West Windsor Disorderly Conduct Attorney
Disorderly conduct is a charge that is commonly associated in West Windsor with acts that disturb the peace. It is a catchall offense used as the basis to arrest an individual where police believe an individual’s behavior has crossed the line. If you were charged with disorderly conduct in West Windsor Township, this often overreaching violation has the potential to impact your life much more significantly than you might anticipate. Hiring an attorney with the experience to secure a dismissal is pivotal to your eliminating the consequences of your West Windsor disorderly conduct offense. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have been in practice for over a century, making countless appearances in the municipal Court of West Windsor. To speak to a lawyer on our defense team anytime 24/7 in a free consultation, call 609–683–8102.
Disorderly Conduct Charge in West Windsor New Jersey
It is certainly helpful for someone facing a disorderly conduct charge to have a basic understanding of the law. The statute that applies to disorderly conduct is N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2. A broad range of conduct potentially falls within this violation including:
- The use of offensive or loud language recklessly or intentionally;
- Creating a condition that is physically dangerous or presents a hazard;
- Engaging in violent behavior or fighting;
- Threatening or taking part in tumultuous behavior.
Conduct Must Be In “Public”. A key ingredient of a disorderly conduct offense is that the behavior or words occur in public. The term “public” means affecting or likely to affect persons in a place to which the public or a substantial group has access like a bar, restaurant, sidewalk, school, place of business or other area where others are likely to be present.
Violation Based On Improper Behavior. In order for an individual to be convicted of disorderly conduct under 2C:33-2, their actions must be either purposeful or reckless in terms of causing public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm. Conduct is purposeful when it is the actor’s intention to produce a certain result. Someone acts recklessly in violation of 2C:33-2 when their conduct consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm would result from his or her conduct.
Violation Based On Offensive Language. Words can result in a 2C:33-2 charge when they are unreasonably loud, offensive or unreasonably coarse and are uttered in a public place with a purpose to offend the sensibilities of the listener. A violation based on speech can also result when the actor recklessly disregards the possibility of offending the sensibilities of the listener.
Penalties. If you are found guilty of any type of disorderly conduct a fine is assessed and jail time of up to thirty (30) days may be imposed. You will also have a criminal record if you are convicted and this can make it difficult for you to obtain certain types of employment, a professional license or maintain your immigration status.
West Windsor Disorderly Conduct Defense Lawyer
Being convicted of disorderly conduct in West Windsor Township is something that can follow you for years. The best way to avoid the long-term repercussions associated with being found guilty of a disorderly offense is to retain a qualified defense lawyer as quickly as possible. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall are prepared to help you fight your charges. Our skilled team of criminal lawyers will work tirelessly to get your charges downgraded or dismissed. Contact our office today at 609–683–8102 to speak to an attorney free of charge.