Third Degree Crime in Lacey Township NJ

Lacey NJ Third Degree Crime Defense Attorneys

Lacey Township is located in Ocean County, NJ, and is classified as part of the Jersey Shore. Over 27,000 people are residents of this area, but that number swells as a result of vacationers and summer or part-time residents. This means that there is the potential for any of these thousands of people to be accused of a third degree crime in Lacey. Whether you live in Lacey Township and are accused of a third degree crime in your vehicle, at home, at work, or elsewhere out in public, or whether you’re just visiting the area for vacation and relaxation, you must be aware of the possibility of being accused of a serious crime of the 3rd degree. Here, you’ll discover more about various kinds of third degree charges, what their consequences are, and where an accused person must go in order for these allegations to move through the court system. To discuss your specific third degree charges with an experienced Lacey, New Jersey criminal defense lawyer near you, contact the law offices of Proetta & Oliver now at (848) 238-2100. Our attorneys exclusively practice criminal defense and we have extensive experience defending people in situations like yours. The consultation is free, so don’t delay in getting personalized guidance and assistance today.

Charged with a Third Degree Crime in Lacey Township

When a person is charged with a high level offense in Lacey Township, this will be classified as a first degree, second degree, third degree, or fourth degree crime. The state of New Jersey does not use the term “felony,” however, these degrees of crimes carry significant penalties along the same line as what other states would associate with felony charges. Crimes in NJ are classified into a few different categories based on first, second, third, and fourth degree charges. These each carry different categories of crimes and potential consequences. First degree crimes are considered the most serious in NJ, whereas fourth degree crimes are the least serious.

Possible penalties on conviction for a third degree crime include fines of up to $15,000, a felony conviction remaining on the person’s criminal record, and an incarceration period of between three and five years.

Understanding these penalties and discussing all options with a Lacey Township criminal defense lawyer is an important course of action for anyone who has been accused of a third degree indictable offense.

Common 3rd Degree Criminal Charges in Lacey, New Jersey

Common examples of Lacey Township criminal charges that are classified as third degree crimes include:

• Terroristic threats
• Assault by auto in a claim that alleges bodily injury
• Heroin possession
• Cocaine possession
• Aggravated assault
• Credit card fraud
• Burglary
• Possession of certain controlled dangerous substances (CDS)
• Shoplifting items valued between $500 and $75,000; and
• Unlawful possession of a shotgun or rifle

A person facing third degree charges in Lacey, New Jersey, must know that how their case will be handled also depends on whether or not this is their first criminal offense. Other options might apply, including diversionary and other programs that remove the case from the traditional pathway inside the NJ court system.

In New Jersey, there is a presumption of non-incarceration for a third degree offense when it is the first criminal offense for the person charged. This means that alternative options like Pretrial Intervention, Drug Court, or probation should be explored. These alternatives, however, are more likely to be off the table if you have an existing criminal record. It is important to discuss your specific situation with an experienced Lacey Township criminal defense lawyer to find out what applies to you.

Arrested in Lacey for a Third Degree Crime? Where Your Case will be Heard

Once an indictable offense has been charged, you will have your case heard in court, regardless of whether or not you choose to hire a Lacey Township criminal defense attorney, go with a public defender, or try to represent yourself. Charges for third degree crimes in Lacey will be handled in the Ocean County Superior Court. This is a very busy court system since there are more than 500,000 people covered within Ocean County, in addition to those people who are visiting during the summer months for vacation.

Essentially, being charged with a third degree crime means that you will have to show up at the Ocean County Superior Courthouse, which is located at 118 Washington Street in Toms River, NJ. New Jersey does not classify criminal offenses as misdemeanors and felonies and instead organizes them as disorderly persons offenses or indictable crimes. Indictable offenses are subject to a grand jury indictment in Superior Court; this includes cases involving indictable third degree crimes.

3rd Degree Criminal Offense Lawyers in Lacey Township NJ

If you are facing consequences for a third degree crime in Lacey, New Jersey, we have already detailed the possible penalties on the line. Whether this is a first offense or a subsequent offense, you now know that the stakes are serious and could influence your future for many years. Consulting with a Lacey Township criminal defense lawyer is important for understanding what to do next and what you can expect in the court system or in alternative programs. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney serving clients charged with third degree crimes in Lacey by calling (848) 238-2100 or contacting our firm online today.

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