New Jersey Criminal Lawyers Blog

In the wake of Columbus Day festivities in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, patrons to the events might find themselves in trouble with the law. Anytime there is a large gathering of people for a multi-day event in close proximity to an abundant amount of bars, the Seaside Heights Police are usually out in full force. The three-day Italian Festival brought a lot of fun, a lot of good food, and unfortunately, patrons may have been arrested for common disorderly persons offenses in Seaside Heights, municipal ordinance violations in Seaside Heights, motor vehicle violations in Seaside Heights and in some cases, indictable criminal offenses in Seaside Heights.

Disorderly persons offenses in Seaside Heights are commonly written and are a general category of offenses that are punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, payments of restitution, up to 6 months in jail, and other fines and penalties. If you were arrested for a disorderly persons charge in Seaside Heights, it is important to realize that you may have options. Contact an experienced Seaside Heights Criminal Defense Attorney to discuss your case. Some commonly written disorderly persons offenses in Seaside Heights include: disorderly conduct (N.J.S. 2C:33-2), trespass (N.J.S. 2C: 18-3(b)), criminal mischief (N.J.S. 2C: 17-3), simple assault (N.J.S. 2C: 12-1), fake ID (N.J.S. 2C: 28-7), underage drinking (N.J.S. 2C:33-15), possession of CDS (N.J.S. 2C:35-10), and resisting arrest (N.J.S. 2C:29-2).

Very common at such large events are Underage Drinking charges (N.J.S. 2C: 33-15) and Fake ID charges (N.J.S. 33:1-81). Underage drinking charges carry a mandatory fine of $500. If the underage drinkers are found consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle they could face a suspension of their drivers license for up to 6 months. Fake ID charges are also quite serious and violators could be looking at the same penalties. Conviction of both could lead to a loss of license for 6 months and fines of no less than $1,000. If you have been charged with Underage Drinking, Fake ID, or any other disorderly persons offense, call an experienced New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney to discuss your case and protect your rights.

In addition to disorderly persons offenses, Seaside Heights Police Officers often write tickets for moving violations. Motor vehicle violations can also carry serious penalties including points assessed to your driver's license, fines, or suspension of your driver's license. Commonly written motor vehicle violations include: speeding (N.J.S. 39:4-98 and N.J.S. 39:4-99), failure to yield to a traffic sign (N.J.S. 39:4-81), reckless driving (N.J.S. 39:4-96), and careless driving (N.J.S. 39:4-97). DWI, DUI, and Refusal charges are very serious motor vehicle violations in New Jersey. Penalties for a DWI, DUI, or Refusal conviction can include jail-time, loss of your driver's license, heavy fines, mandatory participation in an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) program, installation of an Ignition Interlock Device and additional fines and penalties.