Cleveland, OH asked in Criminal Law for New Jersey

Q: Do I need a lawyer to represent this charge in a zoom hearing for walking away from a police officer?

I walked away from a police officer and was arrested for it. Will this lead to misdemeanor charges or just laying a fine? I have a zoom hearing, can I take care of that myself?

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3 Lawyer Answers
James A. Abate
James A. Abate
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Somerville, NJ
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: Whether you are facing a a disorderly persons charge (NJ does not call them misdemeanors) or an indictable offense, you are facing a criminal record. That is not the kind of thing anyone should be handling themselves.

James P. Brady agrees with this answer

Amber Forrester
Amber Forrester
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Flemington, NJ
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: What you’re describing sounds like it may be charged a few different ways, including as Resisting Arrest by Flight. That would be an indictable offense in NJ (aka a felony) and there are many reasons not to want the possible consequences of that offense to follow you around. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will be able to determine your options and help you decide on your best course of action based on the particular facts of the case and your own history. The hearing being on zoom is not an indication that it’s less serious—disorderly persons offenses in municipal courts and indictable offenses in superior courts are being handled virtually across the state right now. It’s absolutely the smarter option to have representation here.

James P. Brady agrees with this answer

H. Scott Aalsberg
H. Scott Aalsberg
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • East Brunswick, NJ
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: Without knowing the statute number of your charge no attorney can tell you what you are facing as your conduct could fall under many charges. The least of which could have the possibility of jail, probation and fines. How much of any of them would depend on what exactly you are charged with. Lastly your prior record will also be of consequence of determining your prior sentence. I suggest that you setup one of the free in office consultations that most of us criminal lawyers offer as anything said over the internet or phone could possibly be used against you in court as you are not protected by the attorney client privilege's here.

James P. Brady agrees with this answer

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