Disorderly Conduct Offense in Rahway New Jersey
Disorderly conduct is a criminal offense that is frequently used by Rahway Police to promote public order. The broad language of N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2 addresses inappropriate behavior and conduct that other people might find disturbing or disruptive. The law allows police to arrest the participants in a fight but it also can be used to arrest you for joining with other people to protest the closing of that same park. Make no mistake about it, a disorderly conduct charge will leave you with a criminal record absent your successfully defending the case so having a savvy lawyer in our court can be invaluable.
If you have been charged with a disorderly conduct Offense in Rahway New Jersey, the capable criminal defense team at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall offers you the chance of winning and avoiding the consequences of a conviction. Our attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience defending charges like yours in Rahway. The team of former prosecutors and skilled lawyers on our staff are ready to undertake a results oriented approach so that you avoid a criminal conviction. An attorney is available for a free consultation now by calling 908-272-1700.
Rahway NJ Disorderly Conduct Charges
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. The statute targets anyone engaging in improper conduct or using improper language in a public place. The law prohibits the following:
- Violent or tumultuous conduct
- Loud, course or abusive language
- Fighting 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
Equally as broad as the conduct the statute makes unlawful is the number of different types of places that come within its definition of a public place. Public places include the following:
- Roads and highways
- Schools
- Apartment buildings
- Prisons
- Neighborhoods
- Businesses
- Amusement parks
- Train stations, bus terminals and other transportation facilities
The most common forms of conduct in public places that trigger arrests by Rahway police are fighting, intoxication, yelling and making loud noises. Prosecutors must prove your behavior was intended to cause public inconvenience or to alarm and annoy others.
Penalties for Disorderly Conduct in Plainfield NJ
Disorderly conduct is classified as a petty disorderly persons offense by N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2. 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 in other states.
The law allows judges to exercise discretion when imposing sentence. Included among the sentencing options available to a judge are the following:
- Up to 30 days in jail
- Fine up to $500
- Community service
- Mandatory counseling
- Driver’s license suspension
- Probation
- 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. You would be forced to disclose the conviction on a job application that asks about convictions. It will also show up in a background check for a job or for a security clearance. Hiring a skilled lawyer like those at our firm can make all the difference in your walking about without a conviction or, alternatively securing a conditional dismissal.
Rahway Disorderly Conduct Defense Attorney
An attorney from the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall can ensure that you have have the best chance of avoiding the penalties and consequences that apply under 2C:33-2. The attorneys on our staff will pursue all legal defenses and aggressively challenge the evidence and witnesses presented by the prosecution in support of the charge. Find out what we can do for you by contacting us 24/7 at (908) 272-1700 to discuss your offense with one of our highly experienced lawyers.
