East Windsor Township Disorderly Conduct Lawyer
Charged With Disorderly Conduct in East Windsor
If you are facing a disorderly conduct charge, it is in your best interest to start working on your defense with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. An attorney who is knowledgeable in the defense of this charge and familiar with East Windsor Municipal Court is a powerful weapon in avoiding a criminal record and penalties that come with a disorderly conduct conviction. The team of attorneys at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall has more than 100 years of combined legal experience with several members who are former prosecutors. Call 609–683–8102 to speak to one of our knowledgeable lawyers immediately.
Disorderly Conduct Offense in East Windsor New Jersey
When an individual is accused of breaching the peace in a public space, he or she may be charged with disorderly conduct. This can include physical breaches of the peace, like inciting a fight or creating a hazardous condition for others, or it can include a verbal disruption like loud swearing or threats to others. Specifically, disorderly conduct is defined in New Jersey under N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2 as any action meant to annoy, alarm, or cause inconvenience to others in a public space by:
- Using language with the intent to offend others with reckless disregard for those within hearing distance; or
- Fighting, making threats, engaging in tumultuous behavior, or creating a hazardous or physically dangerous condition that serves no legitimate purpose to the creator of the condition.
Any area that is accessible to the public, such as a retail center, a school, a public park, or a common area in an apartment complex or condominium community is considered to be a public place under this law.
Use of Offensive Language. When sexist, racist, homophobic, violent, or otherwise inflammatory language is used to harass or offend others in a public space, the individual using the language can face a disorderly conduct charge for offensive language. A few examples of this include:
- Directing racial slurs at others in a public place;
- Harassing fans of an opposing team or another rival group in public; and
- Shouting foul language in a public area with the intent of upsetting others.
Improper Conduct. Improper conduct can include any type of behavior that is not appropriate in public that disturbs others’ peace and safety. This can include fighting and making loud or realistic threats to others in a public space. It can also include any intentional creation of a safety hazard, such as blocking an intersection.
Penalties for Disorderly Conduct in East Windsor. Disorderly conduct is charged as a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey. This is the equivalent charge to a misdemeanor in other states. Individuals who are convicted of disorderly persons offenses face up to six months in jail and fines of up to $1,000.
East Windsor Township, NJ Disorderly Conduct Defense Attorneys
Do not assume that a disorderly conduct charge is minor and that you do not need a lawyer. Failure to defend the offense will result in a record that will follow you around for years and can effect your ability to secure a job, professional license and embark on other endeavors. This is why it is so important to retain an attorney if you are facing a disorderly conduct offense in East Windsor Township. Contact the attorneys at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall to take advantage of a free consultation.