Harassment Charges in Summit, New Jersey: Understanding Your Rights and Defending Your Reputation
Harassment Charges Attorney Summit, NJ
Have you been accused of harassment in Summit, New Jersey? Don’t underestimate the seriousness of these charges. A harassment conviction can lead to fines, jail time, a restraining order, and a lasting stain on your record. Brett M. Rosen, Esq. is here to provide aggressive, experienced defense against harassment allegations. If you or a loved one is facing a harassment charge in Summit, NJ, then Brett M. Rosen is an excellent choice for your defense because:
- Experience: As a seasoned lawyer licensed in both New York and New Jersey, Rosen specializes in criminal and civil litigation.
- Client Satisfaction: His clients praise his professionalism and effectiveness, describing him as “the example of a true winner” and “one of NJ’s finest attorneys”.
- Trial Skills: Rosen has demonstrated exceptional trial skills, standing ‘toe to toe’ at trial against current and former prosecutors, and certified criminal and civil trial attorneys. His aggressive questioning and thorough approach have been commended by clients.
- High-Profile Cases: He has handled high-profile cases, including representing a celebrity on their domestic violence case and a Grammy-Award winning artist on their drug cases.
- Recognition: Brett M. Rosen has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers.
For vigorous defense and unwavering advocacy, consider reaching out to Brett M. Rosen. We understand the intricacies of New Jersey’s harassment laws and will work tirelessly to protect your rights and freedom. Protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case! Contact him at 908-312-0368 or by email at brett@nynjcriminalcivilesq.com.
Why Choose Brett M. Rosen, Esq. for Your Summit Harassment Case?
- Local Expertise: We have in-depth knowledge of Summit’s municipal court procedures and harassment laws.
- Proven Success: Our firm has successfully defended numerous clients against harassment charges, often resulting in dismissed cases or reduced penalties.
- Personalized Attention: We provide one-on-one consultations to tailor our defense to your unique situation.
- Compassionate Advocacy: We understand the emotional toll of facing criminal charges and provide support throughout the legal process.
Understanding Harassment in New Jersey
New Jersey’s harassment statute (N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4) defines harassment as:
- Making a communication anonymously or at extremely inconvenient hours.
- Making a communication in offensively coarse language.
- Making a communication with the purpose to harass another.
- Subjecting another to striking, kicking, shoving, or other offensive touching.
- Engaging in any other course of alarming conduct or repeatedly committed acts with the purpose to alarm or seriously annoy another person.
Potential Consequences of Harassment Convictions
If convicted of harassment in New Jersey, you could face:
- Fines: Up to $500 for a petty disorderly persons offense or up to $10,000 for a fourth-degree crime.
- Jail Time: Up to 30 days for a petty disorderly persons offense or up to 18 months for a fourth-degree crime.
- Restraining Order: The court may issue a restraining order prohibiting you from contacting the alleged victim.
- Criminal Record: A harassment conviction can damage your reputation and limit employment and housing opportunities.
Defenses Against Harassment Charges
With a strong legal strategy, we can challenge the allegations against you. Possible defenses include:
- Lack of Intent: The prosecution must prove you acted with the purpose to harass. We can argue that your actions were misinterpreted or lacked malicious intent.
- Protected Speech: Some forms of communication, like political speech or protests, may be protected by the First Amendment.
- The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects freedom of speech. However, this right is not absolute. If your alleged harassment involved expressing opinions or engaging in protected speech, your attorney could argue that your actions were not unlawful harassment.
- While your words or actions might have been offensive or annoying, they must reach a level of seriousness to be considered harassment under the law.
- False Accusations: We can investigate the circumstances and expose any false or exaggerated claims made against you.
- Insufficient Evidence: If the prosecution lacks evidence to prove the elements of harassment, we can move to dismiss the case.
- Witness Credibility: If the prosecution’s case relies heavily on witness testimony, your attorney can challenge the credibility of those witnesses.
- Conflicting Accounts: If there are conflicting accounts of what happened, it could create reasonable doubt.
- Consent: If the alleged victim consented to the communication or conduct, it may not constitute harassment.
- Misunderstanding: Sometimes, communication can be misconstrued. You might be able to argue that your words or actions were misinterpreted and that you did not intend to harass the other person.
