Criminal Defense Lawyers Defending Clients in Municipal Court in Mercer County and Beyond
If you have been charged with a disorderly persons offense or a petty disorderly persons offense in a New Jersey municipal court, you need to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.
No matter the specific charge, a prosecutor will be advocating for your conviction and the officer who arrested you will most likely be present to tell his or her side of the story to the judge. You need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side to protect your rights and pursue a positive resolution to your case.
Criminal defense attorney Mark G. Davis of the Davis Law Firm is experienced in defending clients in New Jersey’s municipal court. He has a record of achieving positive results for his clients charged with disorderly persons offenses. To arrange a free initial consultation about your case, please contact the Davis Law Firm today.
What are disorderly persons offenses?
In New Jersey, crimes are not referred to as misdemeanors and felonies. What are called misdemeanors elsewhere are called disorderly persons (DP) offenses in the Garden State. DP offenses are adjudicated in municipal court. Actions that are referred to as felonies elsewhere are called indictable offenses or just crimes in New Jersey and are handled in superior court.
Our law firm defends clients charged with all disorderly persons and petty disorderly persons offenses, including:
- Possession of a small amount of drugs
- Simple assault
- Petty theft
- Harassment
- Stalking
- Disorderly conduct
- Underage possession of alcohol
What are the potential penalties?
Disorderly persons offenses can be costly in terms of time and money. They can also have an ongoing negative effect on your life because a conviction results in a criminal record. Penalties for disorderly persons offenses include up to six months in jail and fines of up to $1,000. Convictions for a petty disorderly persons offense can result in up to 30 days in jail and fines of up to $500.
The court can also order probation, community service, and restitution. It can suspend or revoke your driver’s license, even if the offense had nothing to do with driving. In addition to fines, convictions involve the imposition of court costs, fees, and surcharges.
Are there collateral consequences to a conviction?
Yes. Some people consider the consequences of a criminal record more troublesome than the initial sentence. With a conviction on your record, you may have difficulty finding a job or a place to live. Doctors, lawyers, nurses, pharmacists, stockbrokers and other professionals may lose their professional licenses. Individuals who work for the state may lose their jobs. Some college and university programs may not accept you.
Can a record of a disorderly person’s conviction ever be expunged?
Yes. Your record may be expunged after five years if you meet certain conditions. You must have successfully served your sentence, including payment of all fines, fees, and surcharges. You must not have been convicted of any prior or subsequent crime.
Are diversionary programs available?
If you are a first-time offender, there are diversionary programs available. All of them involve a period of probation, and may also involve random drug testing, community service, or participation in treatment programs. You must not be arrested or convicted of another crime during this period. If you successfully complete the program, your case will be dismissed. If you are unsuccessful, your case will move forward to prosecution.
Talk to an attorney who gets results.
As you can see, disorderly persons offenses are not to be taken lightly. It makes sense to talk to an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you minimize the potential consequences of a disorderly persons charge. At Davis Law Firm, our criminal defense lawyers have a record of success defending clients in municipal courts throughout New Jersey. For a free consultation about your case, please call or contact us online soon as possible.
From offices in Hamilton, our defense lawyers represent clients charged with disorderly persons offenses throughout New Jersey.
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