Will You Go To Jail For Your Criminal Charge
Perhaps the biggest concern you may have if you are charged with an offense or crime in New Jersey is the potential jail time that may come with the charge. In general, the amount of jail time that you may face is dependent on the class of conduct that you are charged with. The New Jersey Criminal Code classifies criminal conduct by certain categories. These categories are:
• First degree crimes
• Second degree crimes
• Third degree crimes
• Fourth degree crimes
• Disorderly persons offenses
• Petty disorderly persons offenses
First Degree Crimes
If you are found guilty of a first degree crime, you face a mandatory penalty of between 10 and 20 years in prison. Examples of first degree crimes include murder, aggravated manslaughter, aggravated sexual assault, and armed robbery.
Second Degree Crimes
If you are found guilty of a second degree crime, you face a mandatory penalty of between 5 and 10 years in prison. Examples of second degree crimes include large scale thefts, perjury, vehicular homicide, and serious burglaries.
Third Degree Crimes
If you are found guilty of a third degree crime, you can potentially face between 3 and 5 years in prison.
Examples of third degree crimes include assault by automobile, possession of drugs that are not marijuana, aggravated assault and certain thefts.
Fourth Degree Crimes
If you are found guilty of a fourth degree crime, you can face up to 18 months in prison.
Examples of fourth degree crimes include sexual contact, credit card theft, and possession of a knife.
Disorderly Persons Offenses
If you are found guilty of a disorderly persons offense, the judge may impose a sentence of up to 6 months of imprisonment.
Examples of disorderly persons offenses include simple assault, shoplifting, resisting arrest, and bad checks.
Petty Disorderly Persons Offenses
If you are found guilty of a disorderly persons offense, you can be sentenced to up to 30 days in prison.
Examples of petty disorderly persons offenses are harassment, fighting, and disorderly conduct. Should you like more information about a charge you are facing, Mark J. Cintron would be happy to assist you. Mark Cintron's experience and knowledge of the law has allowed him to minimize and even eliminate jail sentences in many cases. Should you be facing a potential criminal charge, Mark Cintron is a phone call away at (201) 791-1333.