New Jersey law uses the term disorderly persons offense rather than a misdemeanor. Regardless, it is considered a low-level grade crime heard by the New Jersey Municipal Court. Common examples include disorderly conduct, simple assault, and harassment. However, even if it is less severe than a felony, it is associated with serious penalties. With that being said, please continue reading to learn whether you can go to jail for a misdemeanor and how one of the experienced Bergen County criminal defense attorneys at McNerney & McAuliffe can help you get this sentence dropped.
Can I go to jail for a misdemeanor in New Jersey?
A misdemeanor, or disorderly persons offense, is typically punished by fines, and yes, jail time. Now, the amount of jail time you may be sentenced to depends on the exact offense you are found guilty of. More specific punishments read as follows:
- A disorderly persons offense: a fine of up to $1,000 and a jail sentence of up to six months.
- A petty disorderly persons offense: a fine of up to $500 and a jail sentence of up to 30 days.
- A Class A misdemeanor: a jail sentence of anywhere between six months to one year.
- A Class B misdemeanor: a jail sentence of anywhere between 30 days to six months.
- A Class C misdemeanor: a jail sentence of anywhere between five to 30 days.
What are the other consequences of a misdemeanor in New Jersey?
Instead of being sentenced to jail time, a New Jersey judge may put you on probation for your misdemeanor or disorderly persons offense. Usually, a probation term lasts one year. During this time, you may be expected to meet with a probation officer regularly, wear an ankle monitor, submit to random drug testing, and other requirements. Importantly, if you violate any term of your probation, a judge may order you to serve jail time.
Regardless of whether you receive jail time or probation, these types of sentences go on your permanent criminal record. This may inevitably affect your prospects for employment, housing, child custody rights, and other things.
Lastly, a judge may order you to pay restitution alongside a fine. Specifically, restitution is considered a repayment to the victim of your disorderly persons offense, or their family, for the economic and non-economic losses they incurred as a direct result of the incident.
With all these serious, somewhat permanent, consequences in mind, you may conclude that it is best to have these charges dropped altogether. Evidently, this requires strong legal representation from the get-go. So we strongly encourage you to retain the services of one of the skilled Bergen County criminal defense attorneys. You may do so by scheduling an initial consultation with McNerney & McAuliffe at your earliest convenience.
