Conditional Discharge

Conditional Discharge NJ

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

Peyrouton Law
4.9
Based on 201 reviews
Ronald Yee
Ronald Yee
1694793630
Peyrouton Law, LLC. has lifted the writer from a most serious legal issue that could have lead to incarceration as well as a very hefty fine. This attorney took immediate charge and was able to reduce the fine to one-half of the posted amount. Further at the time of first contact, Attorney Alan Peyrouton informed that within three years passing, Expungement would be -in fact- forthcoming.That time has come with Full Grant Of Expungement for which this writer will forever be grateful: a promise made and kept!!This attorney stood by this client and always available for consultation, never adding to the retainer fee paid, which also included the New Jersey State processing charge for expunging.The "Night-Mare" is over and the legal issue is erasedas if nothing happened almost three years ago.One can not go wrong by selecting this Exceptional Law Firm.Exceptional Value, Personal Service, Expertise, Professionalism, Etc. - All: Outstanding!!Respectfully submitted,Ronald Yee- Continuing Client.
Romario Guthrie
Romario Guthrie
1694044337
Depressed, confused, tired, giving up was all I was doing due to my charges I got and had to face until my attorney Alan showed up… my charges was definitely gonna put me away behind close doors and more than likely deported …it took 2+ years of investigations before we’ve heard anything at all .. lawyer Peyrouton called,left messages ,emailed throughout this time until he found a status for my case … by then it was so tense where it’d be federal where it was already pending at the Supreme Court but Alan worked his wonders and got it to the municipal court (don’t ask me how ) lol … (2 charges) he always shows up for court ,keeps me updated on everything as long as he heard any news …at the end of this hectic time of my life ,Alan could of made it possible for 1 of 2 to be dismissed and the other was lowered to a little over nothing charge ….being grateful is an understatement for me cause I surely thought this was the end but with an awesome lawyer that will work in silence but diligently , u can never go wrong ! Thank you again Alan 🫶🏽
zine benyahia hadria
zine benyahia hadria
1694035843
Thanks for your help Mr Allen
Eugene Kong
Eugene Kong
1693412197
Thank you so much, Alan! Alan saved me from getting a felony on my record and I only ended up having to pay court fees. I will be eternally grateful to you, Sir! I recommend this man to anybody who makes a mistake or gets in trouble.
AntRipollJr
AntRipollJr
1693344102
Allen took a case for me that could have had an enormous detrimental effect on my life . I was extremely nervous, but he assured me that with his extensive experience and knowledge, that I had nothing to worry about. He also was very clear to explain the potential and harmful consequences of this infraction. He got my case dismissed. Thank you, Allen!
Jessica Richardson
Jessica Richardson
1693238749
Attorney Alan G. Peyrouton has been a blessing to me. He was able to get my criminal charge dismissed on a first appearance with a low fine. Trust me, it wasn’t easy and he was quick to take on my case. Although my case was a misdemeanor, it still weighed heavy on my career, my reputation and being a divorced / single parent. Thank you Alan for your quick response and handling my case in a quickly matter. Your representation of my truthful character was solid and I will always appreciate you for that!
Orelda Williams
Orelda Williams
1693008599
Alan Peyrouton is a great lawyer. Answer calls and text messages promptly. Cares about his clients and he is a very kind person over all . My experience were awesome I will recommend others to him 😊
Vijay C
Vijay C
1692904964
He is very knowledgeable and polite ,impromptu whenever I called ,texted or meet him for all my doubts . Professional and trustworthy at his work
anup patil
anup patil
1692151094
Very much professional in his work, always approachable and responds quickly to all the calls or messages.Very much knowledgeable and smart to his work . Never took unnecessary charges/ fees .
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