Legal Question in Criminal Law in New Jersey

Good day.

Recently I've been charged with 2C:33-15a in the state of New Jersey. I've done a bit of reading on the law, and cannot seem to understand how the "a" at the end makes a difference. Anyway, I just had my court date, and went with the other students (we were caught in one of our dorm rooms). Before I stepped up to the judge, the prosecutor took my info and told me "You are going to plea Not Guilty". I asked him why, because I had planned on pleading guilty and paying a fine and being done with it. I now know that I didn't understand the severity of the charge, and that pleading Guilty could have put me in jail for 6 months, the prosecutor said.

In addition, I am 18 years old, in college, and this is my first run in with the law/with drinking. The judge said that we have to come back in 2 weeks, with our parents, for a private conference-type setting where we will talk with the prosecutor about the matter. They did say we would need legal representation, and we plan on getting a lawyer in the hope that a lawyer could plead the case down from the current charge to a lesser fine/charge, which wouldn't be on a criminal record and wouldn't get me thrown in jail (which is what I'm scared of).

My thinking is that the judge and prosecutor were trying to help us. First of all, it is ALL of our first offenses. Second, I don't see why they would waste another day with us if they would just convict us with a jail sentence during the conference, when they could have simply done that to us at court today.

I'm looking for some legal advice on what is likely to happen in this situation, since we are all legal adults (but under 21) and this is our first offense. We are all deathly afraid of a criminal record and jail time, and understand that the fines may be quite large.

Thank you for your time, as we are looking for assistance as soon as possible.


Asked on 2/24/11, 1:18 am

3 Answers from Attorneys
Gary Moore Gary Moore Attorney At Law

You need to hire an attorney just as you would need a guide in an unfamiliar forest. You should hire an experience criminal lawyer. I am such a lawyer.

Cal me if you like.

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Answered on 2/24/11, 4:48 am
Ronald Aronds Law Office of Ronald Aronds, LLC

I have represented many young adults like yourself in similar situations in the past. My practice is almost exclusively in the fields of Municipal Court defense and Criminal Defense. I believe I can help you in your situation. Please contact me to discuss your case in more detail. I will be happy to speak with your parents as well if you would like. I never charge for simply talking to a person about their case. Thank you.

Sincerely yours, -Ronald Aronds, Esq.- 908-272-0111

www.njworkerscompensationlaw.com

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Answered on 2/24/11, 5:01 am
Jack Venturi Jack Venturi Law

I'm not sure if you're a college student, but I'm a rutgers college alumnus myself. Now, I practice criminal law in New Brunswick and I have helped college students charged with underage drinking. I would like to offer you a free twenty minute consultation.

Best,

Michael B. Roberts, Esq.

732-247-3340

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Answered on 2/24/11, 7:55 am


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