Hopewell Township Harassment Lawyer
There are many different interactions between two people that can be considered harassment under New Jersey law, which is why harassment is one of the more commonly charged minor disorderly persons offenses in Hopewell Township. Whether you meant to harass someone or not, you could face serious penalties if you are convicted of a harassment charge. that is why it is so important to fight harassment charges from the get-go. The harassment defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have handled countless harassment defense cases and we are ready to put our highly trained lawyers to work for you. Let us help you prepare a strong defense to the harassment charges you face. Contact us anytime by calling 609–683–8102 to speak to a harassment defense attorney in our office for a free initial consultation about your situation.
Harassment Defined Under N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4
Harassment can take many forms according to New Jersey law, codified at N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4. To be charged with harassment in New Jersey an individual must engage in harassing behavior against a victim, which can take one of two main forms – harassment that involves communication and harassment that involves an offensive touching.
Harassment That Involves Communication. Many harassment cases are based on some sort of unwanted communication or attempt at communication between the harasser and the victim. The harasser repeatedly tries to communicate with the victim when the victim clearly does not want to communicate with the harasser. It is not matter of if the victim knows the harasser directly or if the harassment is being conducted anonymously; once the police are put on the case they will investigate to identify who the harasser is.
Harassing communication can take the form of face-to-face communication, unwanted late-night telephone calls, spamming email communications, incessant text messaging throughout the day, threats made through any form of communication, letters written and delivered to the victim, and any other form of communication or communication attempt that is considered annoying to the victim. Law enforcement often takes the side of the alleged victim, and it is up to you to prove that your actions did not constitute harassment or that you have a legitimate defense to the harassment charge.
Harassment That Involves An Offensive Touching. Another common bases for harassment charges involves an offensive touching of the victim by the harasser. An offensive touching can be any unwanted and unjustified offensive touching including hitting, striking, kicking or shoving the victim. Similarly, if the harasser threatens to commit an offensive touching against the victim this behavior can also be the grounds for an harassment charge based on a threat of offensive touching.
Anyone who is facing harassment charge, either harassing communication or an offensive touching, will have to attend a hearing at the Hopewell Township municipal court house. Whenever you have to appear in court for harassment charges in Hopewell Township it is for your own protection that you have experienced legal counsel on your side defending your rights. A conviction for harassment can put you in jail for anywhere from thirty days to six months depending on the severity of the offense. You could also be required to pay a fine, and will have a criminal record that can follow you around for many years in the future.
Get In Touch With An Experienced Harassment Defense Attorney in Hopewell
If you have been charged with harassment in Hopewell Township New Jersey you need to get in touch with an experienced harassment defense attorney to discuss the specifics of your case. The seasoned attorneys at the Law of Jonathan F. Marshall will help you prepare your defense and will fight to have your charges dropped or reduced depending on your situation. Contact us by calling 609–683–8102. Our lawyers are available 24/7 for free consultations.