Contact Our Hoboken Office To Speak To A Talented Former Prosecutor About Your Improper Behavior, Offensive Language or Other Disorderly Conduct Charges
Losing your temper and engaging in disruptive behavior or language might not seem like such a big deal but it can actually land you in the Hudson County jail if it results in a Hoboken disorderly conduct charge. What is even more alarming is that the Hoboken Police Department writes a tremendous amount of these offenses stemming from bar fights and other unrest in the City. All of the charges result in a criminal record and other penalties that even include the potential for incarceration. An attorney who is accomplished in handling violations of this nature can make all the difference when it comes to avoiding these pitfalls.
The defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have the attributes needed for success. Our team can offer you:
- Over 200 years of combined experience
- Ten attorneys that handle nothing but criminal cases
- Former municipal and county prosecutors
- Certified criminal trial attorneys
- Offices located in both Hoboken and Jersey City to conveniently serve you
A lawyer at the firm is ready to provide a free consultation to discuss how we can assist yo in defending a disorderly conduct charge in Hoboken Municipal Court. To speak to an attorney anytime 24/7 call 201-309-0500.
Hoboken, New Jersey Disorderly Conduct Offense
Disorderly conduct as defined in N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2 deals with conduct and language that disturbs public order. This law makes it a criminal offense to engage in the following activities:
- Fighting
- Violent or tumultuous behavior
- Threatening conduct or behavior
- Creating a hazardous or dangerous condition serving no lawful or legitimate purpose
Jumping out of your vehicle to confront a driver who just cut you off could result in a disorderly conduct arrest once the police arrive and believe your actions constituted threatening behavior. We investigate the facts very carefully because it takes more than merely the police interpretation of your actions to justify a conviction. The prosecution must produce evidence proving you committed a violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2(a).
The language you use could also be used by police to accuse you of disorderly conduct. N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2(b) prohibits offensively course or abusive language in public places when its purpose is to offend the sensibilities of other people. Using obscene and vulgar language in a public setting could be the basis for a disorderly conduct offense.
It is important to bear in mind that state law defines a public place in extremely broad terms. Examples of locations the law considers to be public places include streets, roads, highways, schools, amusement parks, transportation facilities and neighborhoods.
Penalties for Disorderly Conduct in Hoboken NJ
The penalties that may be imposed at the time of sentencing for a New Jersey disorderly conduct offense include the following:
- Confinement at Hudson County Correctional Center for up to 30 days
- A fine of up to $500
- Ordering you to pay court costs
- Satisfactory completion of community service
- Participation in and satisfactory completion of a counseling program
- Suspension of your driver’s license
It is essential for you to keep in mind that a criminal charge, including disorderly conduct, is not the same as a conviction. The prosecution has the burden of proving the allegations by producing evidence to support each element of the offense. Our role is to ensure that your rights are protected by challenging the prosecution evidence and presenting legal defenses. For example, shouting in a public place could an activity protected by the U.S. Constitution if you were participating in a public protest at the time, cause the prosecution to rethink the strength of its case and agree to a non-criminal municipal ordinance violation that does not bring with it the penalties or criminal record associated with a conviction for disorderly conduct.
Hoboken Disorderly Conduct Defense Lawyer
The defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall aggressively defend your rights and avoid the penalties and long-term consequences of a conviction. Using legal defenses that result in a dismissal of the charge is one method of accomplishing the goal of avoiding a conviction, but equally as effective is challenging the evidence to compel the prosecution to negotiate a reduction of the charge to a non-criminal violation of a municipal ordinance without the stigma of a criminal record. Call us now at 201-309-0500 where one of our lawyers is available 24/7 for a free initial consultation.
