New Jersey punishes public corruption harshly, and conviction on charges that you’ve steered business to your own enterprises, those of immediate family members, or other entities with whom you have a financial stake will leave you with a felony record and may put you in prison for as long as 18 months.
Under N.J.S.A. 2C:27-9, you’ll face a fourth degree criminal charge for this conduct, which is comparable to a low felony in other states. Aside from the risk of an 18 month long prison sentence, you’ll also face fines up to $10,000, and restitution costs may apply in these cases as well. You’ll certainly lose your job, as well as the public trust, and the consequences for your future career options may be extremely bad.
Public officials must make difficult decisions in the public interest all the time, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be controversial. It’s vital to the functioning of government at all levels that those who hold office can fairly make decisions without the threat of retaliatory or vindictive prosecution for making the hard calls.
Matthew Reisig defends clients in New Jersey facing inappropriate charges related to conduct in office. Call 732-625-9661 today and talk to an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney for free.