Princeton Juvenile Misdemeanor Offense Attorneys
Juvenile Misdemeanor Offense
The New Jersey legal system places crimes into two broad categories: indictable offenses and disorderly persons offenses. Disorderly persons offenses are also commonly known as misdemeanors. Punishments can include fines of up to $1,000 and sentences of up to six months. An adolescent charged with a NJ juvenile misdemeanor offense for the first time has a relatively good chance of staying out of a juvenile detention facility. The minor may need to attend counseling sessions if the crime was drug related, make restitution or perform community service. In some cases, the authorities may decide not to even file formal charges against the juvenile.
Misdemeanors are minor New Jersey crimes compared to indictable offenses, which include murder, rape, robbery, assault and arson. A minor might commit a misdemeanor such as taking something from a store on a dare, or could simply be experimenting with marijuana while at a party. It's safe to say that most minors who commit misdemeanors aren't hardened criminals. Indeed, a single brush with the law could be enough to set them back on the right path. Some examples of actions that may result in the authorities charging a juvenile with a misdemeanor include the following:
- Disorderly conduct
- Possession of marijuana (as long as the amount does not exceed 50 grams)
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Shoplifting
- Harassment
- Lewd conduct
- Obstruction of justice
Because most juvenile defendants do not go to detention facilities or adult courts for minor misdemeanors, it's easy to assume that hiring an experienced lawyer is not necessary. The truth is that anyone facing a charge needs solid legal representation, as you can never predict with complete certainty how a judge might react to a case or what type of punishment might be handed down. The Princeton NJ juvenile criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein will work diligently on the juvenile's behalf for a reduced sentence or, in some cases, a dismissal. We will also likely try to get the courts to seal the juvenile's record to increase the chance of future expungement. This essentially erases the record of the crime, giving the young person a fresh start. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.