The Atlantic City Municipal Court handles a plethora of cases ranging from minor traffic violations to more serious misdemeanors like DUI. As such, many cases will pass through these courts.
Because Municipal Court matters are comparatively minor, many people underestimate the long-term effects their cases can have on their lives. Even for these more “minor” offenses, your license could be suspended for a significant period of time, you could be ordered to pay fines of several thousand dollars, or worse, you could be sentenced to jail time. Our team can help by building a robust defense adapted to your case. It is always possible to get your charges reduced if we cannot get them outright dismissed.
Call our attorneys for a case in Municipal Court at the Lombardo Law Group, LLC at (609) 418-4537 for a free case assessment.
Municipal Court Issues Our Atlantic City Attorneys Can Help With
The Municipal Court in Atlantic City plays a pivotal role in many cases. It is the court that most people are exposed to when they confront the law because the Municipal Court is where most lower-level criminal cases are heard and decided.
The advantage is that cases tend to move faster since the consequences are typically less serious for the offenses addressed. Still, having our attorneys for a case in Municipal Court on your side could make a significant difference in the outcome of these kinds of cases:
Traffic Violations
Traffic violations are among the most frequently handled cases in Municipal Courts. Reckless driving and speeding, in particular, are serious offenses that often lead to significant penalties.
Traffic violations in Municipal Court typically result in fines, increased insurance premiums, and, in some cases, license suspension. Reckless driving, characterized by a willful disregard for safety, carries harsher penalties, including hefty fines and potential jail time, depending on whether the driver has prior tickets, the severity of the offense, and other factors.
Driving Under the Influence
DUI charges are treated with utmost seriousness because of the potential harm to the driver, passengers, and the public. Penalties for DUI convictions are severe and vary based on factors such as the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) level and prior offenses.
When a driver is caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they face serious consequences. For the first offense, the driver will have their license suspended for three months to a year and be required to pay a fine of $500, as per N.J.S.A. § 39:4-50(1).
If the driver is caught a second time, the penalties become even more severe, with a potential license suspension of up to two years and fines exceeding $1,000. Additionally, the driver will be required to attend the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center Program, which provides education and counseling to help prevent future incidents.
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Being convicted of possessing illegal substances in Municipal Court will have a profound impact on an individual, including education opportunities and certain personal freedoms. The severity of the repercussions is typically determined by the type of substance in possession and the presence of prior drug charges or convictions.
Depending on the substance, fines range from minor fees to as much as $35,000, with prison terms of up to five years for dangerous substances. Lesser fines and shorter jail sentences will be imposed for less harmful substances or smaller quantities. If the controlled substance was found within 1,000 feet of school property, up to 100 hours of community service will also be required as part of the punishment.
Theft
In Municipal Court, theft charges are typically associated with minor offenses like shoplifting or petty theft, where the worth of the stolen property is relatively low. Although the charges might seem insignificant, they still result in severe repercussions, such as hefty fines, restitution, and mandatory community service.
In the case of repeat offenses or theft of valuable items, the charges can escalate, leading to more severe penalties, including imprisonment.
Simple Assault
Municipal Courts often handle cases of simple assault, which usually involve minor physical altercations that do not result in serious injuries. Despite the apparently minor nature of these offenses, they will have significant legal repercussions if found guilty, including steep fines, mandatory anger management courses, and probation. Depending on the severity of the offense, a restraining order or a prohibition on contacting the victim could be ordered during bail hearings or as a condition of probation.
Disorderly Conduct
Disorderly conduct is a term used to describe a wide range of behaviors considered disruptive or offensive to the public. Examples of such behaviors include creating a public disturbance, making loud noises, fighting in public, and engaging in lewd or indecent behavior.
The penalties for such conduct are usually less severe than for other offenses but usually include fines, community service, or short-term jail sentences. The actual consequences of disorderly conduct depend on the nature of the behavior, the severity of the offense, and any prior convictions the offender might have.
Municipal Ordinance Violations
Municipal ordinances are regulations enforced by local governments to maintain order and safety in communities. These ordinances address a wide range of issues, including, but not limited to, noise restrictions, zoning laws, and building codes.
Although they might seem trivial, violations of these ordinances often result in stiff financial penalties and mandatory corrective actions. Repeated violations of municipal ordinances can have serious consequences. Depending on the severity of the offense, a violator might face up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000, according to N.J.S.A. § 40:49-5.
How Our Atlantic City Attorneys Can Help Your Case in Municipal Court
In spite of the less serious nature of the forum, facing charges in Municipal Court can be a daunting experience for anyone. Fortunately, our attorneys bring invaluable local legal experience of Atlantic City’s Municipal Court to the table. Our familiarity with specific statutes, municipal codes, and legal precedents allows our team to craft defense strategies that are effective and tailored to each case’s unique circumstances.
Our firm understands the procedural nuances of the Municipal Court system, so we can help you navigate the legal process efficiently while knowing that your rights are being fought for.
Beyond representing our clients in Municipal Court, our attorneys provide comprehensive legal support throughout the entire process. This includes offering legal advice, preparing clients for court appearances, and handling all paperwork and communications with the court and opposing parties. Our goal is to alleviate the stress and uncertainty that these challenges often bring, allowing our clients to focus on their personal and professional lives while their Municipal Court matters are skillfully managed.
Our Atlantic City Attorneys for a Case in Municipal Court Can Help Defend Against Your Charges
For a free case review with our attorneys for a case in Municipal Court, contact the Lombardo Law Group, LLC today at (609) 418-4537.
