Our criminal defense attorneys appeared in Point Pleasant Beach Municipal Court this morning for a client who was arrested and charged with trespassing in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:18-3. This is a petty disorderly persons offense which is punishable by a $500 fine, up to thirty days (30) in jail, probation, and a permanent criminal charge on his record if convicted.

Our criminal defense lawyers have been representing clients in Point Pleasant for almost 20 years charged with criminal offenses such as disorderly conduct, simple assault, trespassing, and criminal mischief. Contact us anytime for immediate assistance at 201-556-1570.

Point Pleasant Beach Municipal Court

Point Pleasant Beach Municipal Court is located at 416 New Jersey Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742. They handle all disorderly persons (misdemeanor) criminal charges, traffic offenses, and drunk driving (DWI) charges allegedly committed in Point Pleasant Beach.

Trespassing Law in NJ – NJSA 2C:18-3

The trespassing law in NJ is governed by NJSA 2C:18-3 which provides in pertinent part:

b. Defiant trespasser. A person commits a petty disorderly persons offense if, knowing that he is not licensed or privileged to do so, he enters or remains in any place as to which notice against trespass is given by:

(1) Actual communication to the actor; or

(2) Posting in a manner prescribed by law or reasonably likely to come to the attention of intruders; or

(3) Fencing or other enclosure manifestly designed to exclude intruders.

Enter Not Guilty Plea, Request Discovery, Negotiate Plea Bargain with Prosecutor

After the client hired the Tormey Law Firm LLC to represent him on these trespassing charges, we entered a not guilty plea by letter and requested all of the discovery evidence in the case. Discovery is all of the evidence the State possesses and intends to rely upon in court to try to prove the charges against our client beyond a reasonable doubt. This usually includes police reports, witness statements, bodycam footage from the police, etc.

In this case, our client was at Jenkinson’s on the boardwalk and was asked to leave and then allegedly returned to the establishment after being ejected and was arrested.

When we appeared in Point Pleasant court for a conference to discuss the case with the prosecutor and the Judge, we were able to negotiate a plea bargain on his behalf. If we were not able to resolve the case, then the case would proceed to trial before the Judge.

Based on his lack of any criminal history and the circumstances of the offense, we were able to convince the prosecutor to downgrade the charge to a town ordinance violation which resulted in a fine, no jail time, no probation, and no criminal record.

In addition, he is eligible to expunge the arrest off of his record after two (2) years.

This was a fantastic result for our client and the Tormey Law Firm LLC. If you need assistance with criminal charges, contact us anytime for immediate assistance and a free consultation at 201-556-1570.