Disorderly conduct charges are among the most common offenses written by law enforcement during the summer months in Belmar of Monmouth County and Seaside Heights of Ocean County, New Jersey. During the summers months, police officers at the Jersey Shore regularly issue these tickets to young adults typically due to rowdy or drunken behavior in overcrowded public areas such as bars, nightclubs, at the beach, on the boardwalk and on the street.
In Belmar and Lake Como visitors to Bar Anticipation, D'Jais, 507 Main, Connolly Station, Jack's Tavern and the Boathouse Bar & Grill are often charged with disorderly conduct after exhibiting disruptive behavior. In Seaside Heights, patrons of Club XS, Karma Night Club, Klee's Bar & Grill, Bamboo Bar, Saw Mill, and the Beachcomber frequently receive charges of disorderly conduct after having too much alcohol and they begin to put others in physical danger. The number of disorderly conduct charges is also on the rise in towns like Point Pleasant Beach and Manasquan, where many young adults flood in to enjoy the summer festivities.
Engaging in improper behavior or offensive language can result in disorderly conduct, which constitutes a petty disorderly persons offense. For improper behavior to be the basis of a disorderly conduct charge, an individual must threaten or engage in violent behavior, or create a risk of physical danger within a public place. Alternatively, offensive language can be the basis of disorderly conduct when engaging in unreasonably loud and abusive language within a public place so that others may hear. N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2.
Disorderly conduct is a petty disorderly persons offense punishable by a fine up to $500, jail time of up to 30 days, possible probation, other court and processing fees, and you will have an arrest record. N.J.S.A. 2C:43-8, N.J.S.A. 2C:43-3.
If you are charged with disorderly conduct, you should contact a local criminal defense attorney who may assist you with reducing or dismissing the penalties associated with the petty disorderly persons offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2. If you are charged with such an offense within Monmouth County or Ocean County, it is important to retain an attorney who regularly represents clients in municipal courts within these counties.
Keep in mind that if you happen to become involved in a physical or verbal altercation at a bar or public place, police officers will unlikely be willing to consider your excuses when administering a summons or complaint for disorderly conduct. However, maintaining a polite and calm demeanor when near or conversing with law enforcement officers may be the best way to avoid a disorderly conduct charge.
