Misdemeanor Attorney in Morris County

Facing A Misdemeanor Charge In Morris County? Contact Us Now

A disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons offense in New Jersey can lead to fines, possible jail time, and a record that follows your background checks. If you were charged with a misdemeanor in Morris County, you do not have to try to navigate the process alone.

At Law Offices of Joseph S. Scura, we defend people charged with criminal offenses in Morristown and throughout the area. For more than a decade, we have helped clients understand what their charges really mean, what might happen in court, and what options may be available under New Jersey law. 

Led by criminal defense attorney Joseph Scura, our firm works to protect your rights at every step and to give you clear information so you can make informed choices. Attorney Joseph Scura has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Magazine “Rising Star” in criminal defense for three consecutive years.

A criminal record can change your life forever. Don't face the municipal prosecutor alone. Contact a misdemeanor attorney in Morris County who is ready to fight for you. Call the Law Offices of Joseph S. Scura at (973) 832-0841 or reach out online for your free consultation.

Understanding Misdemeanor (Disorderly Persons) Laws in NJ

In New Jersey, criminal offenses are divided into "Indictable Crimes" (felonies) and "Disorderly Persons Offenses" (misdemeanors). Under the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice (N.J.S.A. 2C), these cases are typically handled in the Municipal Court of the town where the incident occurred, rather than the County Superior Court.

A Morris County misdemeanor lawyer will explain that while you do not have a right to a jury trial for these offenses, the "bench trial" before a judge carries significant stakes. 

Types Of Misdemeanor-Level Offenses

We represent clients on a wide range of misdemeanor-level charges, including many that arise from everyday conflicts or misunderstandings. These may include:

• Simple Assault: Often resulting from domestic disputes or physical altercations where no weapon was used.
• Shoplifting: Specifically for merchandise valued at less than $200.
• Disorderly Conduct: A "catch-all" charge for improper behavior, public intoxication, or offensive language.
• Harassment: Including digital harassment or stalking-like behaviors that do not rise to the level of a felony.
• Minor Possession of Controlled Substances or Drug paraphernalia: Possession of items used for consuming or distributing controlled substances.
• Trespassing: Entering or remaining on property without authorization.

Even if the charge seems minor, a conviction for a DP offense in New Jersey is a criminal conviction. It will appear on background checks for employment, housing, and professional licensing.

Many of these cases start with a complaint and a summons to appear in a municipal court in a town such as Morristown, where the alleged incident took place. The court you appear in usually depends on where the conduct is said to have happened, not where you live. We represent people in these courts and work to explain how each specific charge is typically handled under New Jersey law.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of DP Offenses

The penalties for a "misdemeanor" in New Jersey are classified by the severity of the offense. As of late 2025, the standard penalties are as follows:

• Disorderly Persons (DP) offense
  • Classified as a misdemeanor-level offense in New Jersey
  • Maximum jail time: 6 months
  • Maximum fine: $1,000
• Petty Disorderly Persons (PDP) offense
  • Lower-level misdemeanor offense in New Jersey
  • Maximum jail time: 30 days
  • Maximum fine: $500

Collateral Consequences

The "hidden" costs of a conviction often outweigh the court-ordered fines:

• Criminal Record: Unlike some states, New Jersey does not automatically "seal" these records. They stay visible until you successfully petition for an expungement.
• Employment and Licensing: Healthcare workers, teachers, and financial professionals often face immediate disciplinary action or job loss upon a DP conviction.
• Immigration Status: Certain disorderly persons offenses are considered "crimes of moral turpitude," which can trigger deportation proceedings for non-citizens.
• Surcharges and Fees: In addition to fines, you will be assessed mandatory fees for the Victims of Crime Compensation Board and the Safe Neighborhood Services Fund.

The Morris County Municipal Court Process

If you are charged with a misdemeanor in towns like Morristown, Parsippany, or Dover, your case will proceed through the local Municipal Court. The firm is ready to guide you through every step:

• Arraignment: Your first appearance where you are advised of your rights and the charges. We often waive this appearance for our clients once we are retained.
• Discovery Phase: We demand all evidence, including police reports, body camera footage, and witness statements. We look for "corners cut" by law enforcement.
• Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) and Diversion: For many first-time offenders, we can negotiate for programs like Conditional Discharge or Conditional Dismissal. If you complete a period of probation, the charges are dismissed, leaving you without a criminal record.
• Suppression Hearings: If your constitutional rights were violated, we file motions to throw out the evidence.
• Bench Trial: If a fair resolution cannot be reached, Joseph Scura is a tenacious litigator ready to fight for a "not guilty" verdict before the judge.

Why Turn To Our Firm For A Misdemeanor Charge

When you are deciding who should stand next to you in court, it is natural to wonder what sets one firm apart from another. Our practice focuses on defending people under New Jersey criminal law, including those charged with misdemeanor level offenses that are handled as disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons matters.

For over a decade, our office has provided criminal defense services to individuals in Morristown and the surrounding communities. That experience means we understand the procedures and expectations in local courts, and we know how intimidating the process can be for someone who has never been there before.

Joseph Scura has been named a “Rising Star” in criminal defense by Super Lawyers Magazine for three years in a row. This recognition reflects his work on behalf of people facing charges and his standing in the legal community. 

Combined with our reputation for personal attention and thoughtful case management, it gives many clients confidence that their case will receive careful, individualized consideration rather than being treated as just another file.

After A Misdemeanor Charge In Morris County: What You Should Do

The hours and days after receiving a summons or being arrested can feel overwhelming. Having a practical list of steps can give you some structure and help you protect your rights while you decide how to move forward. Every case is different, but there are several actions that are often helpful in misdemeanor situations.

Immediate Steps To Protect Yourself

Start by reading your complaint and summons carefully. Note the exact name of the court, which may be a municipal court in a town such as Morristown, and write down the date and time of your first appearance. Missing a required court date can lead to additional problems, so keeping track of this information is essential.

Be cautious about talking with police officers, investigators, or the prosecutor about the facts of the incident without legal advice. What you say can be used in the case, and it can be hard to know in the moment which details may later become important. It is generally safer to politely state that you would like to speak with an attorney before answering questions.

Gathering Helpful Information

If possible, collect any documents and information related to the situation. This might include photos, text messages, social media messages, contact information for witnesses, or records that help explain your side of the story. Try to avoid posting about the incident online, because those posts can sometimes be reviewed during a case.

Reaching out to a law office can also be an important step. At Law Offices of Joseph S. Scura, we offer a free consultation so you can discuss your misdemeanor charge with us, ask questions about the process, and learn what options might reasonably be available. During that conversation, we listen to what happened from your perspective and talk about how New Jersey courts generally handle similar matters.

Talk With Our Firm About Your Misdemeanor Case

At Law Offices of Joseph S. Scura, we bring more than a decade of local criminal defense experience, recognition from Super Lawyers Magazine as a “Rising Star” in criminal defense for attorney Joseph Scura, and a commitment to personal attention for every client we represent. 

We start with a free consultation, so you can talk directly with us about your misdemeanor case, ask questions, and decide whether we are the right fit for you. There is no obligation to move forward, and the conversation is a chance to get practical guidance tailored to your circumstances.

To schedule your free consultation with our office, call (973) 832-0841 today.