Defense Lawyer Representing those Facing Criminal, DWI, Domestic Violence, and Violations of Morris County Coronavirus Order

Even though things have changed quite a bit, not just with courts in the U.S. but in New Jersey, crimes on the books can still lead to you being charged by the police. If you are accused of committing a crime during the Coronavirus pandemic, you need to know what your rights are and you should be prepared to defend yourself. Better yet, position yourself for the best possible results by hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows how to handle your case. In addition to being charged with crimes that are already well known, that has been a crackdown on Coronavirus order violations in recent weeks in Morris County and throughout New Jersey, and you should recognize the possible risk. To discuss your case with an experienced defense lawyer who can advise you personally and address your concerns, contact a skilled Morristown criminal defense attorney today.

In this article, you’ll learn more about some of the most common offenses facing people in New Jersey right now and what to do in the event that you’re accused of violating an order or carrying out an offense.

Issued a Summons during COVID-19 in New Jersey

No resident of New Jersey should assume that because fewer people are out and that there’s a pandemic going on, that police officers and other authorities aren’t on the lookout for violations. Law enforcement has ramped up their efforts to respond to a broad range of issues, some of which can carry potential consequences for those accused. One report shows that towards the end of April, over 1,700 people in New Jersey have been handed order violation notices. In the neighboring state of Pennsylvania, only a handful of people have been accused of violations or crimes directly related to the Coronavirus, so this highlights just how seriously Garden State residents should take the risk.

Across the state, most people are aware of the risks of going out to attend large gatherings or opening their businesses when it comes to the possibility of getting sick, but you might have overlooked another potential downside: violations and resulting consequences if caught breaking these orders. The Attorney General’s Office recently released information about people who violated the emergency orders mandating the closure of all businesses not considered essential, and orders requiring people to avoid creating or attending large gatherings. When these statewide orders first came down, police had been giving warnings to those people who violated the rules, but that has evolved into a more serious response now.

Some people have received tickets or been hit with misdemeanor or felony charges. Some of these incidents have even involved people interacting with police officers who were accused of purposely coughing or spitting on them. The Coronavirus situation has brought more awareness to this situation, but it has not been legal to spit on police prior to the pandemic either. Several people who have been accused of doing this have been charged with second-degree terrorist threats or aggravated assault on police.

Other crimes that have emerged through news of charges against people include those attempting to sell alcohol illegally out of the back of a truck, child neglect and child endangerment for a group of people who held a large party while minors were also present in the home, and juvenile offenses for minors who allegedly tried to cough on or spit on a woman at a supermarket. For juvenile offenses, some of those cases involved the filing of petitions rather than charges. A petition requires the juvenile accused of the crime to show up in court in front of a judge who can decide whether or not the party in question should face charges.

Can I Be Punished for Coronavirus-related Offenses?

Yes. While crimes like the ones mentioned above already fall under the category of misdemeanors or felonies, summonses for disorderly persons offenses can also be handed out for people who violate the current emergency orders within the state, such as holding or attending a gathering. In Newark, for example, a total of 24 businesses were closed by enforcement in just one weekend and over 400 summonses were given to people who allegedly violated the emergency orders.

If you have been accused of anything from a minor violation of the current emergency orders or something more serious like assault, domestic violence, or terroristic threats, you need to be prepared with the top defense strategy. Even with court closures, you will either have a virtual court appearance or eventually have a day in court at some point in the future, and you should be ready to retain an experienced lawyer who can help you with the legal process. Although you might not assume this is a major issue, the cost of a negative outcome in court can be devastating for you and those you love.

Accused in Morris County during COVID Lockdown, What can I do?

Getting help from an experienced attorney handling criminal or DWI charges, domestic violence allegations, or a restraining order is essential if you want to protect your best interests and avoid the consequences you’re facing. Whether your case arose in Morristown, Parsippany, Dover, Denville, Boonton, Jefferson Township, Chatham, or another municipality in Morris County or New Jersey, contact us for a free consultation regarding what you can do today.