In New Jersey, felonies are classified into four degrees, ranging from first-degree to fourth-degree felonies. First-degree felonies are the most severe, while fourth-degree felonies are relatively less serious. This classification system helps courts determine sentences based on the severity of the crime.
Felony Classifications in New Jersey
- First-Degree Felony
- Severity: The most severe level of crime.
- Common Offenses: Includes murder, rape, armed robbery, large-scale drug trafficking, and more.
- Sentencing: Typically faces 10 to 20 years of imprisonment, with some cases potentially resulting in 25 years or life imprisonment.
- Fines: Up to $200,000.
- Second-Degree Felony
- Severity: Second only to first-degree felonies.
- Common Offenses: Includes aggravated assault, kidnapping, major theft (such as over $75,000), sexual assault, possession of large quantities of drugs, etc.
- Sentencing: Typically faces 5 to 10 years of imprisonment.
- Fines: Up to $150,000.
- Third-Degree Felony
- Severity: Relatively less severe but still considered a serious crime.
- Common Offenses: Includes theft of property valued between $500 and $75,000, lesser assault, drug distribution, DUI resulting in serious injury, etc.
- Sentencing: Typically faces 3 to 5 years of imprisonment.
- Fines: Up to $15,000.
- Fourth-Degree Felony
- Severity: The least severe category of felony.
- Common Offenses: Includes theft of property valued between $200 and $500, unlawful possession of a weapon, fraud, etc.
- Sentencing: Typically faces up to 18 months of imprisonment.
- Fines: Up to $10,000.
In New Jersey, misdemeanors are usually referred to as Disorderly Persons Offenses and Petty Disorderly Persons Offenses. Unlike some other states, New Jersey does not categorize misdemeanors into levels such as A, B, or C, but instead uses these two main categories.
- Disorderly Persons Offenses
- Severity: This is the more serious category of misdemeanor in New Jersey, but it is still considered a misdemeanor.
- Common Offenses: Includes minor theft, simple assault, possession of small amounts of drugs, disorderly conduct, minor domestic violence, etc.
- Penalties: If convicted, one may face up to 6 months of imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000. A conviction will be recorded on a permanent criminal record.
- Petty Disorderly Persons Offenses
- Severity: This is the least severe category of criminal offense, less serious than Disorderly Persons Offenses.
- Common Offenses: Includes disorderly conduct, public fighting, minor harassment, etc.
- Penalties: If convicted, one may face up to 30 days of imprisonment and a fine of up to $500. Although the penalties are lighter, a conviction will still be recorded on a criminal record.
Impact of Misdemeanors on Individuals
- Criminal Record: A conviction for either Disorderly Persons Offenses or Petty Disorderly Persons Offenses will result in a criminal record, which may affect employment, housing, and other opportunities.
- Cumulative Consequences: Multiple misdemeanor convictions may lead to more severe consequences and, in some cases, may be considered more serious crimes.
Disclaimer: This column is for reference only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance regarding your specific situation, please contact 201-461-0031, WeChat: songlawfirm, or arrange a consultation via email at mail@songlawfirm.com.
