Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in New Jersey

I'm a college student. There was a fight outside my house that had nothing to do with the people inside my house. We had no more than 15 people in the house and the police gave my housemate and I both a "Loud Party" ticket. However, on both tickets, the policeman wrote down the wrong address for where the offense occurred and for where we lived. Can this mistake make the ticket invalid or get us off without having to pay the ticket if we plead not guilty?


Asked on 11/20/11, 3:43 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Daniel B. Kelley Kelley Law Offices, L.L.C.

The short answer is that no, such an error will usually not allow you to beat the ticket. The NJ Judges are granted broad authority to amend the minor facts to correct a summons as long as they are not alleging new offenses or susbtantially chaging the charge. Further, even if dismissed, the officer can merely re-sign correctly if he is within the statute of limitations.

Especially where there are mulitple defendants, however, there is great room for a potential plea bargain that an experienced attorney would know how to explore on your behalf. There may also be other issues regarding search and seizure, etc. that an experienced attorney may be able to spot and use in your favor.

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Answered on 11/22/11, 8:05 pm


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