Monmouth County Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
Red Bank is a vibrant cultural center nestled along the Navesink River in Monmouth County, New Jersey. With close proximity to Jersey Shore beaches and access to New York City, it is a highly desirable place to live, work, and raise a family. The Borough of Red Bank spans just over 2 square miles. Within its bounds, visitors and residents can find a host of retail stores, boutiques, restaurants, bars, parks, art galleries, and several theaters. Considering all that Red Bank has to offer, it is easy to understand why over 12,000 people call Red Bank home, and thousands more visit and patronize its downtown center. With so many people in such a condensed area, Red Bank is also highly patrolled by officers from the Red Bank Police Department, who issue criminal charges and motor vehicle summonses for alleged offenses ranging from disorderly conduct to driving while intoxicated (DWI).
Traffic Offenses in Red Bank
When you are charged with a traffic or criminal offense within the jurisdiction of Red Bank, it is essential to determine the venue in which your case will be adjudicated. For instance, all motor vehicle violations committed in Red Bank are heard at Red Bank Municipal Court. This includes charges for driving while intoxicated, driving under the influence of drugs, and possession of CDS in a motor vehicle. Traffic offenses may entail penalties ranging from fines, to a period of driver’s license suspension, and even a jail sentence.
Municipal Court Offenses in Red Bank
As for criminal cases, charges for disorderly persons (DP) and petty disorderly persons (PDP) offenses allegedly committed in Red Bank are also heard at Red Bank Municipal Court. DP and PDP offenses are considered lower-level criminal offenses, which are similar to misdemeanors. Some of the most common DP and PDP charges issued in Red Bank include: simple assault, possession of marijuana under 50 grams, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, shoplifting, and possession of drug paraphernalia. A conviction for any of these crimes may result in a fine of up to $1,000, a sentence to serve up to 6 months in the county jail, and a charge on your criminal record.
When you are charged with one of the aforementioned criminal offenses in Red Bank, it is important to understand all of your available legal options. For example, when you are charged with a drug crime that is considered a disorderly persons offense, such as possession of marijuana less than 50 grams or possession of drug paraphernalia, you may be eligible for Red Bank Municipal Court’s Conditional Discharge Program. This is a diversionary program available to defendants with no prior criminal record, which allows them to achieve the dismissal of the charges after completion of a probationary period. A similar program known as Conditional Dismissal is available for first-time offenders charged with other municipal court-level offenses such as shoplifting.
Felony Charges in Red Bank
As for more serious criminal charges, considered indictable felonies, those issued within Red Bank are transferred to the Monmouth County Superior Court, located in Freehold. These cases are brought before a grand jury for potential indictment, before which you will be required to appear for an arraignment and Pre-Indictment Conference. Having an attorney on your side through every phase of the legal process can limit the confusion of these complex proceedings and go a long way toward securing a favorable outcome.
If you are facing a traffic ticket or a multiple-felony indictment, it is highly advisable to enlist an experienced defense attorney who regularly appears in Red Bank Municipal Court and Monmouth County Superior Court. With offices in the heart of Red Bank, Attorney Tara Breslow represents clients in these courts every day as she works tirelessly to achieve the best possible results. To discuss your case with Ms. Breslow today, contact her offices at 732.963.0742 for a cost-free consultation.