The legal system in New Jersey aims to give everyone a second chance, especially if they have been involved in petty crimes. Disorderly person offenses are lower-level criminal offenses that are less serious than indictable crimes but can still result in legal consequences.
These offenses are typically heard in municipal courts and are subject to penalties such as fines, probation, community service, or even jail time. Today we will discuss the six common types of disorderly person offenses in New Jersey.
Contact a criminal defense attorney today if you need legal help pertaining to these or any other crimes.
- Simple Assault: A simple assault occurs when a person knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another person or attempts to cause such injury. It can also involve the negligent use of a deadly weapon. Simple assault is a common disorderly person offense.
- Criminal Mischief: Criminal mischief involves intentionally damaging or tampering with someone else’s property. This offense can include vandalism, graffiti, or other acts that cause damage to another person’s real or personal property. A criminal mischief for less than $200 in damages or loss falls under this category.
- Disorderly Conduct: Disorderly conduct covers a range of behaviors that disrupt public order, peace, or safety. Examples include engaging in fighting or violent behavior, using offensive language in a public place, or creating a hazardous or physically dangerous condition.
- Shoplifting: Shoplifting involves the act of knowingly taking merchandise from a store without paying for it or attempting to do so. The value of the stolen items can influence the severity of the charge. Shoplifting an item less than $200 in value is a disorderly person offense in New Jersey.
- Harassment: Harassment occurs when someone engages in a course of alarming conduct or repeatedly commits acts with the purpose of harassing, annoying, or alarming another person. This can include actions like making threatening phone calls, sending harassing messages, or engaging in other forms of unwanted communication.
- Possession of Marijuana: In New Jersey, carrying marijuana weighing less than 50 grams is considered a disorderly person offense. However, distribution may have different legal implications.
Final Words
In New Jersey, the specific penalties for disorderly person offenses can vary depending on the circumstances, the defendant’s prior criminal history, and other factors. If you are charged with a disorderly person offense in New Jersey, it is advisable to consult with an attorney who specializes in criminal defense to understand your rights, options, and potential consequences and to help you navigate the legal process effectively.