There probably isn’t another criminal offense that comes up more in Belmar than disorderly conduct. Judge Dennis Lavender and the Belmar Municipal Court hears literally hundreds of cases involving this charge each year. Our firm, the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, knows these statistics well as the largest criminal defense firm in the area. The former prosecutors and other experienced attorneys from our office know the court and area well, with two on our staff actually having resided in the borough. We know the personnel, how the court works, and how to get you or your loved one a downgrade or possibly even an outright dismissal so that a criminal record is avoided. If you have been charged with disorderly conduct or any other criminal offense in Belmar, including resisting arrest, obstructing/hindering or simple assault, do not hesitate to contact our firm.
Charged With Disorderly Conduct in Belmar
A conviction for disorderly conduct will result in a record and penalties for a disorderly persons offense. N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2 outlines the instances when someone commits disorderly conduct. The charge can result from use of offensive language or from improper behavior. Use of Offensive Language. The language and words must be uttered in a “public” place and be of a nature that the would offend the sensibilities of a someone listening. Unreasonably loud language that is offensively coarse or abuse will satisfy this form of disorderly conduct.
Improper Behavior. Behavior that involves fighting, threatening, violence or is of a tumultuous nature results in a 2C:33-2 violation. This offense is also committed when someone creates a hazardous or dangerous conduction as a result of conduct that serves no legitimate purpose.
This charge is a disorderly persons offense that triggers up to 6 months in jail and a fine of of $1,000. Another consequence of a conviction is a criminal record. It should also be noted that Belmar has adopted an entirely separate ordinance violation for fighting or disorderly conduct. Ordinance 16-15 provides that “no person shall revel, quarrel, fight, brawl or otherwise engage in any disorderly conduct so as to disturb the public peace and quiet.” A plea or finding of guilt under Ordinance 16-15 results in a $350 fine and no criminal record. Belmar Ordinance 16-3.1 is the town’s noise violation and also triggers a $350 fine.
Belmar NJ Disorderly Conduct Attorneys
Whether you got into an argument with a neighbor, were fighting in a bar, or were heavily intoxicated and just out of control, a disorderly persons charge can cause complications in your life. The record that results from improper behavior or offensive language under N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2 is something that can follow you for years. There is no need to go down this road, however, as we can resist this outcome for you in most cases. Don’t jeopardize your future and call us for a free consultation to learn how we can help you.
