Call for an Initial Consultation (908) 561-5577

Live Help 24/7

Call for an Initial Consultation (908) 561-5577

Call Now 24/7

Defending Individuals' Rights Since 1955

New Jersey Disorderly Person Offense Lawyers

Contact Us Now

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Types Of Disorderly Person Offenses In NJ

The State of New Jersey classifies crimes as indictable, disorderly persons’ offenses, and petty disorderly offenses, rather than misdemeanors and felonies. However, petty disorderly persons’ offences and disorderly persons’ offences, referred to as DP offences, are considered equivalent to misdemeanors in most states. This is due to the minor nature of the crimes, which can attract a jail sentence of less than a year.

The term “tenure crime” refers to indictable crimes, while the term “tenure offences” refers to disorderly person offenses as well as petty disorderly person offenses in New Jersey. Their dissimilarity is crucial given that the tenure designates the severity of a charge, whether at the misdemeanor or felony level.

Disorderly Person Offense Charges In New Jersey

Petty disorderly person offenses

In New Jersey, a petty disorderly person offense is among the least serious illicit crimes in which the perpetrator can be sentenced to jail. Additionally, petty disorderly offences include acts such as harassment and rowdy conduct. As a culprit, you can be sentenced to thirty days in jail or fined a maximum of $500.

Disorderly person offenses

Compared to petty disorderly person offenses, disorderly person offenses are even more serious and include such offenses as shoplifting, arrest resistance, assault, and the possession of marijuana below 50 grams.  If you are arrested for such crimes, you will either be sentenced to up to six months in jail or fined a maximum of $ 1,000.

Criminal Statute Of Limitation

New Jersey law stipulates that the prosecution of a crime should commence within a specified amount of time after the actual misdemeanor is committed or is instead believed to have taken place. The purpose of the criminal statute of limitations is to limit the duration of time the state can wait before filing charges against the perpetrator. Misdemeanor offenses have a one-year limitation.

Excellent Representation In New Jersey

Charged With A Crime

A conviction of misdemeanor offenses in New Jersey can become a permanent part of your criminal record.  A later conviction for a new and different crime could result in harsher sentences if the court considers your prior conviction. Unfortunately, a minor crime conviction can be a disadvantage and weigh you down when seeking a job, applying for a professional license, or preparing to rent a house. However, you can avoid these issues by finding an experienced New Jersey disorderly person offense lawyer who can help determine whether you have grounds for dismissing the allegations against you, explore your plea options, or represent you in court. This requires an attorney who is familiar with the local court system, as well as cases like yours.

If you have any pending criminal charges in New Jersey, contact the law firm of Aiello, Harris, Abate, Law Group, PC, today to schedule an initial consultation. We are a knowledgeable firm that will take proper consideration while helping you make informed decisions about your case and protect your rights. You are not just a number when you come to our firm.

Contact us today

To properly understand and be guided through the procedures in case of such incidents, speak to our New Jersey criminal lawyers who are always eager to serve you- Aiello, Harris, Abate, Law Group PC.

Call us today at (908) 561-5577 or contact us. Your initial consultation will take place over the phone, and you can schedule an appointment at one of our office locations across New Jersey.

Contact our New Jersey Disorderly Person Offense Lawyers

Meet Our Team

Get to Know Us

Legal Practice Areas

Our law firm does not stop at Disorderly Person Offenses — take a look at how we can help you overcome your legal obstacles.

View all Practice Areas

Recent Case Results

View More Results

May 29, 2025

Long Hill Twp. Municipal Court – DWI Charge Dismissed

by James A. Abate

May 29, 2025

3 DWI Dismissals For John Portanova

by James A. Abate

May 29, 2025

The Future Can Be Better Than The Present

by James A. Abate