Charged With Disorderly Conduct in Plainfield New Jersey
The high crime rate in the community puts pressure on the Plainfield Police Department to use whatever measures New Jersey laws allow to maintain public order. Disorderly conduct is a criminal charge frequently used by the police when someone is engaging in disruptive conduct that does not fit within the definition of other criminal offenses. The statute is so broadly written as to give police discretion to apply it in a wide-variety of situations. If you are charged, you need legal representation to prevent a conviction from leaving you with the stigma of a criminal record.
The accomplished criminal lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have years of experience representing individuals charged with disorderly conduct in the Plainfield Municipal Court. People are frequently misled into believing disorderly conduct is a minor charge, but our attorneys know differently. Besides the fines and possible jail sentence a judge may impose if you are convicted, the record of conviction that potential employers and others can access could negatively affect you for years to come. If you are charged with disorderly conduct in Plainfield NJ, contact us today at (908) 272-1700 for a free initial consultation with a defense lawyer at our firm. An attorney is standing by to assist you anytime of day or night.
Plainfield NJ Disorderly Conduct Charge
A disorderly conduct charge may arise in Plainfield NJ from conduct that is constitutionally protected, so our attorneys spend considerable time investigating and analyzing the facts of your case to design an effective defense strategy that aggressively attacks the evidence prosecutors seek to introduce against you. Engaging in a public protest or having an argument with someone could lead to your arrest if a police officer believes it violates N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2. This law targets anyone engaging in improper conduct or using improper language in a public place. The law prohibits the following:
- Violent or tumultuous conduct
- Fighting
- Loud, course or abusive language
- Threatening language or conduct
- Language offending another person’s sensibilities
- Conduct serving no lawful or legitimate purpose if it creates a hazardous or dangerous condition
The definition of a public place under the law is equally as broad and includes roads and highways, schools, apartment buildings, prisons, neighborhoods, businesses, amusement parks, train stations and bus terminals and other transportation facilities.
Penalties for Disorderly Conduct in Plainfield NJ
Disorderly conduct cases in Plainfield are handled in Municipal Court as petty disorderly persons offenses. The seriousness of the charge can be deceiving because New Jersey does not refer to a criminal offense as a misdemeanor or a felony as do other states. Disorderly conduct in New Jersey is the equivalent of a misdemeanor that could result a judge imposing any one or more of the following penalties if you are convicted:
- Up to 30 days in jail
- Community service
- Mandatory counseling
- Driver’s license suspension
- Probation supervision
- Restitution
Don’t be misled by the term “petty disorderly persons offense.” If you are convicted of disorderly conduct, you will have a permanent criminal record. Anyone conducting a background check on you for employment or for professional licensing will see your record of conviction.
Plainfield Disorderly Conduct Defense Attorney
The best way to avoid the consequences associated with a disorderly conduct charge in Plainfield Municipal Court is with a skilled defense attorney from the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall. Our attorneys tenaciously pursue all defenses possible under the law and the facts of your case to obtain the best result for you. They are dedicated and seasoned defense lawyers and former prosecutors who are committed to your well-being. Find out what we can do for you by contacting us 24/7 at (908) 272-1700 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case with a lawyer on our defense team.
