Bloomfield NJ Trespassing Lawyers

Criminal Defense Attorneys with Offices in Newark, New Jersey

Criminal trespassing charges can arise under the most innocuous of circumstances. For example, you might have failed to leave a bar in a timely fashion after being asked to go. Or perhaps you didn’t notice a “no trespassing” sign on a property. Unfortunately, the circumstances of your violation of the law might not matter to the arresting officer. Trespassing is taken very seriously by law enforcement and prosecutors in Essex County, NJ, because it is considered a serious invasion of privacy. Like other property crimes, trespassing can be classified as either a disorderly persons offense or an indictable, felony-level offense. Moreover, trespassing is often accompanied by other criminal charges such as burglary and criminal mischief. This means that you could be looking at significant prison time if you are convicted of criminal trespassing in New Jersey.

The Tormey Law Firm is a criminal defense team with extensive experience defending clients against trespassing charges in Millburn, Montclair, Irvington, Bloomfield, West Orange, and throughout Essex County, New Jersey. Travis J. Tormey, the firm’s founding partner, previous served with the United States Attorney’s Office on several high-profile task forces and crime units. Our experience as both prosecutors and defense attorneys give us a major advantage when it comes to getting your trespassing charges downgraded or dismissed. If you have been arrested for criminal trespass in Essex County, New Jersey, the skilled criminal defense lawyers at The Tormey Law Firm are prepared to do whatever it takes to beat your trespassing charges. Call us 24 hours a dy at 201-654-3464 to discuss your case with one of our experienced Newark criminal defense attorneys.

Trespassing in New Jersey: N.J.S.A. 2C:18-3

Trespassing offenses are governed by N.J.S.A. 2C:18-3. The statute sets forth three main types of trespassing:

1. Unlicensed Entry of Structures: It is against the law for a person to enter or surreptitiously remain in a structure when the person knows that they are not licensed to do so. If the structure is a school, a dwelling, or a research facility, the offense is classified as a fourth degree felony. In all other instances, the offense is classified as a disorderly persons offense.
2. Defiant Trespass: It is against the law for a person to enter or remain in a place when the person has been given notice against trespass. The notice can come in form of a verbal communication, a posting or sign on the premises, or fencing which is designed to exclude intruders. Defiant trespassing is classified as a petty disorderly persons offense.
3. Peering into Windows: “Peeping Tom” offenses typically occur when a person peers into a window for the purpose of invading another person’s privacy. Unlawful peering is classified as a fourth degree felony.

Penalties for Criminal Trespass Charges in NJ

The penalties for criminal trespass in New Jersey vary, depending upon the circumstances and the classification of the offense:

• Defiant Trespass: Since defiant trespassing is classified as a petty disorderly persons offense, offenders are subject to a sentence of up to 30 days in the local county jail and a $500 fine.
• Criminal Trespass – Fourth Degree Felony: If the unlicensed entry occurred on school property, a dwelling, or a research facility, the offender is subject to a sentence of up to 18 months in NJ State Prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
• Criminal Trespass – Disorderly Persons Offense: All other forms of criminal trespass are classified as disorderly persons offenses. This means that offenders are subject to a sentence of up to 6 months in the local county jail and a $1,000 fine.
• Peeping Tom Offense: Unlawful peering into windows is classified as a fourth degree felony. Offenders are subject to a sentence of up to 18 months in NJ State Prison and a $10,000 fine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Regarding Shoplifting Charges in Essex County NJ

FAQ: How do I know where my case will be handled? For 4th degree trespassing charges, these are indictable and will be handled in Superior Court by the Essex County Prosecutors Office. For disorderly persons charges, these will be handled in the local Municipal Court where the charges were filed.

FAQ: I have no prior criminal record, am I going to jail? If you have no record, is is presumed that you will be sentenced to probation on these cases and not jail. However, you still want to try to avoid having these charges show up on your permanent record.

FAQ: I have no prior record and I’ve never used a first time offender program before. Am I eligible? Yes, on felony cases you are eligible for the Pre-Trial Intervention program (PTI) and for disorderly persons offenses in Municipal Court you are eligible for the conditional dismissal program. You can only use these programs one time in your life and if you successfully complete probation then they dismiss the charges against you.

Consult a Newark NJ Defiant Trespass Lawyer Today

If you or someone you love has been charged with a trespass offense in Newark or Essex County, New Jersey, the skilled attorneys at the Tormey Law Firm know what it takes to win in the courtroom and fight trespassing charges. We can help keep you out of jail and help you avoid a criminal conviction on your permanent record. Call us today at 201-654-3464, or email us to schedule a meeting at our office in Newark, NJ.