NJ Disorderly Persons Offenses

Attorney Alan G. Peyrouton

February 4, 2020

As Disorderly Persons Offense & Municipal Ordinance lawyers in New Jersey, we wrote this article to help you understand the difference between the two.

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.

An Ordinance conviction will also pop up on a background check. However,

Does an ordinance violation go on your record?

In our experience, an Ordinance conviction will also pop up on a background check.

However, it’s easier to explain an Ordinance conviction to an employer than it is to explain a Disorderly Persons offense for shoplifting.

Common New Jersey Ordinance Violations

New Jersey towns have the authority to enact laws that protect their local citizens.

These laws are called “Ordinances”.

Since each NJ town is unique, so are their local laws.

However, almost all towns have laws against the following:

Public Intoxication
Disturbing the Peace
Excessive Noise within City Limits
Underage Drinking
Public Nuisances
Consuming Alcohol in Public Places
Public Urination

How long does a disorderly persons conviction stay on your record?

If you plead guilty or are found guilty of a Disorderly Persons Offense, the conviction will stay on your record for five years.

After you pay all fines & comply with all conditions of your sentence, you may Expunge your record.

Common Disorderly Persons offenses include: Harassment, Resisting Arrest, Obstruction of Justice, Eluding, 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.

For example, if you were sentenced to pay fines, the five years starts running once you pay all fines.

How long does a Municipal Ordinance conviction stay on your record?

If you plead guilty or are found guilty of a Municipal Ordinance, the conviction will stay on your record for two years.

After you pay all fines & comply with all conditions of your sentence, you may Expunge your record.

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, a Disorderly Persons 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.

Will a Municipal Ordinance conviction affect employment

Again, this is not a simple question to answer.

Everything depends on your employer’s demands & expectations.

However, since an ordinance violation is extremely common, it is more acceptable than a criminal charge.

Suggestion: take the first step & Be upfront

If you know that your employer intends to run a 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 your Disorderly Persons conviction. 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.

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 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.

We’re here to help you. Please visit the Areas We Serve & Practice Areas pages for more information.

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.

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

5.0

Based on 175 reviews

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jemsley canela

23:10 22 Mar 23

Lauren Serrano

19:45 04 Mar 23

Extremely professional, on time, and responds immediately with any questions or concerns I had. Exceptional lawyer!

John B.

01:36 10 Feb 23

I met Alan and right off the bat I knew he was a straight shooter........I was facing alot of time and he didn't sugar coat my worst outcome and best outcome for hiring him to defend me.He was very reasonable priced and answered all my questions even if I repeated myself.All the way upto my court date he was responsive to all my calls and concerns. Other lawyers wanted outrageous fees and would tell me what i wanted to hear. Alan isn't like that at all. Not only was my case dismissed but he gave me great life advice. He is a true definition of a scholar and a gentleman!!!!!

Geselle Linares

21:31 22 Jan 23

I just wanted to get on here and say how amazing Alan is. He is very friendly and professional. He took care of everything and thankfully I did not stress one bit. Every time I had a question he was sure to answer within a reasonable time. If anyone is thinking about hiring him do not hesitate to contact him or his team!

Rosales Karen

03:24 18 Dec 22

Exelente abogado merece más de 5 estrellas una persona seria humilde el abogado alan es bien educado habla español trata de lo mejor A sus clientes exelente persona 😄 ✌

Drew C

22:39 15 Dec 22

Just want to express my gratitude for Alan and how he handled the case in a professional, transparent and timely manner. I was pulled over on a bs stop and was hit with multiple fines on top of a criminal offense and it was handled as smoothly as I could possibly ask for. Thank you again Alan.

Aleco

21:21 13 Dec 22

This guy is down to earth friendly, easily works with you and is the best of the best when it comes to law. Alan really helped me out on a tough case and I couldn’t recommend anyone better.

Jonathan Rodriguez

15:16 05 Dec 22

Best lawyer in town very happy with the results, communication and pricing, Alan will fight for you to get the best results. After one year he never stop working in my case until he got what he wanted for me. 100% I will back if I ever need his help again.

Quashawn Ross

16:15 25 Oct 22

I wanted to wholeheartedly thank you for your expertise and wisdom regarding my matter. You fount hope for me when I thought there wasn’t any. Thank you for your exceptional service and professionalism you displayed throughout my case and afterwards. I had to make sure I left you a thoughtful review, as it was well needed. Once again thanks from the heart. I’d recommend you a thousand times. No fabricated representation, just real results.

D S

20:51 19 Sep 22

Absolutely Amazing Law Firm !! Very Thorough And And Doesn't Play Any Games .Thank You Again For all your help and Hard work Also Keeping my record Spotless !!!