Charged With Disorderly Conduct in Elizabeth New Jersey
Disorderly conduct is a criminal charge that applies to a broad range of behavior that is disruptive to public peace and order. It is an offense that is written in many contexts in Elizabeth. There are incidents of unruly passengers and patrons at Newark Airport, conflicts between neighbors, disagreements with police officers and many other reoccurring scenarios where Elizabeth disorderly conduct charges arise. Irrespective of how you were charged with disorderly conduct in the City of Elizabeth, it is pivotal that you consult with an attorney. This is a criminal offense that you are facing and failure to avoid a conviction will result in not only a record but penalties that are probably a lot worse than you anticipate. Enlisting the services of a skilled defense lawyer is undoubtedly the best move to make if you want to remain free of consequences flowing from a conviction. Here at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall we can offer a high level of knowledge and qualification as former prosecutors and other highly accomplished attorneys with over a century in practice combined. To speak to one of our lawyers immediately, call 908-272-1700.
Elizabeth Disorderly Conduct Offense
If you were arrested or otherwise received an Elizabeth charge for disorderly conduct in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2, it may have stemmed from either improper behavior or use of offensive language. Behavior results in this offense if it is undertaken for the purpose of causing “public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk there of” and involves either: (1) fighting or threatening, or in violent or tumultuous behavior; or (2) hazardous or physically dangerous conduct that serves no legitimate purpose.
As previously stated, someone can also violate 2C:33-2 in Elizabeth NJ through speech. This occurs if the actor, in a public place and with the purpose to offend someone or in reckless disregard of such a risk, utters words that are “unreasonably loud and offensively coarse or abusive language”.
Disorderly conduct is a disorderly persons offense that is handled in Elizabeth Municipal Court. While the charge is the equivalent of a misdemeanor, a conviction results in a criminal record that cannot be expunged for at least 5 years. This means that potential employers, licensing boards and many other interested parties will see that you have a record when considering you. You are also exposed to penalties at sentencing that include up to a $500 fine, probation, counseling, community service, suspension of your driving privileges and up to 30 days in the Union County Jail.
Elizabeth NJ Disorderly Conduct Defense Lawyer
Whether you received a summons from the Elizabeth Police Department, Port Authority Police or even the State Police, you case will ultimately end up in Elizabeth Municipal Court. Representation by a defense lawyer who has handled countless disorderly conduct and other charges in this court is important to your success in defending this charge. Our team of lawyers have this pedigree. In fact, we have been appearing there for decades with a long history of success. If you would like to speak to an attorney at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall immediately, call 908-267-1700. Attorneys are available to take your call 24/7 so contact us anytime for assistance.
