Penalties for Criminal Offenses in New Jersey
NJ Criminal Lawyers Will Defend Your Rights and Freedom in Monmouth County, Middlesex County, or Ocean County, New Jersey
The New Jersey criminal code defines crimes and divides them into categories based on the seriousness of the charge and the severity of the potential penalties:
- Indictable offenses are heard in Superior Court, with penalties that include potential prison time.
- Disorderly persons offenses, petty disorderly persons offenses, traffic offenses and municipal ordinance offenses are heard in Municipal Court, with a wide range of potential penalties.
Regardless of the nature of the particular offense, if you are charged with a crime or offense, you should speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Contact Rudnick, Addonizio, Pappa & Casazza PC, to schedule a free consultation.
Criminal Charges and Offenses in New Jersey
| Offense | Examples of Offenses | Potential Punishment | Time Required Before Expungement |
| Indictable Offenses | |||
| First Degree | Murder, rape, armed robbery | 10-20 years in prison | Not expungeable |
| Second Degree | Aggravated assault, drug trafficking, unarmed robbery | 5-10 years in prison | 10 years from date of completion of supervision |
| Third Degree | Burglary, assault, theft, shoplifting | 3-5 years in prison | 10 years from date of completion of supervision |
| Fourth Degree | Some drug charges, shoplifting | Up to 18 months in prison | 10 years from date of completion of supervision |
| Disorderly Persons Offenses | Marijuana possession, disorderly conduct, trespassing, theft of services | Up to 6 months in jail, up to $1,000 fine, possible loss of driver’s license | 5 years following conviction or completion of supervision, whichever is later |
| Petty Disorderly Persons Offenses | Harassment, fighting | Up to 30 days in jail, up to $500 fine | 5 years following conviction or completion of supervision, whichever is later |
| Traffic Offenses | DUI, speeding, driving under suspension | Fines, points on driving record.DUI: Suspension of driver’s license, fine, points, possible jail sentence | Not applicable |
| Municipal Ordinance Violations | Dumping trash, underage drinking, open container, excessive noise | Fines, community service | 2 years from completion of supervision |
Contact an Experienced Middletown Criminal Attorney Today for a Free Consultation
To learn more about possible defense strategies in your case, contact Rudnick, Addonizio, Pappa & Casazza PC, for a free consultation with an experienced criminal offense attorney.
