A Night of Partying Should Not End in Arrest
In New Jersey, the distinction between felonies and misdemeanors no longer exists. There are only “indictable offenses,” which are more serious offenses requiring an indictment by a grand jury, and “non-indictable offenses,” which do not require an indictment by the grand jury. Non-indictable offenses are commonly referred to as “disorderly person offenses” and are typically heard in municipal court where the maximum jail sentence which can be imposed cannot exceed 6 months. As such, you do not have the right to a jury trial in connection with your disorderly or petty disorderly person. College students can be prone to these kinds of arrests, including everything from possession of marijuana to offensive language or disorderly conduct.
There is a defense — call for help. Call 973-821-4393 or 888-808-2798 or E-mail to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your disorderly person offense, drug charge, DUI or other criminal charge with an aggressive, knowledgeable defense lawyer.
New Jersey Attorney Who Fights For Your Rights
As a graduate of Seton Hall University, attorney James J. Sayegh understands the kinds of exuberant celebrations that college students can have after a difficult final exam or a BIG EAST Victory! As a lawyer with an extensive detailed knowledge of disorderly person offenses, he is capable of vigorously defending clients charged with:
- Fighting or Simple Assault
- Harassment
- Disorderly Conduct
- Shoplifting
- Theft of Property
- Receiving Stolen Property
- Theft by Deception
- Bad Checks
- Lewdness
- Criminal Trespass
- Certain Drug Offenses
Serious Consequences Require a Serious Lawyer
The disorderly person offenses tend to include a broad range of "offending" activity. They are minor, right? Wrong! It is a bad idea to ignore a disorderly person offense charge. Consequences for a conviction can change the course of your life, and not for the better; they can include a six month jail sentence, up to $1000 in fines, and community service. A petty disorderly person's offense carries a fine of up to $500 and up to 30 days in prison. Both will be subject to a mandatory $50 Victims of Crime Compensation Board assessment, $75 Safe Neighborhood Services Fund assessment and $33 in court costs?
Are There Any Other Consequences?
YES! In addition to paying fines and serving a jail sentence, you may be obligated to make restitution or lose your driver's license for up to two years if a motor vehicle was used in connection with the charged offense. Also, if you are subsequently charged with committing a crime, you will be precluded from entering the Pre Trial Intervention (PTI) program.
What if I am a public employee or official?
In addition to the consequences set forth above, a conviction or guilty plea to a disorderly or petty disorderly offense which relates to your office or employment could result in forfeiture of your public office/employment and result in a lifetime disqualification from employment or any other position with the State of NJ or any of its political subdivisions.
Knowledgeable in Municipal Court Matters
Disorderly person offenses are prosecuted before a municipal court judge. Obtain the legal counsel of a defense lawyer who can skillfully, intelligently and persuasively build a strong, strategic defense for your case.
Can Disorderly and Petty Disorderly Offenses by expunged?
YES! A person who is convicted of a disorderly or petty disorderly person offense may have the offense expunged 5 years after the sentence has been served (including payment of all fines, completion of probation and/or release from jail). NOTE: you are ineligible for an expungement if you were convicted of a "crime" or three other disorderly or petty disorderly person offenses either before or after the offense you are trying to get expunged.
If you would like to discuss the possibility of expunging a prior disorderly or petty disorderly person offense, please contact attorney James J. Sayegh to schedule a free consultation.
Free Initial Consultation in South Orange — Call 973-821-4393 or 888-808-2798 or E-Mail
When you need a lawyer who will fight for you and put your interests first, contact lawyer James J. Sayegh. Arrange for a confidential, free initial consultation to discuss your specific legal situation and learn about your legal options.
