Belmar Criminal Defense Attorney

How do I Know if I Need a Criminal Defense Attorney in Belmar, New Jersey?

Have you been arrested in Belmar New Jersey? Summonsed to appear in the Belmar Municipal Court? If so, Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help. The Borough of Belmar is well know for its beautiful beaches, great restaurants and lavish nightlife. Unfortunately, all of those things tend to lead to an increase in crime as well.

Although the Belmar Police Department is relatively slow eight months out of the year, it sure makes up for it between May and September. In fact, the police force is required to hire a tremendous amount of “specials” in an effort to better patrol the town. Some of the most common criminal offenses issued in the Borough of Belmar include: simple assault, disorderly conduct, possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, aggravated assault, driving while intoxicated, possession of a fake ID, and resisting arrest. Regardless of the specific offense for which you have been charged with, we strongly recommend that you speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your options. If you would like a free consultation with one of the attorneys at Keith Oliver Criminal Law, then please do not hesitate to contact our office at (732) 858-6959. One of our lawyers would be glad to sit down with you, go over the specific facts of your case, and formulate a game plan that works best to suit your needs. Now here is some information on some of the most common criminal charges in Belmar.

Facing a Marijuana Charge in Belmar NJ

Pursuant to NJSA 2C:35-10A(4), possession of marijuana under 50 grams is a disorderly persons offense (misdemeanor) in New Jersey. This is one of only two offenses under the entire New Jersey criminal code where plea bargaining is prohibited. The other is driving under the influence. Anyone convicted of this offense in New Jersey will be facing up to six months in the Monmouth County Jail, a $1,000 fine, approximately $750 worth of fees and assessments, up to a six month loss of license, probation, random drug monitoring and community service. Like most other drug-related offenses, by there very nature, most marijuana possession offenses stem from some form of a search and seizure. This is where an experienced criminal defense attorney can make a tremendous difference. For more information on possession of marijuana offenses in New Jersey, please refer to our possession of marijuana under 50 grams page.

Charged with Disorderly Conduct in Belmar

Disorderly Conduct is one of the most common offenses charged in all of New Jersey, let alone Monmouth County. It is often referred to as the “catch all” charge. It basically seeks to cover “improper behavior”, whether it be a verbal argument, a minor physical altercation, public intoxication or being a nuisance. So with a lavish nightlife, which includes DJAIS, Bar A, the Boathouse and 9th Ave Pier it should be no surprise to hear that “disorderly conduct” is one of the most common offenses charged in the Borough. Pursuant to NJSA 2C:33-2, disorderly conduct is considered a petty disorderly persons offense. If convicted, a Defendant could be facing up to thirty days in the Monmouth County Jail, a $500 fine, probation and community service. For more information on disorderly conduct, check out our explanation of disorderly conduct offenses.

Issued a Complaint for Assault in the Borough of Belmar

The Borough of Belmar issues it fair share of assault charges throughout year, including simple assault, aggravated assault and assault by auto. Each one of these offenses carries different potential penalties if convicted. Simple assault is the lowest level assault crime in New Jersey and it is considered a disorderly persons offenses.  A simple assault is basically equivalent to your typical run of the mill fist fight where the victim suffers only what is known as bodily injury. If the victim suffers what is known as significant bodily injury (i.e. a broken bone) or serious bodily injury (i.e. caused a substantial risk of death or permanent disfigurement), then the Defendant will be charged with aggravated assault. Aggravated assault will always be considered an indictable offense (felony). For more information on aggravated assault, including the potential penalties if convicted, please checkout our aggravated assault practice area.

Charged with Underage Drinking in Belmar, New Jersey?

Charged with underage drinking in Belmar? Was it at a house party? Was it at a Bar? DJAIS? Bar A? If so, here is what you need to know. Anyone caught possessing and/or consuming alcohol who is under the age of twenty-one in New Jersey will be charged with a disorderly persons offense and will be summonsed to appear in the Belmar Municipal Court to answer for the charges. Anyone who is convicted of possessing or consuming alcohol will be facing a fine of not less than $500 as well as forced to enroll in an alcohol education or treatment program. Furthermore, if the incident occurred with in a motor vehicle, the individual will also have their driving privileges suspended for six months. If the individual does not have a license at the time of the incident, their ability to obtain a license shall be suspended for six months once they become eligible. It is important to remember, that simply possessing the alcohol under the age of 21 can be prosecuted under this subsection provided they can not establish a legal authority that would allow them to possess it. For more information on this offense, including potential defenses, please contact our office.

Fake ID Charges in Belmar NJ

With major bars like DJAIS, Bar A, the Boathouse, 9th Ave Pier, Jack’s and Anchor located in the Borough of Belmar, which covers less 2 square miles, fake id charges are a very common offense litigated in the Belmar Municipal Court.  Pursuant to NJSA 2C:28-7, possession of a fake id is a disorderly persons offense, which as stated earlier, if convicted could land a defendant in jail for up to six months, a fine up to $1,000 and a scarred with a criminal record. A criminal record for any one under the age of twenty-one could have a catastrophic effect on ones future. That is one of the many reasons that we strongly recommend that you speak to an experienced Belmar criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. For more information on fake id charges in New Jersey, please feel free to read about what happens if you are found in possession of a fake id.

Belmar NJ Criminal Defense Lawyer Free Consultation

If you have been charged with a criminal offense in the Borough of Belmar, the Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help. Our office has been appearing in the Belmar Municipal Court, which is located at 600 Main Street, for the better part of the last decade. If you would like to discuss your options with one of our attorneys then please contact our office at (732) 858-6959 or send us an email. As always, our initial consultations are free of costs, so if you have any questions whatsoever, please do not hesitate to contact us.