Less serious offenses are called disorderly persons offenses. Disorderly persons offenses are similar to misdemeanors and encompass a wide array of quasi criminal offenses such as shoplifting (under $200), simple assault, disorderly conduct, obstruction of justice, etc. There is no right to a grand jury with disorderly persons offenses, there are no jury trials with DP or disorderly persons offenses. The judge determines your guilt or innocense. If convicted of a Disorderly Persons offense, it will appear on a criminal record, you can face jail time, heavy fines, and loss of license.
If you are charged with a disorderly persons offense in Barnegat Light, Long Beach Township, Harvey Cedars, Surf City, Ship Bottom, or Beach Haven you could face:
Up to a $1,000.00 fine,
May be ordered to pay restitution
Spend up to six months in jail
Ordered to serve probation
Pay other monetary fines and penalties
If you have been charged with a disorderly persons offense in any of the Long Beach Island municipalities (Barnegat Light, Long Beach Township, Harvey Cedars, Surf City, Ship Bottom, or Beach Haven), call the experienced criminal lawyers of Villani & DeLuca at 732-782-9833 for a free initial consultation.