Legal Question in Criminal Law in New Jersey
Petty Misdemeanor and applications
I was found guilty of a petty misdemeanor (criminal mischief) and fined $150. Do I have to answer yes to have i been convicted of a crime on a job application. I judge compared it to a driving offense at the time.
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Petty Misdemeanor and applications
It is not a crime because in New Jersey a crime is an offense with a possible, maximum sentence of 90 days in jail and a possible, maximum fine of $500.00, but it is a quasi criminal offense, meaning it is almost a crime. It is a petty disorderly persons offense which will show up on a record check. You should tell prospective employers the truth about the offense and the nature of same because being caught in a lie will
usually bar you from being hired.
Gary Moore
Re: Petty Misdemeanor and applications
You should really think about getting an expungement. Call me at 732/247/3340 to discuss.
Re: Petty Misdemeanor and applications
Technically speaking yuo havenot been convicted of a "crime" since you were convicted of a petty disorderly p0ersons offense, but you have been convicted of a violation of the NJ criminal code, so depending upon how the question is asked will determine how you would have to answer. Incidentally, the judge should be ashamed of himself for downplaying the charge against you. This is a criminal code violation and you now have a record. If he wanted to, he could have sentenced you to 30 days in jail, so this is NOT at all like a traffice ticket. Also, after five years you will be able to apply to get your criminal record cleared.
Sincerely yours, -Ronald Aronds, Esq.-