Criminal Trespass in New Jersey is usually prosecuted as a disorderly persons offense, where the prosecution alleges that a person knowingly entered or remained in a structure they did not have the right to be in.
Sometimes a criminal trespass charge can be negotiated as a step-down from a burglary charge.
If the the criminal trespass involved a person from the categories listed in New Jersey’s domestic violence statute, you may find that there are additional penalties attached to a conviction.
Involvement of a spouse, former spouse, person you’ve dated in the past, roommate, former roommate, or a person you’ve had a child with are all ways that the prosecution may seek to enhance your penalties, to include things like restraining orders, restriction of firearms ownership, and court orders to attend counseling and other interventions.
A criminal trespass charge might not seem like a very significant matter, but the ramifications of conviction can impact all parts of your life.
When facing any criminal charge, call attorney Matthew Reisig at 732-625-9661 and talk to an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney.