Legal Question in Criminal Law in New Jersey

I was in atlantic city, nj, got black-out drunk, and supposedly tried climbing into a parked ambulance at 2:30 in the morning because i was cold. I do not remember anything the entire night except for talking to police during this incident. They issued me a ticket for Disorderly Conduct, 2c:33-2a(1). I dont remember leaving the hotel room at 10pm, and nothing else the entire night leading up to the ticket. I dont know how i got separated from my friends, only that i wasnt arrested or finger-printed and was released into my friend's custody to take me back to the hotel. The night was cold (30s) and i didnt have a coat. I remember repeatedly telling the officers i had been cold and only wanted to warm up. I was obviously drunk and not capable of making sound decisions and clearly meant no malice or harm to anyone.

I thought this would be a simple $150 fine and everyone can move on, but apparently not. Im reading that even this petty DC ticket can carry jail time and hefty fines. What?

Why wasnt i given a public intoxication fine or something similar? I obviously meant no harm to anyone or thing. Regardless, what are my options with this ticket? Im 27, living in DE, with a clean record. The last thing i need is a criminal record...and over something so dumb!


Asked on 12/27/12, 3:33 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
John Ducey Law Offices of John G. Ducey, PC

You are right it could carry jail but based on your clean record not likely. An attorney can negotiate with prosecutor and get it changed to a borough ordinance which is not a crime so no criminal record.

I always have a free consultation.

John ducey

732-458-5600.

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Answered on 12/27/12, 5:46 pm
Ronald Aronds Law Office of Ronald Aronds, LLC

This is a violation of the New Jersey criminal code. If you are convicted you will have a criminal record that will show up on any background check. You will have to wait five years to apply for an expungement of your record. I handle cases in Atlantic City frequently and I know from experience that they do not offer any type of plea bargains on this type of case. You can either just plead guilty and pay a fine of up to $500 likely with no jail time or you can hire a lawyer and take the case to trial, attempting to win it that way. Please contact me if you would like to discuss your case in more detail and to see what I can do to assist you. Thank you.

Sincerely yours, -Ronald Aronds, Esq.-

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Answered on 12/28/12, 7:08 am


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