set of circumstances, the strength of your legal representation and criminal defense can be instrumental in reducing a charge to a lower level.
Is a Disorderly Persons Offense Considered a Crime in Morris County, NJ?
Morris County residents accused of a disorderly person offense cannot receive a jury trial; instead, a municipal court judge oversees a "bench trial" and rules on the merits of the case. This detail directly affects the unique classification of disorderly persons offenses, which often confuses those accused of such violations.
Strictly speaking, New Jersey law does not classify disorderly persons offenses as crimes. For something to be a crime in New Jersey, it must:
- Be an offense that grants the defendant the right to a trial by jury
- Be an offense that requires a grand jury indictment
Disorderly persons offenses require neither, which means they are not crimes according to the law. However, for all intents and purposes, Morris County residents should treat these offenses like criminal infractions, especially due to how disastrous the punishments can be in their lives.
If accused of a disorderly persons offense, the accused can:
- Be found guilty of that offense in court
- Face time in jail, fines, and other legal requirements
- Receive a permanent criminal record
The fact that disorderly persons offenses in New Jersey are not a crime is something you may want to remember for trivia night, but it shouldn't be an integral part of your defense in court. Treat accusations with the seriousness they deserve, then contact the Lento Law Firm to protect against potential punishment and defend your name.
Prosecuting Disorderly Persons Offenses in Morris County, New Jersey
Judges working in local municipal courts handle cases within their jurisdiction. If you are accused of a disorderly persons offense in Morris County, you must appear in the local municipal court where the offense is alleged to have occurred, whether that's in Morristown or Montville.
The initial hearing for your disorderly persons offense will arguably be the most important. The judge will formally present you with the charges and ask for a plea, either not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Then, the judge may immediately proceed with a bench trial, which means working with experienced criminal defense attorneys is not something you can procrastinate. Your attorneys can counter the evidence presented by the prosecution and defend your name before the judge issues their verdict.
In addition to an immediate bench trial, your attorney can argue for an adjournment, negotiate for a complete dismissal, or come to a negotiated agreement with prosecutors to lessen the punishment you face for pleading guilty.
Consequences of Disorderly Persons Convictions
These offenses may not bring as harsh punishments as indictable offenses, but they can still result in:
- Jail Time: Up to six months in county jail or 1 month for petty offenses.
- Fines: Up to $1000 or $500 for petty offenses.
But remember, even if you are out of jail in a few weeks and hit with a small fine, a conviction for a disorderly persons offense can continue to impact your life for years. Despite not being a crime according to New Jersey law, the conviction will remain visible to potential employers, landlords, and educational institutions in the future.
Call the Lento Law Firm to Defend Against Disorderly Persons Offenses in Morris County
Disorderly persons offenses are not technically crimes according to New Jersey law, and they have a unique way of being adjudicated, but that doesn't mean you can let your guard down when accused of a violation. Lengthy jail stints and steep fines are often extremely burdensome, and the continued fallout of a conviction makes it harder to live your life to the fullest.
If you are facing charges for a disorderly persons offense in Morris County, New Jersey, the Lento Law Firm can help. Call our Criminal Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential online form to get started on your defense.
