Looking for a Criminal Lawyer Near Sea Girt for Disorderly Conduct?
Sea Girt, which is known as one of the more affluent towns in all of New Jersey, sure does tend to see its fair share of crime, albeit minor offenses, each and every summer. This is due in large part to the fact that one of the Jersey Shore’s oldest and most popular bar, The Parker House is located right in the heart of the town. By far one of the most common criminal offenses charged in Sea Girt is disorderly conduct. Disorderly conduct, which is often confused with “disorderly persons offense” is type of charge whereby “disorderly persons offense” is a degree of a charge (i.e. misdemeanor). Disorderly conduct is considered a petty disorderly persons offense in New Jersey and as a result anyone charged with this type of offense will be forced to appear in the Sea Girt Municipal Court to answer for the charges. As you will see below, although the potential for jail is low, the risk of being scarred with a criminal record is high.
Charged with a violating NJSA 2C:33-2 in the Borough of Sea Girt?
If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged by the Sea Girt police department with disorderly conduct we strongly urge that you contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately to discuss your options. Understanding your options, which includes potential defense and the potential penalties if convicted is absolutely crucial to mounting a successful defense. If you would like to speak to one of our Monmouth County criminal defense attorneys today about your options, please feel free to contact our office directly at 732.858.6959. One of our criminal defense lawyers would be glad to go over the specifics of your case and formulate a game plan at how to best defend the charges. Do not let an alcohol fueled incident or a simple split second lapse in judgement jeopardize your future. As always, our initial consultations are free of costs. So if you have any questions whatsoever, please do not hesitate to contact us.
What is Disorderly Conduct? Can I be Convicted of Disorderly Conduct in NJ?
Disorderly conduct, which is often coined as New Jersey’s “catchall” offense, seeks to prosecute those engaging in improper behavior and/or offensive language. Although not limited to these specific acts, the most common incidents that lead to an individual being charged with disorderly conduct are minor fights, verbal arguments and public intoxication. In essence, if the conduct “cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof” there is a good chance that the individual will be charged. With that being said the reach of this offense is not endless and since it is often coined as the catchall offense it tends to be overcharged at times. For more information on disorderly conduct charges in New Jersey, including potential defense, please click the link.
Do I Have to Go To Court for a Disorderly Conduct Charge?
In short, yes. Since disorderly conduct is a criminal offense in New Jersey, court is mandatory. You cannot simply pay a fine online and not appear in open court. Anyone arrest and charged with disorderly conduct will have their case litigated in the Sea Girt Municipal Court, which is actually located in Wall Township at 2700 Allaire Road. Court will be held every Wednesday at three p.m.
How Serious is a Disorderly Conduct Charge in Sea Girt?
As touched upon above, disorderly conduct is classified as a petty disorderly persons offense, which is New Jersey’s version of a misdemeanor. If convicted, an individual will be facing up to thirty days in the Monmouth County Jail, a fine up to $500.00, community service, probation as well a criminal record. The criminal record must remain for at least three years before the individual can petition the courts for an expungement. For more information on expunging a petty disorderly persons offense in New Jersey, please click the link.
Criminal Defense Attorney Serving Sea Girt
As you can see from reading above, although it is not the crime of the century, disorderly conduct is not something to take lightly. Being scarred with a permanent criminal record will certainly have a lasting effect moving forward in life, especially for someone just embarking on their adult life. If have unfortunately found yourself in this type of situation, the Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help. Our office has been defending these types of offenses in courts throughout the Jersey Shore for the better part of the last decade. If you would like to set up a free initial consultation today, please contact us directly at 732.858.6959 or you can try contacting us online.