Charged with Disorderly Conduct in Middletown New Jersey
Disorderly conduct, which has been coined New Jersey’s “catchall” offense, is one of the most common crimes presided over in the Middletown Municipal Court. A Defendant could end up being charged with disorderly conduct for a wide variety of reasons. Most of the disorderly conduct charges in Middletown revolve around either some form of a verbal argument or some alcohol fueled incident. Regardless of the underlying reasons behind the charges, the criminal defense attorneys at Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help. As you will see below, disorderly conduct is a petty disorderly persons offense. That is New Jersey’s version of a misdemeanor. Therefore, if convicted, a Defendant would be scarred with a permanent criminal record.
Looking to Consult with an Attorney on Disorderly Conduct Case in Middletown
If you have ben arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, simple assault or aggravated assault in Middletown, New Jersey it is crucial that you speak to an experienced criminal defense lawyer about your options. If you would like to speak to one of the Middletown, New Jersey criminal defense lawyers on staff at the Keith Oliver Criminal Law then please contact us at 732.858.6959. We can can discuss the specific facts of your case and formulate a game pan that works best to suit your needs. As always our initial consultations are free of costs. Our office is located directly across the street from the Middletown Municipal Court at 18 Kings Highway. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. For more information on disorderly conduct charges in Middletown, please see below.
Looking for Information on Disorderly Conduct Charges in NJ?
Disorderly conduct offenses are governed by NJSA 2C:33-2 in New Jersey. Although this offense is considered a “catchall” charge in New Jersey, it is often wrongfully charged because of that fact. A lot of police officers resort to charging a Defendant with disorderly conduct just figuring that “incident” in question “fits”. But often times that is not the case and an experienced Middletown criminal defense attorney can look to exploit those situations. Disorderly conduct has been broken down into two different subsections, improper behavior and offensive language.
What Does the State Need to Prove for Disorderly Conduct Charge:
Improper Behavior: NJSA 2C:33-2a:
A person is guilty of a petty disorderly persons offense, if with purpose to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof he
- Engages in fighting or threatening, or in violent or tumultuous behavior; or
- Creates a hazardous or physically dangerous condition by any act which serves no legitimate purpose of the actor.
Offensive Language: NSJA 2C:33-2b:
A person is guilty of a petty disorderly persons offense if, in a public place, and with purpose to offend the sensibilities of a hearer or in reckless disregard of the probability of so doing, he addresses unreasonably loud and offensively coarse or abusive language, given the circumstances of the person present and the setting of the utterance, to any person present.
So as you can see, a wide variety of “conduct” can be swept under this statute but that does not mean it is endless. If you have been charged with disorderly conduct in Middletown and would like to go over your options with one of our criminal lawyers then please contact us at 732.858.6959.
Will I go to Jail for a Disorderly Conduct Charge in NJ?
As touched up earlier, disorderly conduct is a petty disorderly persons offense. This is New Jersey’s lowest level criminal offense. If convicted, a Defendant will be facing up to thirty (30) days in the Monmouth County Jail, a fine up to $500, a criminal record, probation, community service and even court ordered anger management.
Do I have to Go to Court for Disorderly Conduct in Middletown?
Since disorderly conduct is considered a criminal offense in New Jersey, a court appearance is mandatory. All disorderly conduct charges originating out of Middletown will be heard in the Middletown Municipal Court, which is located at 1 Kings Highway. If you fail to appear for your case a bench warrant for your arrest could be issued.
Disorderly Conduct Attorneys in Middletown NJ
If you have been charged with disorderly conduct, driving while intoxicated, stalking, harassment, trespassing or any other offense in Middletown, let the criminal defense lawyers at Keith Oliver Criminal Law help. We have been defending clients accused of crimes in courts throughout Monmouth County, including the Middletown Municipal Court for years. We are well aware of what a criminal conviction can do to your future. As such, we are dedicated to rigorously defend these types of charges to make sure they do not effect your future. If you would like a free initial consultation today, then please contact us at (732) 858-6959.