Animal Cruelty or Abuse Charges

New Jersey Animal Cruelty Lawyer

Dogs, cats and other domestic animals are a huge part our society so it naturally follows that laws would exist to protect them against cruelty and abuse. New Jersey has addressed this issue with a broad statute that imposes severe penalties for those charged and convicted for animal cruelty. Whether its failure to feed a dog, using them for fighting, leaving them outside or in a car during dangerous weather conditions, or someone other instance of neglect or abuse, animal cruelty is a serious criminal offense that can leave you with a record and even expose you to jail. Do not make the mistake of taking this violation lightly and call a defense attorney with skill in this area of law.

Marshall Criminal Defense has a team of experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyers that has earned a reputation for providing thorough and effective solutions for individuals facing criminal charges in Monmouth County, Essex County, Union County, Hudson County, Ocean County, Middlesex County, Burlington County, Mercer County and elsewhere in NJ. A conviction for cruelty to animals can threaten your ability to earn a living and even effect your liberty. A lawyer at our law firm will ensure that you avoid negative consequences such as these.

Exceptional Qualifications to Fight Your Animal Cruelty Offense In New Jersey

Our firm has selectively built one of the state’s biggest and most experienced teams, boasting real-life qualifications such as:

• Over 200 years of collective experience appearing in Jersey City, Freehold, Toms River, New Brunswick, Elizabeth, Newark, Mount Holly and everywhere else in New Jersey
• A team of 15 lawyers that special exclusively in criminal defense
• Former county and municipal prosecutors that have served at the highest levels and in some of the busiest courthouses in the state
• Certified criminal trial attorneys
• A track record of success defending animal cruelty, abuse and neglect charges

Our success in building a solid criminal defense firm that serves all of New Jersey has allowed us to maintain statewide connections and extensive resources. We understand the importance of achieving the very best outcome in your criminal case and will devote the time, energy, and planning that is needed to secure an acquittal, conditional dismissal, Pretrial Intervention, or another favorable result to you animal abuse charges.

Attorneys are available to assist you 24/7 in a free initial consultation. You can also call to set up a face-to-face meeting in one of our many offices. To discuss your case with a lawyer who can answer all your questions, call (877) 534-7338.

Types of Animal Cruelty & Abuse Crimes

Some crimes under New Jersey law are strict liability crimes which means that criminal liability is triggered simply by virtue of the commission of an act. Most offense of this nature are, however, classic violations that require proof of multiple elements in order to secure a conviction, including some level of culpability (e.g. recklessness, purposeful, negligent, etc.).

Suppose you leave your dog in your car on a hot summer day in New Jersey or commit any of the other prohibited acts related to animals or creatures listed below. In such a case, you may be charged with a criminal offense whether you acted with or without purpose, knowledge, recklessness, or negligence.

I. Disorderly Persons Offense for Committing Animal Cruelty or Abuse In New Jersey

N.J.S.A. 4:22-17 is the New Jersey Animal Cruelty law. Subsection (a) of this statute makes it a disorderly persons offense to:

1. Overload, overwork, abuse, or needlessly kill a living animal or creature;
2. Cause directly or indirectly, including through the use of another living animal or creature, the overloading, overworking, abuse, or needless death of a living animal or creature;
3. Inflict unnecessary cruelty upon a living animal or creature, by any direct or indirect means, including through the use of another living animal or creature, including leaving the living animal or creature unattended in a vehicle under inhumane conditions that are adverse to the health or welfare of the living animal or creature; or
4. Fail to provide a living animal or creature with necessary care as the owner or person responsible for such care.

A person who violates paragraphs 1 or 2 of subsection (a) is exposed to a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in the county jail. If someone is convicted of violating paragraph 3 or 4, they face a potential fine that can reach $2,000 and up to six months in jail.

II. Indictable Crime for Committing Animal Cruelty or Abuse In New Jersey

Subsection (b) of 4:22-17 outlines conduct that results in an indictable crime. In this regard, subsection 1 and 2  of either the fourth degree or third degree. A fourth degree crime arises when someone:

1. Torment, torture, maim, hang, poison, unnecessarily or cruelly beat, or needlessly mutilate a living animal or creature; or
2. Cause or procure, by any direct or indirect means, including but not limited to through the use of another living animal or creature, any such acts to be done –responsible for such care.

Subsection 3 of 4:22-17 makes it a third degree crime if “an animal or creature is cruelly killed or dies as a result of a violation of this subsection, or the person has a prior conviction for a violation of this subsection.”

Fourth degree animal cruelty or abuse results in up to 18 months in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. Third degree animal cruelty carries up to 5 years in prison and the possibility of a $15,000 fine.

III. Sexual Activity Involving Animals

In New Jersey, it is illegal to use, or cause or procure the use of, a dog, cat, horse or other animal, for sexual activities, or to initiate any kind of sexual contact with the animal or creature. If someone violations this law by purposely, knowingly, or recklessly, utilizing an animal in this manner, they face severe penalties.

You are subject to the penalties for a fourth degree crime if the state proves that you used an animal in a sexual way, for example, sodomizing a dog, cat or other creature. The penalties are up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 when this occurs. The offense escalates to a third degree crime if: (1) the animal or creature dies as a result of the conduct; (2) suffers serious bodily injury as a result of the conduct; or (3) the accused has a prior conviction of this nature. You face up to 5 years in prison and a $15,000 fine if you are convicted for this third degree crime.

Juvenile Offenses Involving Cruelty to Animals

If a juvenile is adjudicated delinquent for an act which, if committed by an adult, would constitute a disorderly person offense, crime of the fourth degree, or crime of the third degree under this law, the court must also order the juvenile to receive mental health counseling by a licensed psychologist or therapist named by the court for a period of time as prescribed by the licensed psychologist or therapist.

Highly Skilled Animal Abuse Attorneys in New Jersey

An attorney at Marshall Criminal Defense has the necessary knowledge and skill to defend your animal abuse or animal cruelty case anywhere in New Jersey. Our team of former prosecutors and talented criminal lawyers have extensive experience representing individuals who have been charged with cruelty to animals throughout the state. To speak to a lawyer about the criminal charges against you, call (877) 534-7338. One of our attorneys can conduct a comprehensive review of the facts of your case and advise you of the best strategy moving forward to achieve a dismissal or other favorable result.

Frequently Asked Questions