Hamilton Township NJ Harassment Attorney

Harassment Offense in Hamilton New Jersey

Many individuals think of harassment as a civil matter but this is actually a fairly common criminal charge in Hamilton and other towns in New Jersey. It frequently arises in the context of allegations of domestic violence although it certainly is not the only context in which the offense arises. If you were arrest or otherwise charged with harassment in Hamilton Township, you should strongly consider contacting an attorney at our firm. The lawyers that make up our staff have over 100 years of combined experience to invest into your case so that the best outcome is reached. For a consultation with a lawyer anytime 24/7, contact our firm at 609–683–8102.

Hamilton Harassment Charge

Harassment generally refers to some type of unwanted and continuous communication with an alleged victim. In New Jersey, a criminal harassment charge arises out of N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4. A harassment charge requires intent on the part of the accused to harass and generally involves some form of offensive language or alarming conduct. The more specific situations that result in aa violation of 2C:33-4 include:

• Making or causing to make a communication either anonymously or at an extremely inconvenient time.
• Communicating in a manner to cause annoyance or alarm;
• Threatening or actually kicking, striking, shoving or touching in an offensive way; or
• Engaging in any course of alarming or repeated conduct done to purposely alarm or annoy the alleged victim

Common means of communication which can result in harassment are texting, telephone calls, emails, social media posts (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, etc.) and face-t0-face encounters.

A harassment offense under 2C:33-4 is typically a petty disorderly persons offense. This is the equivalent to a misdemeanor but nevertheless results in a criminal record that cannot be expunged for at least five years. The penalties that may be imposed in Hamilton Municipal Court include up to 30 days in the Mercer County Jail and a fine of up to $500 fine. Harassment can also be enhanced to a fourth degree crime, a felony, under certain circumstances. This occurs if the accused was serving a term of imprisonment or was on parole or probation at the time of commission of the offense. Fourth degree harassment results in up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Restraining Orders in Hamilton Township

An individual can also be the subject of a temporary restraining order if they are accused of harassment. There are certain requirements that must be met for a restraining order to be granted, including some form of domestic or dating relationship. Entry of this relief forbids the accused from communicating or having any contact with the “victim” of any nature. Restraining orders are dealt with in entirely separate civil proceedings in the Family Division of the Superior Court in Trenton.

Hamilton Harassment Defense Lawyer

You are facing potentially serious charge if a harassment offense has been filed against you. Failure to secure a dismissal of the violation can damage your future employment options, reputation and any other endeavors. A defense lawyer at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall is here to insure that this does not occur. The attorneys that make up our staff include former prosecutors and veteran litigators who have successfully dealt with countless harassment charges in the past. Contact our Hamilton Office at 609–683–8102 to speak to an attorney with the know how you need.