Disorderly Persons Background Checks: The Truth in 2 Minutes

Attorney Alan G. Peyrouton

April 13, 2020

A Disorderly Persons will show up on a background check

When a Disorderly Persons background check is performed, be prepared! Whoever is running the background check will learn of your conviction. Employers will either demand an explanation or terminate employment. Universities may suspend or expel.

If you are an applying for a job, you may ace the interview but fail the security phase of the hiring process. Employers do not understand that under New Jersey, a disorderly persons offense is not a crime. It is not found in the criminal code.

We have an excellent tip for you can use this as an opportunity to show your integrity.

Will a disorderly persons conviction affect employment

There is not a “yes” or “no” answer to this question. Some employers only want employees with impeccable records. Other employers could care less. Yes, it all depends on the type of employment you have or are seeking.

For example, if you are seeking to become a bank cashier, the bank will perform a disorderly persons background check. A conviction for theft will probably be problematic.

However, if you are seeking employment as a waitress, a conviction for simple marijuana possession can be explained. After all, your employer may have liberal views when it comes to decriminalizing marijuana possession.

Suggestion: take the first step & Be upfront

If you know that your employer intends to run a disorderly persons background check, beat him to the punch. Be the first to reveal the surprise. In this way, you will have the best opportunity to explain your story. Moreover, your employer will perceive you as honest and trustworthy.

Think about it. You may never get an opportunity to explain the results of your disorderly persons background check. Once your future employer sees a conviction on your record, you may never get a callback. Take some time at the end of your interview to bring it up. Clear it up and ask your potential employer if he/she has any questions.

Remember, people can be very understanding.

Be Prepared To Explain

Disorderly Persons convictions will stay on your record for 5 years until you get an expungement.

Common Disorderly Persons offenses include: Harassment, Resisting Arrest, Obstruction of Justice, Trespassing, Marijuana Possession, and Simple Assault.

If you plead guilty or are found guilty of a Disorderly Persons offense, you face up to six months in jail and up to a one thousand dollar fine.

You must wait for five years from the date you completed your sentence before you can get an expungement. For example, if you were sentenced to pay fines, the five years start running once you pay all fines.

But my lawyer said...

Under the New Jersey criminal code, a Disorderly Persons offense is “not a crime”.

But try explaining this to your employer or future employer.

Chances are that the person running a disorderly persons background check on you is not a criminal defense attorney.
It’s understandable that when someone sees a “conviction”, the logical conclusion is that you’ve been convicted of a crime.

Your lawyer may have explained this to you but it’s still a hard concept for people to understand.

important tip:
get a letter from your lawyer

Provide your employer with a letter from your lawyer explaining your conviction.
Even if your criminal lawyer charges you a few bucks for this letter, it’s a worthwhile investment.
The letter will explain that in New Jersey a Disorderly Persons offenses is not a crime.

It’s also good for your lawyer to offer to answer any questions your employer may have.

If you would like to meet with us to discuss your case, we offer FREE consultations.

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 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.

Our Practice Areas

Below you will find some but not all of our practice areas. Of course, if you do not see your criminal charges listed, feel free to contact us for a free consultation. We will meet with you to discuss your case & to answer all of your legal concerns. Se habla español tambien!

Areas We Serve

Get Help With Your Case

How Do Your Free Consultations Work?

There are plenty of excellent criminal lawyers in the Hackensack 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

See all reviews

Ricardo Pimentel

1695067608

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

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

1694035843

Thanks for your help Mr Allen

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

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

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

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

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

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 .