Piscataway Township NJ Harassment Attorneys
An arrest for harassment can occur in many ways in Piscataway Township. The most common scenario is telephone calls or texts that are excessive, early in the morning or late at night, or ones that involve threatening or offensive communications. There are even those instances where someone will go as far as to apply for a restraining order based on allegations that there is harassment that is tantamount to domestic violence. Irrespective of the facts that have brought you to our firm, you need to know that a complaint under N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4 can cause extreme problems if it is not addressed properly. An attorney at our firm can insure that you receive the level of service needed to resolve your Piscataway harassment charge with minimal impact on your life. In most cases, this will involve our lawyers obtaining a dismissal of the harassment offense or, alternatively, an amendment of the complaint to a municipal ordinance violation which negates a criminal record. For immediate assistance, call us at 732-562-0308 for a free consultation.
Harassment Charges Under N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4
Criminal harassment is set forth at N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4 and outlines three (3) scenarios in which someone may be convicted of this disorderly persons offense. The first variety of harassment arises where someone “makes, or causes to be made, a communication or communications anonymously or at extremely inconvenient hours, or in offensively coarse language, or any other manner likely to cause annoyance or alarm.” The second way harassment can occur is by “striking, kicking, shoving, or other offensive touching, or threatens to do so.” The third scenario where harassment can result is where someone “engages in any other course of alarming conduct or of repeatedly committed acts with purpose to alarm or seriously annoy such other person.” The crucial point to keep in mind with respect to all three options is that the accused must have the purpose and intent to harass when they engage in the prohibited conduct otherwise they can be convicted under N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4. A harassment charge can escalate to a fourth degree crime if the defendant is on parole or probation for an indictable/felony offense when the violation is committed. Absent this status, harassment is a disorderly persons offense punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine as high as $1,000. You will also have a criminal record that can impact your ability to maintain your immigration status (i.e. visa, green card, etc.), secure employment and obtain a professional license.
Piscataway NJ Harassment Lawyer
Harassment is much more common than you might expect but unfortunately so are convictions for those who make the mistake of appearing in court without an attorney. We hope that you recognize from this discussion that a lawyer has significant value in defending your harassment offense in Piscataway. Our team of attorneys has consistently achieve excellent results for individuals in Piscataway Municipal Court just like you. To learn what would be involved in our representing you, call our Piscataway Office today.