Criminal Defense Lawyers

Wall Township Municipal Court Offenses

Dealing with Offenses in Wall Township Municipal Court

Getting a ticket or being charged with an offense is always a bummer. But if you find yourself having to appear in Wall Township Municipal Court, don’t stress too much. This court handles traffic tickets, disorderly persons offenses, and other minor criminal matters. With some preparation and knowledge, you can handle your case and hopefully get a fair outcome.

Common Offenses Seen in Wall Township Court

Some of the most common offenses that come up in Wall Township Municipal Court include:

• Traffic violations – stuff like speeding, careless driving, failure to observe a traffic signal or sign, etc. Everyone hates getting pulled over, but don’t make things worse by acting disrespectful or refusing to sign the ticket. That’ll just piss off the cop and get you in more trouble.
• Marijuana possession – Recreational weed is still illegal in New Jersey, even though it feels like everyone smokes it. But if you get caught with even a small amount, you can be charged with a disorderly persons offense.
• Underage drinking – It’s illegal for anyone under 21 to possess or consume alcohol. Cops often patrol the beaches and parks at night looking for underage parties. Getting charged as a minor sucks, but not as much as a trip to the hospital for alcohol poisoning.
• Shoplifting/theft – Jersey Shore outlets see their fair share of petty shoplifters each summer. But even stealing small items or “forgetting” to scan something at self-checkout can land you with a criminal charge.
• Simple assault/disorderly conduct – Getting into a scrap at a bar or shouting match on the boardwalk can result in charges like simple assault or disorderly conduct. Police take public fights and disturbances seriously, especially when alcohol is involved.
• Possession of drug paraphernalia – Things like pipes and bongs are illegal in NJ, even if there’s no evidence of actual drugs. Paraphernalia charges are common for people caught smoking weed.

The Court Process for Municipal Court Cases

The court process for a municipal court case usually goes like this:

• First appearance – This is when you plead guilty or not guilty. If you plead not guilty, they’ll schedule a trial. Make sure to get a lawyer by this point!
• Pre-trial conference – You, your lawyer, and the prosecutor meet to discuss options like plea deals or dismissal programs (more on those later). Over 90% of municipal cases don’t go to trial but get resolved before this point.
• Trial – If no plea deal, the prosecutor must prove your guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Your lawyer can question witnesses and raise defenses. But trials are risky cause if you lose, the penalties may be worse.
• Sentencing – If found guilty, the judge will impose fines, fees, and other penalties like community service, probation, or jail time in extreme cases.

Penalties for Common Offenses

The specific penalties for an offense depend on the circumstances, but here are some general guidelines:

• Traffic fines – $50 to $200 for first time moving violations like speeding, plus court fees. Points on your license may increase insurance costs.
• Marijuana possession – Up to 6 months jail and $1,000 fine, but normally just fines/fees for small personal use amounts. Possible drug counseling.
• Underage drinking – Fines from $500-$1,000, license suspension, community service, and alcohol education classes.
• Shoplifting/theft – Shoplifting under $200 is a disorderly persons offense with fines up to $1,000 and possible community service or probation. More serious theft can be indictable with jail time.
• Simple assault – Up to 30 days in jail or up to $500 in fines. Serious injuries can lead to aggravated assault charges (indictable offense).
• Drug paraphernalia – Up to 6 months jail and $1000 fine. But usually just fines for first time offenders.