Disorderly Persons Charges in Sussex County NJ

Disorderly Persons Charges in NJ

Disorderly persons offenses in Sussex and Warren County will generally be handled in the municipal court in the town where the alleged offense occurred.  Common disorderly persons offenses include the possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana, simple assault, shoplifting, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a fake ID, underage possession of alcohol, and failing to turn over a controlled dangerous substance.  Similarly, petty disorderly persons offenses such as harassment and disorderly conduct will also proceed in municipal court.  Regardless of the specific type of disorderly persons offense, the general consequences include up to a $1,000 fine and six (6) months in the county jail.  But in certain types of cases, the court can order restitution, a Drug Enforcement Demand Reduction penalty, or a driver’s license suspension.  Because of these consequences, you should consult with the criminal defense team at The Tormey Law Firm if you are facing a disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons offense in Sussex or Warren County.

What does a disorderly persons offense mean?

Disorderly persons offenses in New Jersey are essentially misdemeanor offenses, a conviction for which will result in a permanent criminal record, fines and potential probation or jail time.  One of the most important sentencing considerations for a defendant who either pleads guilty to or is found guilty of a disorderly persons offense is whether or not the person has a prior criminal record.  In other words, although the maximum penalty for a disorderly persons offense is six months in jail, there is a presumption of non-incarceration for first time offenders.  Similarly, the court has discretion as it relates to the amount of fine imposed and does not need to issue the maximum $1,000 fine.  Moreover, an effective defense strategy could utilize a diversionary program such as a conditional discharge or conditional dismissal to avoid the above-mentioned consequences.  Another option in disorderly persons cases is to negotiate with the prosecutor to amend the charges to a municipal ordinance violation or a non-criminal town code violation.  Such an outcome would require the payment of a fine, but would not result in a criminal conviction. A Judge can also place you on probation if you are convicted of a disorderly persons offense or petty disorderly persons offense.

Some of the most common disorderly persons offenses we see in municipal court include the following:

• Shoplifting (in an amount under $200)
• Simple Assault
• Harassment
• Disorderly Conduct
• Criminal Mischief
• Lewdness

Contact the Tormey Law Firm Now for Help

No matter the disorderly persons charges you may be facing in Warren or Sussex County, the criminal defense team at The Tormey Law Firm can help fight the charges and advocate on your behalf to avoid the consequences of a conviction.  Our experienced team of Sussex and Warren County municipal court defense lawyers has handled countless cases across New Jersey, achieving dismissals and other excellent outcomes on behalf of our satisfied clients.  Don’t let a charge for a disorderly persons offense such as the possession of drug paraphernalia, shoplifting, harassment, disorderly conduct, the underage possession of alcohol, simple assault, or failing to turn over a controlled dangerous substance end up in a conviction that will impact you for the rest of your life – call The Tormey Law Firm today at 973-755-1695.