- posted: Sep. 19, 2025
When you are facing criminal charges, it is important to know what kind of charge you are dealing with, especially if you are a college student. Depending on the allegation, a charge can be either a felony or misdemeanor. While both are serious, the legal consequences and long-term impacts are significantly different.
A misdemeanor, otherwise known as a disorderly persons Offense in New Jersey, is considered a less serious offense. It is crucial to note that while you will not receive state prison time in New Jersey from a disorderly persons offense, you can still face the possibilities of fines, a criminal record, and jail time. There are two types of Disorderly conduct; the first being improper behavior, and the second being offensive language. Disorderly persons charges can range from numerous activities such as harassment, physical fighting, and public intoxication to carrying an open container of alcohol, minor shoplifting, and even possession of a fake ID. Whether your charge occurred at an off campus party, at the bar, or in a dorm, disorderly persons offenses can be trouble when not dealt with properly. Even if your charge does not warrant jail time, it is important to note that a disorderly offense can cause issues with internships and graduate school admissions.
A felony, also known as an indictable offense in New Jersey, is the most serious type of crime. Depending on the severity of the crime. Felonies can be classified into different degrees (e.g. first-degree, second degree, third degree, and fourth degree.) Felony charges range from armed robbery, sexual assault, DUI with injury to a smaller charge like carrying large amounts marjuana and shoplifting. When charged with a felony, you will need to assess which degree your charge falls into. A first degree felony is the most serious, which could potentially lead to long-term imprisonment. A fourth degree felony, is the least serious indictable offense in which there is a possibility of jail-time, but also a possibility of the charge being reduced to a disorderly persons offense under very specific circumstances that the offense is not serious enough to warrant felony prosecution.
Recently, our offices had a case where the defendant, who was a college student, attempted to steal merchandise of 500 dollars resulting in a fourth degree crime. After Mr. Morrell spoke to the County Prosecutor, he was able to get the case remanded from Superior Court to Municipal Court where the charge was then reduced to an ordinance violation, Improper Behavior. Nonetheless, indictable offenses, even at a Fourth Degree, if not remanded can carry severe consequences like jail, heavy fines, a permanent criminal record, possible expulsion from school, and affect your immigration status if you are an international student.
In the event that you are charged with a disorderly persons offense or an indictable offense, there are several ways to defend yourself against the charges. However, do not wait to seek representation. Consulting an attorney is the most important step. The Law Offices of Eric B. Morrell in New Brunswick protects the rights of students who have been faced with criminal charges whether by law enforcement or your campus’ student conduct office. To discuss your situation with an experienced New Jersey defense lawyer, please call 732-249-9933 or contact me online for a free consultation.
- posted: Sep. 19, 2025
When you are facing criminal charges, it is important to know what kind of charge you are dealing with, especially if you are a college student. Depending on the allegation, a charge can be either a felony or misdemeanor. While both are serious, the legal consequences and long-term impacts are significantly different.
A misdemeanor, otherwise known as a disorderly persons Offense in New Jersey, is considered a less serious offense. It is crucial to note that while you will not receive state prison time in New Jersey from a disorderly persons offense, you can still face the possibilities of fines, a criminal record, and jail time. There are two types of Disorderly conduct; the first being improper behavior, and the second being offensive language. Disorderly persons charges can range from numerous activities such as harassment, physical fighting, and public intoxication to carrying an open container of alcohol, minor shoplifting, and even possession of a fake ID. Whether your charge occurred at an off campus party, at the bar, or in a dorm, disorderly persons offenses can be trouble when not dealt with properly. Even if your charge does not warrant jail time, it is important to note that a disorderly offense can cause issues with internships and graduate school admissions.
A felony, also known as an indictable offense in New Jersey, is the most serious type of crime. Depending on the severity of the crime. Felonies can be classified into different degrees (e.g. first-degree, second degree, third degree, and fourth degree.) Felony charges range from armed robbery, sexual assault, DUI with injury to a smaller charge like carrying large amounts marjuana and shoplifting. When charged with a felony, you will need to assess which degree your charge falls into. A first degree felony is the most serious, which could potentially lead to long-term imprisonment. A fourth degree felony, is the least serious indictable offense in which there is a possibility of jail-time, but also a possibility of the charge being reduced to a disorderly persons offense under very specific circumstances that the offense is not serious enough to warrant felony prosecution.
Recently, our offices had a case where the defendant, who was a college student, attempted to steal merchandise of 500 dollars resulting in a fourth degree crime. After Mr. Morrell spoke to the County Prosecutor, he was able to get the case remanded from Superior Court to Municipal Court where the charge was then reduced to an ordinance violation, Improper Behavior. Nonetheless, indictable offenses, even at a Fourth Degree, if not remanded can carry severe consequences like jail, heavy fines, a permanent criminal record, possible expulsion from school, and affect your immigration status if you are an international student.
In the event that you are charged with a disorderly persons offense or an indictable offense, there are several ways to defend yourself against the charges. However, do not wait to seek representation. Consulting an attorney is the most important step. The Law Offices of Eric B. Morrell in New Brunswick protects the rights of students who have been faced with criminal charges whether by law enforcement or your campus’ student conduct office. To discuss your situation with an experienced New Jersey defense lawyer, please call 732-249-9933 or contact me online for a free consultation.