- Lack of Purposeful Conduct: The prosecution must prove that you acted purposefully or knowingly to harass the other person. If your actions were unintentional or reckless, it might be a defense.
- De Minimis Infraction: This defense argues that the alleged conduct was too trivial or minor to warrant a harassment charge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What should I do if I’m accused of harassment?
- Do not contact the alleged victim. Consult an attorney immediately to discuss your rights and options.
- Can text messages or social media posts be considered harassment?
- Yes, any form of communication can be considered harassment if it meets the legal definition.
- What is the difference between harassment and cyber-harassment?
- Cyber-harassment involves using electronic communication to harass someone, and it often carries more severe penalties.
- Can I be charged with harassment if I didn’t intend to harass anyone?
- Yes, but proving a lack of intent can be a strong defense.
- Can a restraining order be lifted if the harassment charges are dismissed?
- In some cases, yes. A lawyer can help you petition the court to modify or lift a restraining order.
Additional FAQs
What are the penalties for harassment in New Jersey?
- Penalties vary based on the severity and the offender’s history. It can range from a petty disorderly persons offense (fines, up to 30 days in jail) to a fourth-degree indictable offense (up to 18 months in prison, larger fines).
Can I be charged with harassment for something I posted online?
- Yes, online posts that are intended to harass, annoy, or alarm another person can lead to harassment charges.
What is a restraining order and how does it relate to harassment?
- A restraining order is a court order prohibiting someone from contacting or coming near another person. It can be issued in cases of harassment, domestic violence, or stalking. Violating a restraining order is a separate offense.
Where do harassment cases in Summit get handled?
- Harassment cases in Summit are typically handled by the Summit Municipal Court, but more serious cases might go to the Union County Superior Court.
What is the role of evidence in harassment cases?
- Evidence like texts, emails, social media posts, voicemails, and witness testimony are crucial. An attorney can challenge the admissibility or credibility of evidence.
Don’t Let Harassment Charges in Summit, NJ Define You – Seek Expert Legal Help
If you’re facing harassment charges in Summit, NJ, you need a skilled and experienced attorney on your side. The Law Office of Brett M. Rosen, Esq. is dedicated to protecting your rights and reputation since:
- Experienced Harassment Defense Attorney: Brett M. Rosen has extensive experience defending clients against harassment charges in Summit and throughout New Jersey. He understands the nuances of harassment laws and has a proven track record of success.
- Certified Criminal Trial Attorney: His certification demonstrates his expertise in legal strategy and courtroom advocacy, which are essential for effectively challenging harassment charges.
- Thorough Investigation: He will conduct a thorough investigation of your case, examining the circumstances of the alleged harassment, the evidence against you, and any potential witness inconsistencies.
- Aggressive Representation: He will aggressively advocate for your rights, challenging the prosecution’s case and seeking the best possible outcome, whether it’s a dismissal, a reduction in charges, or alternative sentencing options.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and develop a personalized defense strategy to achieve the best possible outcome.
Call us at 908-312-0368 or email us at brett@nynjcriminalcivilesq.com
In Sep 2019 I was a victim of False acquasition of Domestic voilence by my ex wife. I was arrested and charged with Simple Assault and a temporary restraining order was given against me. I was referred to Mr Brett by another law firm.
I met Mr Brett and he gave me too much confidence. We discussed the case and found alot of conflicting statements in her statement which she gave to the police and in the protection order. On the trail day I had no witness but she had two witnesses, her mother and the police officer. When the trail started Mr Brett started her cross examination and with every next question she was becoming pale. It was a very difficult time for her on the witness podium and she was not able to answer alot of questions. Then came her Mother's turn she literaly started shivering when Mr Brett started asking her questions.
Protection order trail normally takes few hours but this trail continued for 8 straight hours. Her Attorney was clueless, the police officer in the court room was astonished that whats going on.
On the trail day of the Simple Assault criminal case, Mr Brett prepared the case very well and had a long session with me also 2 days before the trail.
We had an expert witness as an Immigration Attorney, my sister came to US to testify. Seeing all that she got scared and ended up dismissing the case.
Mr Brett got me away from the most difficult time of my life.
Ahmad