Disorderly Conduct Charges Common during Holiday Weekends
During any holiday weekend, it is important that New Jersey residents remember to drink responsibly. Holiday weekends often lead to a significant increase in gatherings, parties and alcohol consumption. When individuals consume too much alcohol there is the potential for things to get out of hand and for the authorities to get involved.
New Jersey Statute 2C:33-2 defines disorderly conduct as "improper behavior." A person is guilty of a petty disorderly persons offense, "if with purpose to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof he: 1) Engages in fighting or threatening, or in violent or tumultuous behavior; or (2) Creates a hazardous or physically dangerous condition by any act which serves no legitimate purpose of the actor."
It doesn't take much for a fun weekend to turn into a harrowing and traumatic one. This type of charge may not seem like a big deal but all criminal charges should be taken seriously. A disorderly conduct conviction may result in heavy fines, the creation of a criminal record and even incarceration. Anyone facing disorderly conduct charges would be well advised to seek legal guidance from a skilled New Jersey criminal defense attorney who will fight to have the penalties reduced or the charges thrown out.
The knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to fight wrongful charges. If you are facing criminal charges in New Jersey, do not hesitate to contact our offices at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and case evaluation.
