Q: I got a ticket for hindering - give false information. What would I be charged with in court?
A:
The answer depends on the degree that you were charged with as it ranges from a 2nd degree crime to a possible disorderly persons offense. A lawyer would need to see your charges, but here are the different penalties you may face:
Second degree hindering apprehension: punishable by jail from 5 to 10 years with a presumption of incarceration, which may result in a mandatory prison term even for a defendant with no prior criminal record.
Third degree crime of hindering: punishable by a term of jail between 3 to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison.
Fourth degree hindering offense: Jail up to 18 months and a maximum fine of $10,000.
Disorderly persons hindering charge: up to 6 months in jail, but jail if given would be in the county facility versus state jail for the higher degree of charges when the defendant has been sentenced to over 1 year in jail.
Conclusion: NO matter which charge you have you need a good lawyer to give yourself the best chance of staying out of jail. Most of us criminal lawyers offer a free in office consultation, I would suggest that you set one up ASAP as the more time a lawyer has to work on your case, the more that lawyer can do to help you.
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