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Heading to the Jersey Shore is a popular activity for young people in and around New Jersey in the summer months. Teens regularly come from Pennsylvania and other areas of NJ to visit beaches and congregate in groups. Over Memorial Day weekend, a large gathering of an estimated 300 young people near the Lucy the Elephant landmark in Margate ended up with arrests and criminal charges.
Law enforcement officers reported that a fight started in the large group at about two in the afternoon. Police responded and ultimately arrested 12 different people who were under age 21 and three people over age 21. Those individuals were charged with one or more of the following offenses:
- Assault
- Disorderly conduct
- Underage drinking
- Marijuana possession
- Drunk driving
Often, in situations like the above, people can end up facing more than one criminal charge. For example, if a person was involved in a drunk fight and they were underage, they can be left facing both alcohol-related charges and assault charges. While these may seem like relatively minor offenses compared to other crimes, there are still potentially serious penalties that can result from a conviction. For example, the following are possible consequences in New Jersey:
- Underage drinking – Up to $1,000 fine and up to six months of jail time.
- Simple assault – Up to $1,000 fine and up to six months of jail time, with more possible if aggravating circumstances exist.
If probation is allowed, there may be many conditions involved that must be followed in order to avoid jail time. The simple truth is that even seemingly minor disorderly persons offenses can have a serious impact on your life.
If you or your child is arrested, it is imperative that you have a highly skilled New Jersey criminal defense lawyer representing you. An attorney can determine whether you are eligible for diversionary programs to avoid convictions, can negotiate a favorable plea bargain, or can fight to have your charges dismissed when possible.
Call 732-662-7658 today for a free consultation.
Whether an arrest is the result of teenagers trying to have a good time or a complete misunderstanding, everyone who has been arrested should seek assistance from a criminal defense law firm. At the Law Offices of Leon Matchin, we regularly represent clients throughout New Jersey in a variety of criminal matters. Please call today to discuss how we can assist you.
