Misdemeanors in Pennsylvania vs. Disorderly Person Offenses in New Jersey
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Misdemeanors are the lowest level crimes in Pennsylvania, but they still carry with them significant consequences. If you get convicted of a misdemeanor, you will have a criminal record that will be discovered whenever a background check is performed. If you are charged with a misdemeanor, you still need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side to defend your rights.
What is a misdemeanor in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, misdemeanors are divided up into three distinct categories, each with maximum penalties which include jail sentences and/or fines:
- Misdemeanor 3 (M3) – This includes disorderly conduct, harassment, lewdness, loitering, simple assault, possession of marijuana, shoplifting. It carries penalties of six months to a year in jail and up to $2,500 in fines.
- Misdemeanor 2 (M2) – This includes reckless endangerment, making a false police report, impersonating a public servant and bigamy. It carries a jail term of one to two years and fines of up to $5,000.
- Misdemeanor 1 (M1) – This includes making terrorist threats, indecent assault, endangering the welfare of a child, bookmaking and prostitution. It carries a jail term of up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
These are just general guidelines to give you an example of the kinds of penalties you could get if you have been charged with a misdemeanor. The court will take several factors into consideration, including whether or not you have any prior offenses, the seriousness of the crime and the circumstance of the case.
What is a disorderly person offense in New Jersey?
New Jersey refers to misdemeanors as disorderly person offenses and petty disorderly person offenses (DP):
- Petty disorderly person offenses include the possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana, shoplifting, harassment, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, lewdness and passing bad checks. The penalties include a jail sentence of up to six months and a fine of up to $500 plus court fees.
- Disorderly person offenses include simple assault, disorderly conduct, property damage, shoplifting, criminal mischief and others. Penalties include a jail sentence of up to six months, and a fine of up to $1,000 plus court fees.
Disorderly person offenses are handled in the local municipal court in the jurisdiction in which you were charged. Even a conviction for a disorderly person offense will become a part of your criminal record. This can bar you from receiving federal financial aid for education, and limit your employment and housing prospects.
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, you can face serious consequences if you do not hire the right criminal defense attorney. At the Law Offices of David Jay Glassman, we offer a compassionate approach with our clients while we aggressively defend their rights in the judicial system. Call the Law Offices of David Jay Glassman at 215-563-7100 or contact us online today for a qualified assessment of your case.