- 201-766-4800
- 200 Passaic St. Hackensack, NJ 07601
Conditional Discharge - Overview
A Conditional Discharge is a way for you to avoid getting a criminal conviction.
This program is designed for CDS cases.
If you have a clean record & have been arrested for a minor drug offense, you may be eligible for this program.
Before we get into it, please know that there is another program in New Jersey called the Conditional Dismissal Program.
The “dismissal” program is for non-drug related charges.
Now that we’ve cleared this up, let’s break it down.
Conditional Discharge - Eligibilty
To be eligible for the Conditional Discharge program, you need to have a clean record. This means that you have no prior convictions. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been arrested. You just can’t have any convictions.
Next, you must never have received any other type of probation.
Even if you used a probationary program in another state, you will not be eligible for this program.
Conditional Discharge - How Does It Work?
Let’s say that you’ve been arrested for misdemeanor Marijuana Possession.
Typically, these cases are treated as misdemeanors (disorderly persons offenses) and tried in New Jersey Municipal Courts.
If you have a clean record & the case against is strong, you may choose to go into the Conditional Discharge program.
The reason for doing this is to keep your record clean.
This diversionary program is a quick fix to putting an end to the whole nightmare.
However, just like the name of the program suggests, there are certain “conditions” that you have to fulfill.
The chart below provides an overview of the conditional dismissal process.
Conditional Discharge - Ineligibility
If you were arrested for a lot of “weight”, this program will not work.
Drug distribution charges are indictable offenses (felony charges) in New Jersey and fall outside the conditional discharge program.
Through the plea bargaining process a good criminal defense attorney can get a 4th-degree drug possession amended to a misdemeanor.
If this happens, your case will be out of “felony danger” and your matter will be sent to the lower municipal court.
Conditional Discharge & Other Options
If you were subject to an illegal search, you may be able to get your drug charges dismissed. All CDS charges should be challenged on Constitutional grounds. If you are not eligible for a conditional discharge, these are your options:
Plead Guilty
You will have to admit what you did under oath. This option will leave you with a criminal conviction. It will stay on your record for 5 years before it can be expunged. And it will show up a background check.
Plead Guilty to a Downgraded Charge
This is one aspect of plea bargaining. Instead of admitting that you were in possession of CDS, we will work out a deal with the prosecutor where you plea guilty to a lesser offense.
Go To Trial & Get Acquitted
This means that the Municipal court judge listened to all of the evidence & decided that you are not guilty of CDS possession.
Go To Trial & Get Convicted
This means that the judge listened to all of the evidence & decided that you are guilty of CDS possession.
Conditional Discharge Keeps your record clean
The whole purpose of the Conditional Discharge program is for you to “avoid getting a conviction”.
If you get into the program after you plead guilty or are found guilty, you will not get a conviction on your record.
Of course, you have to pay all fines and comply with the conditions of your program.
For example, you can not get another arrest or conviction during your probationary term.
In addition, you cannot fail any drug tests. If you do, you will be kicked out of the program.
Conditional Discharge Duration
The program can last from 6 months to 3 years.
Assuming that you’ve complied with all conditions, your case will be dismissed at the end of your probationary.
If you cannot complete this program, you will get a conviction on your record.
When an employer performs a background check, your disorderly person arrest & criminal record will appear.
Conditional Discharge Violations
If you are convicted of a new offense or violate any term and condition imposed by the court, the judge can enter a judgment of conviction against you.
In other words, you wasted your one and only opportunity to keep your record clean.
When our clients are struggling to successfully complete this program, we do everything we can to reapply them into the program.
It’s not easy, but we file a motion with the court requesting a second chance.
Conditional Discharge & Immigration Consequences
If you are not a United States citizen and have heard about the Conditional Discharge program, it is important to consult with an immigration attorney.
We offer immigration services at our firm.
The problem for Non-U.S. Citizens is that your “guilty plea” may serve as the basis for your deportation.
It does not matter that the case will ultimately be dismissed.
Just call us and we will help you.
Final Thoughts
Before you decide to take the conditional discharge program, meet with us to see if your case is strong.
You may a very strong case that we can get dismissed so that you never have to apply for the conditional discharge program.
You will also save a lot of money on court costs & probation fees.
Lastly, if we win your case, then you do not have to worry about getting drug tested and violating your probation.
Give us a call, we’re here to help.
Our Experience
You or a loved one have been arrested. Understandably, you are terrified & have a lot of questions. You’ve heard about plea bargains & probation, but the process is overwhelming. You want a local attorney near you to represent you.
Mr. Peyrouton is from Ridgewood & handles all types of criminal matters in New Jersey The New Jersey Law Journal recently published one of his articles on the subject of criminal law.
How We Can Help
Regardless of the criminal charges you are facing, we are here to defend & protect you. Whether you are facing a restraining order, drug charge, theft charge, or aggravated assault charge, we are here to help you. Even a DWI case can really complicate your life.
