Disorderly Conduct in Clark Township
Disorderly conduct is a petty disorderly persons offense that applies to a wide range of behavior. It includes conduct like fighting, arguing, shouting in public, or doing something that is otherwise disruptive to others. If you have been charged with disorderly conduct in Clark New Jersey, you should get the help of an attorney before walking into court. While you may think that disorderly conduct is not a serious charge, it is not a good idea to defend this offense without a savvy lawyer. You know that old saying, “a person who represents himself in court has a fool for a client.” Well, know your options and at least take advantage of a free consultation with someone with years of experience before taking a misstep. The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, serving Clark Municipal Court and all of Union County, employs eight criminal attorneys with over a century in practice, including service as prosecutors. The members of our defense team have handled thousands of disorderly conduct cases and know how to develop an effective strategy to achieve the very best outcome of your charge. Lawyers are available 24/7 for free consultation by contacting our office at 908-272-1700.
Clark Disorderly Conduct Offense
A disorderly conduct offense involves violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2. A disorderly conduct charge can result in conviction under 2C:33-2 based on either improper behavior or use of offensive language. The requirements in order to prove disorderly conduct are discussed in the headings below.
Improper Behavior. In order to be guilty of disorderly conduct due to improper behavior, the prosecutor must prove that you: (1) engaged in fighting or threatening, violent or tumultuous behavior, OR created a hazardous or physically dangerous condition by any act which serves no legitimate purpose for the person; and (2) your conduct was for the purpose to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly created a risk thereof.
Offensive Language. In order to by guilty of disorderly conduct due to offensive language, the prosecutor must prove that you: (1) were in a public place; (2) had the purpose to offend the sensibilities of the hearer, or recklessly disregard the chance of doing so; and (3) spoke in a manner that was unreasonably loud, offensively coarse or abusive.
Possible Defenses to Disorderly Conduct. As you can see, to be guilty of disorderly conduct, the prosecutor must prove all of the elements of the offense (either improper behavior or offensive language). For example, disorderly conduct requires proof of a particular mental state, namely, to cause public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm or to offend the sensibilities of the hearer. It must also be established that the conduct itself — the words or the behavior, satisfy the requirements of 2C:33-2.
Penalties for Disorderly Conduct. Disorderly Conduct is a petty disorderly persons offense. The possible penalties for a disorderly persons conviction are:
- Up to a $500 fine
- Probation
- Community services
- Counseling
- Up to 30 days in jail
Clark Disorderly Conduct Defense Lawyer
If the Clark Police Department charged you with disorderly conduct, be sure to retain an attorney to help defend you in court. Disorderly conduct may seem like a minor infraction but jail time is a possible penalty. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have the skill and experience to successfully challenge the disorderly conduct charge you are facing in Clark Municipal Court. Call 908-272-1700 for a free initial consultation with one of skilled criminal attorneys. We have decades of experience to assist you and a lawyer is available around the clock to address your concerns.
