Legal Question in Criminal Law in New Jersey

Public Park Trespassing in New Jersey

Hi, myself and several friends have been charged with trespassing (Statute 118-2F) in a West Deptford, NJ public park. There was no vandalism, no substances (alchohol/drugs), and I don't believe we were being excessively loud. There aren't any clearly visible signs showing the hours of operation (the one is obscured by the door, which is almost always open, concealing the sign).

We have a court date coming up, and are wondering what we should do, as far as pleading guilty or not guilty, and I suppose what possible penalties/charges we are facing. Thank you!


Asked on 3/29/09, 1:17 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Ronald Aronds Law Office of Ronald Aronds, LLC

Re: Public Park Trespassing in New Jersey

It sounds like you are charged with a local ordinance. The penalties usually just consist of a fine. You should plead not guilty, ask to talk to the prosecutor, and then tell him what you wrote here, that there was no sign and you weren't doing anything wrong. If you would like to discuss this some more please feel free to contact me for a free initial consultation. Thank you.

Sincerely yours, -Ronald Aronds, Esq.-

www.njworkerscompensationlaw.com

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Answered on 3/30/09, 12:31 pm
Gary Moore Gary Moore Attorney At Law

Re: Public Park Trespassing in New Jersey

The New Jersey Criminal Code is always cited as N.J.S.A. 2C: and then the number of a subsection.

The citation for your alleged offense sounds like a

municipal ordinance, passed the mayor and council.

Usually, the maximum jail sentence and fine are 90

days and a $500 fine. As a first offender the maximum sentence is not at all likely.

Take a photograph, during hours park is open, of the subject door in the open and in the closed positions. You should hire an attorney.

Call me if you like.

Gary Moore, Esquire

Hackensack, New Jersey

www.garymooreattorneyatlaw.com

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Answered on 3/29/09, 1:54 pm
Jef Henninger, Esq Law Offices of Jef Henninger, Esq.

Re: Public Park Trespassing in New Jersey

I would consult with an attorney, but I'm not so sure you need one. You may want to speak with the prosecutor here and find out what the plea deal is and then decide how to handle the case.

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Answered on 3/29/09, 6:55 pm


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