Criminal Conviction Penalties in New Jersey
In New Jersey, unlawful conduct is categorized as either disorderly offenses or crimes. Various levels of each of these categories exist, which are tied to the severity of the act. The penalties that can be levied if someone is found guilty of an offense depends on the level of charge.
Below are the sanctions that can be imposed upon a conviction:
Petty Disorderly Persons Offenses
- Up to 30 days of incarceration and/or
- Up to $500 in fines
Examples of offenses:
- Disorderly conduct (2C:33-2)
Disorderly Persons Offenses
- Up to 6 months of incarceration and/or
- Up to $1,000 in fines
Examples of offenses:
- Simple assault (2C:12-1)
- Defacing or damaging a traffic sign or signal (2C: 17-3.1)
Fourth-degree Crime
- Up to 18 months of imprisonment and/or
- Up to $10,000 in fines
Examples of offenses:
- Criminal sexual contact (2C:14-3)
- Lewdness (2C:14-4)
- Criminal mischief - monetary loss of over $500 but less than $2,000 (2C:17-3)
Third-degree Crime
- Between 3 and 5 years of imprisonment and/or
- Up to $15,000 in fines
Examples of offenses:
- Aggravated criminal sexual contact (2C:14-3)
- Arson (2C:17-1)
- Criminal mischief - financial loss of $2,000 or more (2C:17-3)
Second-Degree Crimes
- Between 5 and 10 years of imprisonment and/or
- Up to $150,000 in fines
Examples of offenses:
- Manslaughter (2C:11-4)
- Aggravated assault (2C:12-1)
- Luring or enticing a child (2C:13-6)
- Sexual assault (2C:14-2)
First-Degree Crimes
- Between 10 and 20 years of imprisonment (can be longer depending on the offense) and/or
- Up to $200,000 in fines
Examples of offenses:
- Murder - punishable by up to life imprisonment (2C:11-3)
- Kidnapping - punishable by 15 to 30 years of imprisonment (2C:13-1)
- Human trafficking (2C:13-8)
Because of various local, state, and federal laws and regulations, criminal convictions can have lasting impacts that go beyond incarceration and fines. Referred to as collateral consequences, these limitations and prohibitions can make it challenging for a person to re-enter society even after they have completed their sentence.
Collateral consequences of a criminal conviction can include, but are not limited to:
- Inability to get a job
- Inability to find housing
- Suspension or denial of occupational licenses
- Loss of voting rights
- Ineligibility for government benefits
- Ineligibility for federal student loans
The effects of a conviction on your future are too great to leave your case in the hands of an inexperienced lawyer. Trust our New Jersey defense attorneys at Roberts & Teeter, LLC to provide the personalized attention and aggressive representation you need.
Hire a New Jersey Criminal Lawyer Right Away
Building a compelling defense takes time, which is why it is imperative to get an attorney on your case as soon as possible. Whether you are being investigated for or have been charged with a criminal offense in New Jersey, reach out to Roberts & Teeter, LLC. We will get to work immediately.
To discuss your case with us, call our New Jersey criminal defense firm at (732) 607-5553 or submit an online contact form.