Harassment

We defend clients on harassment charges all over the State of New Jersey, including in Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex Counties. Whether you have been charged with a simple harassment complaint or are facing harassment in conjunction with a Domestic Violence issue, we can help! Call us today at (732) 842-7773 to discuss your case and set up a free consultation. We are standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Harassment in New Jersey: N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4

The New Jersey statute governing harassment is N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4 which states in pertinent part:

§ 2C:33-4. Harassment

Except as provided in subsection e., a person commits a petty disorderly persons offense if, with purpose to harass another, he:

• 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.
• Subjects another to striking, kicking, shoving, or other offensive touching, or threatens to do so.
• Engages in any other course of alarming conduct or of repeatedly committed acts with purpose to alarm or seriously annoy such other person.
  A communication under subsection a. may be deemed to have been made either at the place where it originated or at the place where it was received.
• (Deleted by amendment, P.L. 2001, c. 443).
• A person commits a crime of the fourth degree if, in committing an offense under this section, he was serving a term of imprisonment or was on parole or probation as the result of a conviction of any indictable offense under the laws of this State, any other state or the United States.

What Constitutes Harassment in New Jersey?

As you can see from the above statute, harassment constitutes a Petty Disorderly Persons Offense in New Jersey. However, if the individual was on parole or probation for an indictable offense, the charge is enhanced and becomes a Fourth Degree crime. There is often a very fine line between harassment and conduct which does not constitute a crime in the State of New Jersey. Often, the question becomes whether the individual acted with the intent or purpose to harass another. If the state cannot prove the element of intent, the harassment charge will not stand. Call today to discuss how we can help.

We Handle All Types of Criminal Charges

Criminal charges can be brought in either the Municipal or Superior court. The more severe the criminal charges the more likely they are to be handled in Superior Court, while minor charges are typically resolved in Municipal Court. We have a well deserved reputation for being the best in both arenas.

The severity of your charges is a determination made by the State and is usually based on a variety of factors. Penalties will vary based on the degree of the crime and whether or not there was a criminal conspiracy involved.

Call (732) 842-7773 to speak with one of the Moriartys 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to discuss your charges or you can contact us by e-mail to schedule a free initial consultation.