New Jersey Disorderly Persons Defense Attorney

In most states, those who are charged with criminal wrongdoing risk being convicted of felony or misdemeanor offenses. Most of the time, felonies are punishable by one year or more in prison, whereas misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail. As a result of this relatively standardized approach to criminal law, the terms “felony” and “misdemeanor” are used frequently in television shows and movies featuring officer-led investigations and courtroom drama.

In New Jersey, however, criminal offenses are categorized in unique ways. The Garden State classifies felony-like crimes as “indictable offenses” in the first, second, third, and fourth degrees. A conviction for an indictable offense can result in a sentence of up to 20 years of imprisonment. By contrast, misdemeanor-like crimes are classified as “disorderly persons offenses” and carry a maximum penalty of six months in a county jail under most circumstances.

It can be tempting to think that because a disorderly persons offense is a lesser category of criminal wrongdoing, those who are charged with such conduct don't need to treat their charges too seriously. However, depending on the ins and outs of an individual's unique situation, a conviction for a disorderly persons offense could be life-changing in all the worst ways. As a result, it is undeniably important for those who are facing disorderly persons charges to seek personalized legal guidance and support immediately.

If you are either being investigated or have already been arrested due to an officer's suspicion that you have committed a disorderly persons offense, talk to us about your case today by calling 888-535-3686 or by contacting the experienced Criminal Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm online. With your future at stake, there is no time to waste in crafting the strongest possible criminal defense strategy.

Trusted Advocacy in Disorderly Persons Cases

The Criminal Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm has developed a reputation for providing knowledgeable, client-focused advocacy on behalf of New Jersey residents and visitors throughout the state. We understand that being charged with a disorderly persons offense can turn an individual's world upside down. In addition to a risk of fines and possible imprisonment, we know that a conviction for this kind of offense can result in a loss of employment, child custody impacts, damage to one's reputation, and a host of additional secondary consequences. Therefore, we treat all of our clients – whether they have been accused of indictable offenses or disorderly persons offenses – with the same high degree of respect, consideration, and care.

Some law firms aim to bring in as much business as possible. This model can compromise the level of service provided to each individual client. At the Lento Law Firm, we devote the time and resources necessary to give each case the best possible shot at being resolved in favor of those whom we represent. If you have been accused of a disorderly persons offense, you can trust that we will never treat your situation as “just another case.” We will advocate aggressively on behalf of your interests so that you're in the strongest possible position to navigate your circumstances successfully.

Pursuing Favorable Outcomes

For many years, the skilled Criminal Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm has represented the interests of those accused of disorderly persons offenses in New Jersey. We understand that the circumstances of each case are unique. Therefore, we do not approach these matters utilizing a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we carefully evaluate each individual's case in order to craft the strongest possible defense strategy for each situation.

In some instances, it is possible to get charges dropped or dismissed. In others, it is in the best interests of a defendant to argue their case before a judge in pursuit of a favorable judgment in court. However, some cases are best approached with the aim of successfully securing a diversion-related resolution. In New Jersey, there are multiple diversion opportunities available to those who qualify. When diversion programs are completed as required, those who are enrolled have their charges dismissed. Popular diversion opportunities in New Jersey include:

  • Veterans Diversion: Aimed at treating mental health and substance abuse challenges that lead to criminal wrongdoing, this opportunity is available for military vets only.
  • Pre-Trial Intervention: Generally granted at a prosecutor's discretion, this opportunity allows for a dismissal of charges at the end of a successful probationary period.
  • Conditional Dismissal Program: Subject to a guilty plea for certain offenses, a defendant's case may be dismissed after they successfully complete the terms of probation for one year.

All of these options work well for certain defendants. But, we will not make any assumptions about what kind of criminal defense strategies will work to your greatest advantage until we have analyzed your circumstances in great detail. Your case is unique, and you deserve a legal approach that is tailored to your situation.

Legal Assistance Is Available

While the Lento Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team will do its utmost to advise you as to what we believe is your strongest course of action, it's important to keep in mind that your response to your disorderly persons offense charge(s) is ultimately up to you. It is our job to support you, guide you, and advocate on behalf of your rights. We never forget that we work for our clients, not the other way around.

If you're under investigation or are facing disorderly persons charges, it's time to connect with the reputable Criminal Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm. We are ready to fight for your rights, safeguard your interests, and preserve your options as your case evolves.

The stakes of any disorderly persons situation are high. As a result, it is important to act quickly in the wake of being arrested or learning that you are under investigation. Talk to us about your case today by calling 888-535-3686 or by contacting us online. You deserve a strong defense, and the quicker you act, the more effectively we can fight on your behalf.

​​​Contact The Lento Law Firm Today

When it comes to criminal defense cases, you need the right person in your corner. To learn more about how Mr. Lento can help you, call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686. or contact him online.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

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