Consequences of Harassment Charges in New Jersey
In New Jersey, harassment charges commonly result from a misunderstanding, which is possible why many people make the mistake of assuming that these are not serious charges. While they may not be as serious as some other criminal charges, it could still have grave consequences. A harassment conviction can result in embarrassment or loss of a job. In addition, New Jersey harassment charges could lead to jail time and fines. Fighting harassment charges can be a complex process and may require the knowledge and experience of a skilled criminal defense lawyer.
There are many potential acts that may lead to a harassment charge. New Jersey Statute 2C:33-4 states that a person is guilty of harassment if he or she "makes, or causes to be made, a communication or communications anonymously or at extremely inconvenient hours, or in offensively coarse language, or any other manner likely to cause annoyance or alarm." The consequences of a harassment conviction could depend on the intent of the communication, the manner in which it was made and the manner in which the communication affected the alleged victim.
The penalties for harassment in the state of New Jersey depend upon the circumstances of the case and the history of the defendant. In a criminal harassment case the defendant may face up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.
The knowledgeable Princeton criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience successfully handling all types of criminal cases. If you or a loved one is facing harassment charges in New Jersey, please call our offices at 609-240-0040 for a free case evaluation.
