You may not know much about disorderly persons offenses in New Jersey, but that doesn't mean they cannot negatively impact your future if you are hit with a charge. While most people perceive them as minor infractions, these charges carry consequences that can definitely change your life—financially, personally, and professionally. The way these offenses play out in the local justice system is also unique, and Ocean County residents should always work with experienced criminal defense attorneys to protect their future.
The Lento Law Firm has a history of successfully defending New Jersey clients who are dealing with all forms of disorderly persons offenses. Never walk into an Ocean County municipal court without an experienced attorney who can advocate on your behalf during your initial hearing. Call the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or contact us through our online form.
What Are New Jersey Disorderly Persons Offenses?
Like most states, New Jersey classifies criminal offenses and violations into two primary categories, albeit with slight differences. Disorderly persons offenses are less severe violations similar to misdemeanors, while indictable offenses are more serious criminal violations most people associate with felonies.
The fact that New Jersey does not use the misdemeanor/felony classification is sometimes relevant, but only in limited ways. Most notably, disorderly persons offenses do not provide the accused New Jersey residents with the opportunity to defend themselves in a jury trial. Instead, judges in municipal courts hear cases and make judgments, known as a bench trial. Although bench trials do not allow juries, the accused can still benefit from legal representation throughout court appearances and negotiations.
Since disorderly persons offenses are less severe violations than indictable offenses, the most common charges include:
- Minor theft and shoplifting
- Simple assault
- Possession of minor drug quantities or paraphernalia
- Trespassing
- Harassment
- Bad checks
- Disorderly conduct
Despite their lower severity level, many disorderly persons offenses can be charged as indictable offenses in certain circumstances. For example, attempting to pass one bad check for a hundred dollars is much different from a massive fraud scheme involving thousands of dollars. Your attorneys can negotiate and show evidence of extenuating circumstances to reduce the severity of your charges and avoid serious punishment.
Are Disorderly Persons Offenses Considered Crimes in New Jersey?
Continuing to be unique, New Jersey's disorderly persons offenses are not actually crimes according to the letter of the law. As defined by state law, crimes typically require two things:
- An indictment by a grand jury
- The right to a jury trial
Ocean County residents accused of disorderly persons offenses can end up before a judge without a grand jury indictment and without the right to a jury trial, meaning these offenses are not technically crimes. However, don't let this classification mislead you—disorderly persons offenses still carry serious consequences, including:
- Potential for significant jail time that interrupts your life
- Fines that strain your finances
- Criminal records visible by employers and educational institutions on background checks
The Lento Law Firm can represent you during bench trials to help secure minimal punishment, potentially including dismissal of your charges.
Court Process for Disorderly Persons Offenses in Ocean County
Bench trials for disorderly persons cases are overseen by judges in the municipal court of the township or locality where the alleged offense occurred. For example, those accused of an offense in Brick Township must appear at the Brick Township Municipal Court on Chambers Bridge Road, while others would appear at the Township of Ocean Municipal Court in Oakhurst. Regardless of where your initial court appearance takes place, you will be formally presented with the charges and asked to enter a plea.
Working with the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team, you can explore several defense options. You can plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest, at which point the judge may begin a bench trial immediately. However, your attorney might be able to secure an adjournment, negotiate to reduce penalties, or aim for a dismissal. In some cases, local Ocean County diversion programs can provide an alternative path to avoid a conviction and help you maintain a clean record. After hearing more about your case, your Lento Law Firm attorneys will recommend the best path forward.
Avoid Convictions for Disorderly Persons Offenses by Working with the Lento Law Firm
Remember, just because disorderly persons offenses are not crimes does not mean you should accept a conviction. The maximum penalty for convictions is up to six months in jail and $1,000 in fines. For lower-level petty disorderly offenses, these penalties can still reach up to 30 days in jail and $500 in fines.
Many fail to realize that convictions and their resulting penalties do not always cause the most significant hardship. When you have a criminal record in New Jersey, employers, colleges, landlords, and licensing institutions can access your history to put roadblocks in your way. A minor conviction for a low-level offense is not guaranteed to ruin your life, but you should never roll the dice. Instead, get in touch with the Lento Law Firm as soon as you are arrested or charged with a disorderly persons offense in Ocean County.
The Lento Law Firm understands what is at stake whenever you appear before a local Ocean County judge. Our Criminal Defense Team will focus on pursuing dismissals when possible, with the ultimate goal of keeping your criminal record spotless. We will also review your case, discuss your options, and recommend the best path to put this situation behind you.
When disorderly persons offenses threaten your future, you need experienced help. Call the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or contact us through our website to get started on your defense.
