Misdemeanor Charges

Misdemeanor Charges

Have you or a family member been charged with a misdemeanor (Disorderly Person Offense or Petty Disorderly Person Offense)? If so, you owe it to yourself to have highly competent representation. Contact Malamut & Associates today to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to meeting you.

Misdemeanor offenses are often taken far too lightly. If you have been charged with a violation of New Jersey law and are required to appear in court, the consequences can be significant. In New Jersey, these matters are heard in the municipal courts, and the law does not allow for a jury trial. Matters of the Municipal Courts may seem like they are no big deal. That is, until you’re standing in front of the prosecutor or judge with nothing to say in your defense. Sure, some people can handle their own Municipal issues successfully without a lawyer. Maybe they will get the best possible outcome. Maybe they won’t. They probably don’t know if they did or they didn’t. Sadly, the majority of people who go it alone wish they had the foresight to seek legal advice before walking into that courtroom. If convicted, you could lose your professional license or job, have your driver’s license suspended, be placed on probation, and even go to jail. You need to be advised and represented properly when facing these charges.

At Malamut & Associates, we know how frustrating and anxiety inducing the municipal court experience can be. We are committed to representing the rights of individuals facing the municipal court system. Malamut & Associates has retired county prosecutors, current municipal court prosecutors, and career defense lawyers on staff. All Malamut & Associates attorneys collaborate in order to get our clients the best possible results. Before retaining another law firm, you owe it to yourself to speak to us and see what we can do for you. We understand that good people sometimes make mistakes; we won’t judge you.

Misdemeanors in New Jersey

Misdemeanors are crimes that the courts consider less serious than felonies. Most states set the punishment for a misdemeanor as up to one year in jail. Misdemeanor convictions can also include fines and/or additional repercussions or terms. Most states classify misdemeanors into classes according to the seriousness of the crime.

New Jersey does not categorized crimes as felonies or misdemeanors. Misdemeanors in New Jersey are known as disorderly person offenses and petty disorderly person offenses. New Jersey disorderly person offenses and petty disorderly person offenses are the equivalent of misdemeanors in other states. They carry similar characteristics, such as being lesser offenses in the eyes of the law where the charged subject to less than one year in jail per offense.

• Petty Disorderly Person Offenses: The least serious crime for which jail time is possible. Petty disorderly offenses include disorderly conduct and harassment. Petty disorderly offenses are punishable by up to 30 days in jail and up to a $500 fine.
• Disorderly Person Offenses: More serious offenses that include possession of marijuana under 50 grams, assault, shoplifting, and resisting arrest. Disorderly person offenses are punishable by up to six months in jail and up to $1,000 fine.

Regardless of what they are called, these offense should not be taken lightly. Any amount of time spent in jail is too much time. The repercussions of such a conviction can reverberate through a lifetime. If you are facing charges in the municipal courts, do not hesitate to call Malamut & Associates today to schedule a free consultation.