Frankford NJ Criminal Defense Lawyers
Have you been charged with a criminal or DUI offense in Frankford Township, NJ? Call The Tormey Law Firm today to help defend against your charges and the possible consequences. Whether you have been accused of writing bad checks, harassment, simple assault, disorderly conduct, DWI or another violation of New Jersey laws, our team of defense attorneys has the knowledge and foresight to assist you with any of your criminal or traffic matters. Contact us today at 973-755-1695 to discuss your particular case and the various options that may be available to resolve it in your favor. We are available around the clock to provide your cost-free consultation.
Frankford Joint Municipal Court Cases
If you have a low-level criminal offense or traffic matter arising out of Frankford, then it is likely that you will attend the Frankford Joint Municipal Court. The Court is located at 151 US Highway 206 in Augusta, New Jersey 07822. The Court hours of operation are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. through 3:30 p.m., with Court sessions taking place on the second Thursday of the month beginning at 9:30 a.m. and the third Thursday of the month beginning at 1:00 p.m. The Court may be reached by phone at 973-948-4045. The Judge in Frankford Joint Municipal Court is the Honorable James G. Devine and the Municipal Prosecutor is Peter J. Laemers. For additional information about Frankford Joint Municipal Court, visit their website.
Petty disorderly persons and disorderly persons offenses are heard in the location of the Municipal Court giving rise to the particular offense. Since Municipal Courts are limited in jurisdiction, the scope of what types of cases can be heard in a Municipal Court is restricted. Thus, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2B:12-17, a Municipal Court has jurisdiction over violations of county or municipal ordinances, motor vehicle laws, boat regulations, fish and game laws, in addition to disorderly persons offenses and non-indictable offenses.
What does it mean to be charged with a disorderly persons offense in Frankford Township?
Generally, disorderly persons and petty disorderly persons offenses are heard at the Municipal Court level. While disorderly persons and petty disorderly persons offenses do not carry as weighty ramifications as felonies or indictable offenses, they equally show up on background checks. For instance, disorderly conduct is charged as a petty offense. Further, in New Jersey it can be classified by the broad nature of N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2, relating to offensive language, fighting, acting in a menacing manner, or acting improperly. Under the statute, it goes as far as classifying said conduct as use of offensive language in a public place with a purpose to offend the sensibilities of the hearer. This is extremely over-broad and gives boundless discretion to charge someone on the grounds of free speech.
In addition to petty disorderly persons offenses, the Frankford Municipal Court also handles a variety of other offenses, such as disorderly persons offenses. A disorderly persons offense is a misdemeanor, which means there are lighter penalties involved than one would receive for an indictable offense (otherwise known as a felony offense). Although a disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons offense in New Jersey may be the least serious criminal offense in the State, it still can carry penalties that can impact you both today and in the future. These effects include having the arrest and conviction on your record, Court imposed fines and assessments, Sussex County jail time, and/or a probationary sentence.
Facing Criminal Charges in Frankford Municipal Court, What are my Options?
If you are charged with a low-level criminal offense in Franford, New Jersey, the Municipal Prosecutor may allow for the downgrade of the offense depending on the facts and circumstances related to this matter. Municipal ordinance violations commonly are disposed of by the payment of fines and do not show on criminal background checks. A municipal ordinance is equivalent a local noise complaint or a littering ticket.kE
Another way to potentially overcome a disorderly persons offense is through a Carry order. Carry orders allow for a case to be essentially carried for a specified period of time so that a defendant can participate in and complete counseling. If the defendant successfully completes the program and has not committed any additional crimes, then the charges will be dismissed. This may be an option if you have been charged with an offense like simple assault.
In other instances, one may be eligible for entry into the Conditional Dismissal Program. Conditional Dismissal is a program that is constructed for first-time offenders. The program generally applies to cases associated with disorderly conduct, shoplifting, and more. After completion of the terms of the program, the matter will be dismissed. There is a similar program called Conditional Discharge that operates in the same manner but for low-level drug offenses such as possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Again, if you have no existing record and finish the program having complied with all requirements, the charge is dismissed.
Keep in mind that your case may also be eligible for dismissal based on evidentiary or procedural issues. Dismissals depend on the facts and circumstances surrounding your case.
Felony Crimes in Frankford, New Jersey
Crimes in the State of New Jersey, on the other hand, are considered indictable offenses. An indictable offense is issued under a different complaint than that of Municipal offenses and the crime itself is classified by a degree. The lower the degree, the more serious the offense, with higher penalties involved. For example, a first degree crime carries the most fines, penalties, and jail time. With that being said, offenses of this nature are prosecuted by the Prosecutor’s Office and the Sussex County Superior Court due to the likely seriousness of the offense at hand. The location for the Sussex County Superior Court is located at 43-47 High Street, Newton, NJ 07860.
About Frankford Township NJ
Frankford is a rural area in Sussex County that has over 5,500 individuals living in the township according to the 2010 Census. The area is roughly 35 square miles and is considered home to many indoor and outdoor landmarks in the area. Geographically, the area borders Culver’s Lake and Lake Owassa. In addition, the township is also considered a part of the Kittatinny Valley, which is a segment of the Appalachian Valley. Frankford completely surrounds Branchville Borough and as a result is considered a doughnut town. Further, the area is known by multiple geologic formations. There are several highways and county roads that serve the area including U.S. Route 206, Route 15, County Route 519 and County Route 565. Recreationally, the township hosts the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show and also has Skylands Park. You can read more about Frankford Township on their website.
Frankford Township is served by the New Jersey State Police, and their location is in Augusta, New Jersey. For non-emergency matters, the department may be reached by phone number at: 973-383-1515. Here is also the police department information for Frankford.
Call Criminal Attorneys in Frankford Township NJ for Immediate Assistance
Are you facing a Frankford Township offense and need representation? Call The Tormey Law Firm for a free consultation to discuss your Frankford Joint Municipal Court or Sussex County Superior Court matter. You can reach us anytime for further information about your charges and how we can help by calling 973-755-1695 or sending us a message.
