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Disorderly conduct is a term we hear often in reference to criminal law, but what does it really mean? How can a New Jersey attorney help? According to New Jersey statute N.J.S.A. 2C;33-2, it is defined as “engaging in violent or tumultuous behavior or creating a hazardous or potentially dangerous situation that serves no legitimate purpose.” This includes fighting, using loud or inappropriate language, loitering, or damaging property. In New Jersey, disorderly conduct is an offense and comes with a variety of consequences. If you’re charged with disorderly conduct, contact a New Jersey attorney such as Leon Matchin to help defend your case. Here are some of the consequences of a disorderly conduct charge.
Record
If you are charged with disorderly conduct, you will get a record. This can affect future jobs, military enrollment, and applying for college. An attorney can try to help you get the charge reduced so that it will not show up on your record in background checks. Another cost associated with disorderly conduct is the assessment fees. After the charge, approximately $125 is due to the Victims of Crime Compensation Board and the Safe Neighborhood Service Fund.
Fines and Jail Time
A disorderly conduct charge can come with fines up to $500 and up to 30 days in jail. New Jersey takes disorderly conduct charges very seriously, which shows with the penalties of the fine and month of jail time.
How A New Jersey Attorney Can Help With Restitution
Restitution comes into play when the disorderly conduct involves property damages. If property is stolen, restitution means that it must be returned. If the property is damaged, it must be paid for. This is another consequence that involves payment. Between the fines, assessment fees, and restitution, a disorderly conduct charge can leave people out a lot of money.
Contact A New Jersey Attorney
In order to be charged with disorderly conduct, the incident must have occurred in a public place. A New Jersey attorney such as Leon Matchin can go over the case details and hopefully find ways to get the charges reduced or dismissed. For example, maybe the incident did not actually occur in a public place. Common consequences for disorderly conduct include a record, fines, jail time, and restitution. Leon Matchin can help with all these things. Remember, you are not in this alone! Call Leon at 732-887-2479 or contact him via email at [email protected] for more information about how he can help with a disorderly conduct charge.
