Princeton NJ Disorderly Conduct Lawyer
Charged With Disorderly Conduct in Princeton New Jersey
The offense of disorderly conduct is frequently used by police departments throughout Middlesex County, including Princeton New Jersey, to control conduct they view as disruptive and creating a public disturbance. The broad language set forth at N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2 allows law enforcement to file Princeton disorderly conduct charge under wide range of circumstances. Not only can you go to jail and be forced to pay significant fines if you are convicted of this offense but will also be left with a criminal record that can negatively effect your future. This is one of the main reasons why you should strongly consider hiring a seasoned defense lawyer if you have been charged with disorderly conduct in Princeton.
The experienced criminal lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall can provide the sound guidance for avoiding the consequences of a Princeton NJ disorderly conduct conviction. Our defense team is composed of attorneys with more than 100 years of combined criminal law experience serving Princeton and the municipal courts in the surrounding area. Most of the lawyers on staff are former prosecutors and all devote their practices exclusively to defending people against disorderly persons offenses and other alleged violations of the law. If you are facing a Princeton disorderly conduct charge and would like to take advantage of a free consultation from a lawyer with the skills to fully protect you, contact our Princeton Office at (609) 683-8102.
Princeton NJ Disorderly Conduct Offense
There are many actions that can lead to a Princteton NJ disorderly conduct offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2 including an unwillingness to disperse from a dining hall, a heated argument with police at a Princeton University football game, a disagreement with someone in a bar or even something that you felt fell far short of warranting an arrest. The disorderly conduct statute is, in fact, one of the more over utilized violations in a municipality like Princeton. An offense under this statute may be filed if you engage in any of the following in a public place:
- 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
The broad definition of “public place” allows police to use 2C:33-2 extensively. Public places includes:
- Roads and highways
- Schools
- Apartment buildings
- Prisons
- Neighborhoods
- Businesses
- Amusement parks
- Train stations, bus terminals and other transportation facilities
Penalties for Disorderly Conduct in Princeton NJ
If you are charged with disorderly conduct, your case will be handled by the Princeton Municipal Court. Disorderly conduct is a petty disorderly persons offense. New Jersey does not refer to a criminal offense as a misdemeanor or a felony as do other states. Instead, it uses classifications such as disorderly persons offense to describe what would be a misdemeanor elsewhere. A petty disorderly persons offense for disorderly conduct can result in penalties that include:
- 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 that will be discovered by employers, licensing boards and other entities, include immigration.
Princeton Disorderly Conduct Attorney
The best way for avoiding the consequences of a guilty finding in Princeton NJ Municipal Court for disorderly conduct is to enlist a capable attorney on your behalf. The criminal defense lawyers the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have the skills and familiarity with the court system in Princeton to allow you to obtain a dismissal or downgrade so that you avert a criminal record. To learn more about how the attorneys at our firm can help you, contacting us at (609) 683-8102. A lawyer is available around the clock to take your call and provide the sound advice you need.