Morristown Harassment Lawyer

Local Criminal and Restraining Order Defense Attorneys in Morris County, New Jersey

Harassment typically refers to continuing and unwanted communication with another person. It is a charge that can happen to anyone, often arising out of a simple misunderstanding, an argument, or a verbal conflict. Nonetheless, a charge of harassment needs to be taken very seriously; it can lead to jail time and heavy fines. Hiring an attorney to fight on your behalf might be the only way to avoid these penalties entirely.

The Tormey Law Firm has successfully handled thousands of cases in New Jersey, in Superior Court (indictable/felony level offenses) and Municipal Court (disorderly persons/misdemeanor level offenses). Our former Morris County Prosecutor and team of skilled criminal defense attorneys possess the tools to defend you or your loved one. We have extensive experience handling restraining orders and domestic violence charges, including harassment, stalking, terroristic threats, and simple assault. Contact our Morristown offices anytime for a free consultation at (908) 336-5008 or toll-free at 866-949-6948, or you can use the online contact form. A knowledgeable Morris County harassment defense lawyer will be happy to answer any questions you have and provide you with an honest assessment of your case.

Here is a harassment trial Mr. Tormey handled for a client with tremendous results:

Harassment Defense Lawyer in Parsippany Near Me

Harassment is a criminal offense in New Jersey and it is governed by N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4, which provides that a person may not make communication in offensively coarse language or in any manner likely to cause annoyance or alarm. The harassment law requires the prosecution to prove that a person made the communication with intent to harass the victim.  It’s not enough to simply annoy someone, a harassment charge requires that you are intentionally bothering the party at hand.

Additionally, the disturbance must bother the victim to a significant degree. But who can really say what constitutes a “significant” disturbance? Believe me: you do not want to leave your fate in the hands of an overzealous prosecutor who is just itching to charge you so that he can meet his monthly quota of convictions.

The NJ Harassment Statute N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4

Except as provided in subsection e., a person commits a petty disorderly persons offense if, with purpose to harass another, he or she:

a. Makes, or causes to be made, a communication or communications anonymously or at extremely inconvenient hours, or in offensively coarse language, or any other manner likely to cause annoyance or alarm;

b. Subjects another to striking, kicking, shoving, or other offensive touching, or threatens to do so; or

c. Engages in any other course of alarming conduct or of repeatedly committed acts with purpose to alarm or seriously annoy such other person.

A communication under subsection a. may be deemed to have been made either at the place where it originated or at the place where it was received.

e. A person commits a crime of the fourth degree if, in committing an offense under this section, he was serving a term of imprisonment or was on parole or probation as the result of a conviction of any indictable offense under the laws of this State, any other state or the United States.

Consequences of a Harassment Conviction in NJ

Because harassment is usually classified as a petty disorderly persons offense, it can be punishable by a sentence of up to thirty (30) days in jail and a fine of up to $500. The charge can be classified as a fourth degree felony if, at the time of the offense, the offender was on probation or parole. A fourth degree felony charge could result in a sentence of eighteen (18) months in jail.

If you are facing a Temporary Restraining Order in connection with alleged harassment, this is a separate proceeding that can spell long-term consequences for your life if a Final Restraining Order is issued. As such, it is highly advisable to have a seasoned restraining order lawyer defending your case. At The Tormey Law Firm, our attorneys handle all aspects of harassment cases to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Contact a Rockaway Harassment Defense Attorney to Discuss Your Case

If you are facing criminal charges for harassment and/or a restraining order in Morris County, call the Tormey Law Firm today for a free consultation so that we can explore the details of your case and craft a defense that will work for you. We have extensive experience with the court system in Morris County and New Jersey and we know how to fight your charge. If you are charged with harassment in Mount Olive, Morristown, Rockaway, Parsippany, Madison, Mendham, or elsewhere in Morris County, our harassment defense attorneys will formulate the strategies needed to get a win in the courtroom, and our aim in every case is to win. Call our Morristown office at (908) 336-5008, or you can use the online contact form. We always provide consultations free of charge.