East Windsor Harassment Lawyer

Harassment is a criminal offense that can land a convicted individual in jail, facing a significant fine, and with a criminal record for the remainder of his or her life. Stakes as high as these make it prudent for you to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have been practicing in Mercer County, including East Windsor, for over 100 years. Several members of our team are also former prosecutors. We have successfully handled countless charges in East Windsor and are ready to assist you immediately by calling 609–683–8102. Contact us anytime 24/7 for a free consultation.

Harassment Offense in East Windsor New Jersey

The parameters of criminal harassment are set forth at N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4. An individual commits harassment in East Windsor if they engage in repeated unwanted communication targeted at an individual with the intention of alarming or annoying him or her. Harassment is also committed through anonymous communication or communication at inconvenient times, such as early in the morning or late at night. Although foul language is often part of harassment, it is not present in every instance. The headings that follow discuss the more common scenarios in which harassment arises.

• Threat. When most people think of harassment, they think of threats. Threats can be made electronically, verbally, or through written communication. Threats can be for physical violence, property damages, blackmail, or any other type of harm.
• Text. When a victim receives incessant text message communication or text messages that are alarming or annoying, he or she may be facing harassment. Text messages sent at inconvenient hours or with the intention of disturbing the victim’s sleep, work, or time with his or her family are a form of harassment.
• Telephone Call. Telephone calls work like text messages – they can be made repeatedly, at inopportune times, and in a manner that frightens or annoys the victim. Threats can be made over the phone, as can “spammy” messages meant to waste time and disturb the victim’s peace.
• Annoyance. Although “annoyance” can be subjective, it generally means contact that is unpleasant and intrusive to the victim. If the victim stated that he or she does not want to be contacted, any further contact may be considered an annoyance.
• Communication. Harassment can involve any type of communication. Graffiti on the victim’s property, handwritten letters, email, social media contact, and indirect communication using a third party can all be considered to be harassment.
• Offensive Touching. Unwanted touching, shoving, kicking, or attempted affectionate contact can also be considered to be harassment, as can threats of physical harm or other unwanted contact that frightens to annoys the victim. Any type of touching can be offensive touching if the victim states that he or she does not want to be touched but it continually touched anyway.

Generally, harassment is charged as a petty disorderly persons offense that falls within the jurisdiction of the East Windsor Municipal Court. The penalties for a petty disorderly persons offense for harassment include a $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail. But if the alleged offender is on parole, on probation, or in prison when the offense occurs, he or she faces a fourth degree crime. The penalties for this grade of harassment include a prison term of up to 18 months and a fine of up to $10,000.

East Windsor Township Harassment Defense Attorneys

A harassment offense clearly has the ability to complicate your life. You will have a criminal record that will impact your future and also face many potential penalties if you plead or are found guilty. The defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall can insure that you avert negative ramifications such as these. A lawyer on our defense team is available around the clock to discuss the facts of your case and to provide sound advice for reaching a favorable outcome. Call our office at 609–683–8102 to speak to an attorney now.