In Somerset County, a disorderly persons offense under N.J.S.A. Title 2C carries up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, leads your defense.
Understanding Criminal Charges Under New Jersey Law
New Jersey classifies criminal offenses under N.J.S.A. Title 2C (New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice). The state divides crimes into two main categories: disorderly persons offenses (misdemeanor equivalent) and indictable crimes (felony equivalent). Disorderly persons offenses carry up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Petty disorderly persons offenses carry up to 30 days and a $500 fine. Indictable crimes range from fourth degree (up to 18 months) to first degree (10-20 years). The Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2017 abolished cash bail in New Jersey.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Resources
- N.J.S.A. Title 2C (official New Jersey Legislature) — The complete New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice.
- Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage — Official court website for Somerset County.
Insider Procedural Edge: Somerset County Court Process
Somerset County Municipal Court handles disorderly persons offenses and traffic matters. Somerset County Superior Court Criminal Division handles all indictable offenses. New Jersey completely abolished cash bail in January 2017 — pretrial release is now determined by a computerized Public Safety Assessment measuring flight risk and danger, not ability to pay.
- Arrest or summons issued — contact a lawyer immediately.
- First appearance in Municipal Court or Superior Court for arraignment.
- Pretrial release determination via Public Safety Assessment (no cash bail).
- Discovery phase — review evidence with your attorney.
- Motion practice or plea negotiations with the prosecutor.
- Trial or plea hearing before a judge.
In Somerset County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines and probation to significant prison time depending on the offense classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petty Disorderly Persons | Petty Disorderly Persons | Up to 30 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Disorderly Persons | Disorderly Persons | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | None | Criminal record |
| 4th Degree Crime | Indictable (Felony) | Up to 18 months | Up to $10,000 | None | Criminal record, employment barriers |
| 3rd Degree Crime | Indictable (Felony) | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | None | Criminal record, employment barriers |
| 2nd Degree Crime | Indictable (Felony) | 5-10 years (presumption of imprisonment) | Up to $150,000 | None | Criminal record, employment barriers |
| 1st Degree Crime | Indictable (Felony) | 10-20 years | Up to $200,000 | None | Criminal record, employment barriers |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Somerset County Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute), demonstrating his ability to effect real change in the legal system. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Case Results in Somerset County
SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Somerset County Criminal Defense Services
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Somerset County courts, accessible via I-287, Route 22, Route 206, and Route 28. We serve Somerville, Bridgewater, Franklin Township, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, Warren Township, Watchung, Bernardsville, Bedminster, and surrounding communities.
Searching for a criminal defense lawyer near Somerset County? We are here to help.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New Jersey
44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Somerset County
Does New Jersey have cash bail?
No. NJ abolished cash bail in January 2017 under the Criminal Justice Reform Act. Pretrial release in Somerset County is determined by a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) — a computerized risk score, not money. There are no bail bondsmen in NJ.
What is Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) in Somerset County, New Jersey?
PTI is a diversionary program for first-time indictable (felony) offenders in Somerset County. Successful completion of 1-3 years of supervision results in complete dismissal of charges. Applications processed through Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage.
Can I get my NJ criminal record expunged?
Yes. NJ allows expungement after waiting periods: 5 years for indictable crimes, 2 years for disorderly persons. NJ’s Clean Slate law expanded eligibility. PTI completions result in automatic dismissal. Petitions filed in Somerset County Superior Court.
What is a disorderly persons offense in Somerset County, NJ?
A disorderly persons offense is NJ’s equivalent of a misdemeanor — up to 6 months jail/$1,000 fine. Heard in Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage (20 North Bridge Street, Somerville, NJ 08876). Petty disorderly persons: up to 30 days/$500.
How long do I have to wait for an expungement in New Jersey?
It depends. The waiting period is 5 years for indictable crimes and 2 years for disorderly persons offenses from the date of conviction, completion of sentence, or payment of fines, whichever is later.
Related Resources
- New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer — Statewide hub page.
- Hunterdon County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality.
- Morris County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality.
- Somerset County DUI/DWI Lawyer — Related practice area.
- Somerset County Family Law Lawyer — Related practice area.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile
- New Jersey Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Attorney responsible for this advertisement: Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724.