Harassment is Not Something to be Ignored
In New Jersey, harassment is considered a petty disorderly persons offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4. The possible penalties include up to thirty days jail time and up to $500 in fines. However, if a person was on probation or parole as a result of a felony conviction it then becomes a fourth degree felony with a potential state prison sentence of 18 months.
The crime of harassment is generally referred to as the unwanted and continuation of communication to another individual. A person is guilty if he or she purposely “makes or causes to be made, a communication or communications anonymously or at extremely inconvenient hours, or in offensively coarse language, or any other manner likely to cause annoyance or alarm.” The prosecution must prove that the defendant had a conscious objective of intention to harass the victim.
If you are facing a harassment charge, don’t ignore it! You need a skilled attorney who can defend the charge by showing that whatever you did does not rise to the level of criminal harassment. I, defense attorney Tom Chaves, will work to get your case dismissed and help you to avoid any penalties. Call today for a free consultation: (908) 256-3039.
