Maple Shade NJ Disorderly Conduct Attorney
Disorderly conduct is a criminal offense that is common in Burlington County municipal court. This charge is also very broad and can come into play in a wide variety of contexts beyond the classic drunk in public. The New Jersey Disorderly Conduct law actually applies to not only misbehavior but also to improper language. Arguing that goes too far in a public place, especially if it involves a police officer, often gives rise to a violation of this law. The same is true for conduct that is likely to trigger violence. If you were issued a summonses or complaint for disorderly conduct contrary to N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2 in Mt. Laurel, Willingboro, Burlington, Maple Shade or another town, we can assist you. At the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall we have a team of former municipal prosecutors that have handled thousands of disorderly conduct charges over the combined 100 years we have been in practice. For anyone facing a 2c:33-2 charge, our lawyers can offer a unique complement of knowledge and skills in the defense of any disorderly persons offense. Call our attorneys for a free consultation at 856-234-8900 or to arrange an in-person meeting at our Mount Laurel Office.
Burlington Disorderly Conduct Charges Under N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2
Disorderly conduct is divided into two separate categories under N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2. Both forms of this violation are a disorderly persons offense. The first variety of disorderly conduct addresses improper behavior and includes: (1) fighting or threatening, or in violent or tumultuous behavior; and (2) conduct that creates a hazardous or physically dangerous condition without serving any legitimate purpose. Either type of misbehavior results in disorderly conduct if it is committed with the purpose to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof. Scenarios falling within this class of disorderly persons offense are usually categorized by behavior that is tumultuous, unreasonably disruptive, or is tantamount to fighting. The second form of disorderly conduct under 2C:33-2 stems from use of “offensive language” in a public place. A violation here includes results where someone engages in unreasonably loud, offensive course and/or abusive language with the purpose or recklessness regarding offending the listener’s sensibilities.
Penalties If Convicted Of Disorderly Conduct In Mt. Holly
As previously stated, a violation of 2C:33-2 is a disorderly persons offense. This grade of violation is the equivalent of a “misdemeanor” under New Jersey. While this is the case, a conviction nevertheless results in the existence of a criminal record. At the time of sentencing, the municipal court judge sitting in Tabernacle, Lumberton, Pemberton or Beverly may imposes a period of probation, a term of imprisonment at the county jail, fines and court assessments exceeding $1,000, and even has authority to suspend your driving privileges.
Disorderly Conduct Lawyers Evesham New Jersey
Even though disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor, you should not take this offense lightly. The reality is that a finding of guilt will result in serious penalties that can include in excess of $1,000 in fines and court assessments, as well as six month in the Burlington County Jail. As if the stakes were not high enough, a conviction results in a criminal record that will follow you around for a minimum of 5 years. A formal proceeding called an expungment must be filed to remove it and there are strict eligibility requirements beyond the five year waiting period. The key is to make sure that you avoid being found guilty in the first place and this is something our Burlington County Criminal Attorneys are successfully in achieving in most cases. Call our Mt. Laurel office now for a free consultation with one of our Evesham NJ Disorderly Conduct Lawyers.
