NEW JERSEY CRIMINAL LAWYERS

New Jersey Trespassing Defense Lawyers

Defend Your Rights with Our New Jersey Trespassing Defense Lawyers

Trespassing charges in New Jersey are no laughing matter. While one might be tempted to ignore it, believing that it’s just a minor offense that warrants a fine or community service, the reality is much harsher. The state of New Jersey classifies trespassing as unlicensed entry of structures or defiant trespassing – both of which can result in some serious penalties.

As such, it’s imperative that anyone facing these charges seek legal representation. This applies whether you’re an adult or juvenile as having a criminal record for trespassing can negatively impact your life in many ways including career opportunities, higher education prospects, and even public assistance eligibility.

At our law firm, we specialize in handling cases at the municipal court level and work tirelessly to get trespassing charges dismissed or settled under favorable terms for our clients.

Potential Penalties for Trespassing Charges in NJ

According to New Jersey laws on trespassing, there are two categories:

Defiant Trespasser: This means entering any location which includes hiding whether or not they have the authority to do so despite “notice against trespass.” Notice could be anything from personal communication, posted signs, or an enclosure like a fence meant to keep intruders out. Defiant trespass is considered a petty disorderly persons offense and comes with a fine ranging up to $500.

Unlicensed Entry of Structures: This takes things up several notches as it is considered a fourth-degree indictable offense where one can face 18 months imprisonment along with fines of $10,000. It is characterized when someone enters into certain areas without proper authorization; These include dwelling places like houses/apartments/condos), school buildings/facilities, research facilities/separately secured areas/occupied portions thereof), power generation facilities & grounds (Nuclear electric generating plant building or property) among others.

Peeping Toms: Another form of trespassing that is considered a fourth-degree indictable offense which comes with severe punishment where offenders can face time in prison coupled with heavy fines. This act applies to people who look through windows or other openings of dwellings while taking advantage of circumstances where the occupants would not think they are being watched.

Without experienced legal representation, you could be facing jail time and heavy penalties even for minor offenses. More importantly, it’s crucial to understand that the prosecutor has zero obligation to advise defendants on how to steer clear of a guilty verdict as they operate within their capacity to get convictions.

How Our Lawyers Can Help You Fight Trespassing Charges

For all criminal cases, any defendant that pleads “not guilty” puts the onus on the prosecutor to prove beyond a reasonable doubt. As experienced New Jersey lawyers, our job is simple – leaving no stone unturned in making sure that prosecution’s evidence is either solid or tossed out of court.

Our skillset offers clients room outside municipal court and into superior court in your county should charges involve peering into dwellings or unauthorized entry of structures – both considered to be indictable offenses.

We speak with prosecutors to bargain for lighter penalties like petty disorderly persons charges for defying trespass or lower level authorized entry as stated above if convicted. Since difficulties can arise when there is video evidence on a suspect caught in the act, we examine cases for loopholes available under NJ law such as :

-The structure was abandoned
-The structure was open for public access at the time of entry
-The accused had reason enough to believe he/she had permission/authorization from the owner/operator/manager

Other legal defenses include establishing an alibi i.e., proof-of-whereabouts when an incident occurred; pointing out misinterpretations owing to security footage quality; discrediting unreliable witness testimonies; proving coercion, entrapment or inducement by some third party on a defendant; and demonstrating mental impairment during the time of the alleged crime.

If charges are not dropped or dismissed, we can look into options like conditional discharge after probation that ultimately leads to case dismissal. Additionally, we explore NJ state diversion programs for eligible clients such as pre-trial intervention (PTI) and veteran’s diversion program.

Don’t Wait: Call Us Now

If you’re facing trespassing charges in New Jersey or know someone in need of counsel, call Spodek Law Group now for free advice on how to address the matter at hand. With the potential repercussions of such an offense, it is wise to seek legal representation right away.