If we can’t get your charges dismissed, we can either get them downgraded or place you in a diversionary program. The point is, our criminal defense lawyers will fight tirelessly to get you the best result possible. Take advantage of our free consultation to see how we can help.
Our Practice Areas
Below, you will find a few of our practice areas.
Areas We Serve
Our Hackensack criminal lawyers represent clients in Bergen County & nearby counties & cities.
Get Help With Your Case
How Do Your Free Consultations Work?
There are plenty of excellent Hackensack criminal lawyers in our area. Most, if not all of them, offer free, 20-minute, consultations. However, our free consultations do not have a time limit. You will never feel rushed.
The best way for us to help you is to patiently listen to your side of the story. Your version of events will serve as the basis for your legal defense. It is during these initial meetings that your memory of the event is fresh in your mind. Why we would rush you during such an important aspect of your case.
We understand that your choice of attorney could mean the difference between your freedom and spending years behind bars.
When you hire an attorney, you are entering a long-term relationship. For this reason, it is important that you feel comfortable with the team of Hackensack criminal lawyers that will represent you.
What our clients say about us
Thomas W
03:21 20 Dec 20
My brother-in-law's friend was arrested for a disorderly person's offense. It sounds minor, but in some states other than NJ it is known as a misdemeanor. Often this type of offense is resolved as a municipal ordinance violation, a civil matter. The defendant still must pay a substantial fine, but the criminal charge is dismissed and the defendant has no criminal record. And the municipality gets their money. But in this case Alan Peyrouton had the case dismissed. My brother-in-law's friend had no criminal record, and paid no fine ! There is no better resolution of a case for a criminal defendant than to have a case dismissed. I would recommend Alan to anyone facing any criminal charge in NJ. And so would my brother-in-law and his friend.
Adam Massa
20:04 07 Dec 20
I rarely submit reviews but this law firm deserves 5 stars!Samera & Alan were phenomenal! They are the perfect team to help when you're desperate because they listen and care and explain things patiently and clearly.I called 4 lawyers before I found Peyrouton Law and all 4 lawyers were rude and in a rush.From day one I got VIP treatment and they charged me less than all the other lawyers wanted to charge me. Alan got my case dismissed and is the most humble lawyer I ever met.Samera is an angel and I am very grateful for all of their assistance.I strongly recommend this law firm.
Osi Nwankwo
20:38 04 Dec 20
Very trust worthy firm. The perfect place for legal advice!
Dylan Wazz
00:50 01 Dec 20
If you’re looking for a lawyer and are reading this review, then you can stop your search right here because Alan is without a doubt the best lawyer on the market. His secretary Samera was such a genuine person and you can tell they both actually care about their clients and take each and every case like it was one of their family members cases. If I could give them 10 stars I would. Absolutely a great law firm and I will be recommending them to anyone who digs themself into a sticky situation as I did. We’re all human and they most certainly bring that to life in court and make the prosecutor and judge see that. Thank you for all you guys did I greatly appreciate it!
T Shum
00:20 24 Nov 20
Judy Lawrence
00:59 20 Nov 20
My name is Ms. Judy Lawrence, and I am so excited about posting my opinion of Peyroutin Law; a law firm that is owned and operated by the two most persevering people in my opinion; Mr. Alan and Ms. Cerva. With all the intricate things they have to do to get ready for court, they always received me with smiles in their voice.I was faced with my first criminal case, and my sons told me they had, in their opinion, the perfect law firm. I was sceptical, because everything was done over the phone and email, do to the Pandemic, and I needed that personal touch.I must tell you, I never felt so confident about being in such a bad situation. Ms. Cerva took the time to read my emails and respond promptly; she always kept me informed every step of the way. Its hard for me to trust anyone with such a delicate situation, that I wasn't able to meet in person. Ms.Cerva (Paralegal) took the time to speak to me on the phone when I became anxious. I felt a closeness to her.To make a long story short, because I am a writer, and I can speak volumes about how when I spoke to the Lawyer, Mr. Alan, a feeling of calm and blessed assurance came over me. He told me what to expect, he asked me what I wanted, he treated me as if he knew the very essence of who I was, and he handle himself with such professional and knowledge.Its funny because, when everything was over and done, and I received a very favorable outcome, I kind of missed them. I don't ever want to have to face such a uncomfortable situation like that again. But if I do, God forbid, I have Mr. Alan and Ms. Cerva backing me up.Thank you
Jakeline Jaramillo
17:17 03 Nov 20
Mi experiencia fue muy buena. Debo resaltar un trato muy personalizado y sobre todo la calidad profesional y humana. Se ha planteado el caso y su defensa de la manera más oportuna y efectiva. Agradezco mucho su ayuda para resolverlo de manera exitosa
San Loore kailey Saint jean
17:24 29 Oct 20
orphise saintjean
15:03 29 Oct 20
DAVID ALEJANDRO ROSERO JARAMILLO
14:02 29 Oct 20
Obtuvo el mejor resultado para mi caso, muy recomendado!