Garfield Disorderly Conduct Lawyer

Arrested for Disorderly Conduct in Garfield NJ?

I recently represented a client who was facing criminal charges for disorderly conduct in Garfield Municipal Court and was able to negotiate the downgrading of these charges, allowing my client to avoid jail time and a charge on his criminal record.

In the New Jersey Criminal Code, charges for disorderly conduct are governed under N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2 and are classified as petty disorderly persons offenses. As a result, a person convicted of disorderly conduct in New Jersey is subject to a sentence which includes 90 days in jail, a fine of $500.00, and a charge on his or her criminal record. The offender can also be placed on a period of probation.

In this case, I was able to achieve a successful resolution for my client by negotiating the downgrading of the original charges to a local municipal ordinance violation, which is essentially a ticket for violating a local law. Municipal ordinances are considerably less serious than petty disorderly persons offenses, as they do not warrant a jail sentence or result in a criminal charge on the defendant’s record. Municipal ordinances are also sometimes called local ordinance violations or town ordinance violations.

Need Lawyer for Disorderly Conduct Charge in Garfield Court

With the charge amended to a municipal ordinance violation, my client was able to maintain his spotless criminal record, simply paying a fine to the court. In addition, he will be eligible to expunge any record of the initial arrest that led to the charges two years following the date of his plea to the ordinance violation. In these uncertain economic times, a criminal charge on one’s record can negatively affect already sparse employment opportunities. With no criminal record, my client’s future remains secure as he navigates the ever-competitive job market.

If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a criminal offense in Garfield, we can help. Contact our Bergen county offices now for immediate assistance at 201-556-1570. The initial consultation is always provided free of charge.