Conviction of a disorderly persons offense such as shoplifting or trespassing may not seem like a big deal. After all, a disorderly persons offense does not meet the definition of “crime” in New Jersey. However, such a conviction still comes with the possibility of jail time, a fine, and other penalties, and it will become part of your criminal record—something that could affect your application for a job, a loan, or an apartment.
If you reside in Warren County, New Jersey, and you face charges for a disorderly persons offense, it is crucial to retain an experienced, knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
The Lento Law Firm Criminal Law Team has extensive experience successfully representing clients like you in disorderly persons offense cases, and they have a comprehensive understanding of the inner workings of the courts in Warren County and throughout New Jersey. Our Criminal Law Team can explain the legal process for your case and review your best options, and they can reduce or eliminate the chances that the judge will recommend the maximum sentence; they may even be able to get the charges against you dismissed. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation.
What Is a Disorderly Persons Offense in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, actions that are classified as disorderly persons offenses include the following:
- Harassment
- Simple assault
- Possession of small amounts of illegal drugs or related paraphernalia
- Resisting arrest
- Shoplifting/petty theft of items valued at $200 or less
New Jersey also has a petty disorderly persons offense category, which includes crimes like disorderly conduct and trespassing.
An individual charged with a disorderly persons offense goes before a municipal court judge in a bench trial—no jury is present, unlike in most other states in the U.S., where this type of offense is categorized as a misdemeanor, and a jury renders a verdict if the case goes to trial.
New Jersey also differs from most other states in how it classifies more serious crimes—New Jersey does not have a felony category. A charge for a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey may be elevated to the category of indictable offense depending on the circumstances, for example, if any of the alleged victims were seriously injured. Indictable offenses in New Jersey range from fourth-degree offenses, such as money laundering, up to first-degree offenses, including murder, kidnapping, and rape.
Is a Disorderly Persons Offense Considered a Crime in New Jersey?
Included in the criteria for an offense to be categorized as a crime in New Jersey are the requirements that the accused is indicted by a grand jury and the accused has the right to a jury trial. If you are accused of a disorderly persons offense, however, you will not be indicted by a grand jury, and you will go before a judge in a bench trial without a jury. The consequences for conviction of a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey are similar to those for a misdemeanor conviction in other states: You face the possibility of jail time and fines, and the conviction will go on your criminal record.
Prosecuting Disorderly Persons Offenses in Warren County, New Jersey
If you are charged with a disorderly persons offense in Warren County, your case will be heard at the municipal court that serves the area where the alleged offense occurred. In some cases, courts for two or more than one municipality are in the same location, such as the facility for Pohatcong Township, which also houses the municipal courts for Greenwich and Lopatcong Townships.
At your first appearance before the court for a disorderly persons offense, the prosecutor will present the charges against you. There are several options for how your attorney may respond on your behalf:
- Request a dismissal or reduction in charges.
- Request an adjournment of the trial to a later date.
- Ask that you participate in a diversionary program rather than proceed immediately with a bench trial.
- Try to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor.
- Submit a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest on your behalf.
If your attorney enters a plea of not guilty and the bench trial proceeds, the prosecutor will argue the case against you, presenting evidence, witnesses, and testimony. Your attorney will respond with your defense and may also present evidence, witnesses, and testimony.
What Happens If You Are Convicted
If you are convicted of a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey, you may be sentenced to up to six months in county jail and fined $1,000. If you are convicted of the lesser petty disorderly persons offense, you may be sentenced to up to thirty days in county jail and fined up to $500. In either case, probation, community service, and suspension of your driver's license may also be part of the sentence. In addition, your criminal record will reflect the conviction.
The Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team Can Help You
Clients like you throughout Warren County have turned to the Criminal Law Team at the Lento Law Firm, experienced, knowledgeable legal counsel when facing charges for a disorderly persons offense. We can provide the best legal representation possible when mounting your defense. Depending on the details of your case, our Criminal Law Team will take the following actions:
- Explain the legal process and answer your questions
- Review and evaluate the charges against you
- Develop a robust defense strategy
- Negotiate for a reduction or dismissal of the charges against you or a reduction of the penalties
- Assist you with applying to diversionary programs. If you complete them successfully, charges against you may be dismissed, leaving your record clear.
A disorderly persons charge may seem minor, but if you are convicted, the effects may be long-term. The Lento Law Firm Team is dedicated to giving you the best chance possible for a favorable or more lenient resolution of your case. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form.
