LEWDNESS (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-4) model jury charge in NJ

LEWDNESS (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-4) model jury charge in NJ

LEWDNESS (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-4)model jury charge Charge where applicable as a lesser included offense to indictable crimes under Sexual Offenses chapter of Title 2C. The indictment charges the defendant with . In the event you find the State has not proven each and every element of this crime to you beyond a reasonable doubt, then you should consider whether the following statute has been violated: A person commits a disorderly persons offense if he does any flagrantly lewd and offensive act which he knows or reasonably expects is likely to be observed by other non consenting persons who would be affronted or alarmed.1 In order to establish the guilt of the defendant the burden is upon the State to prove beyond a reasonable doubt each of the following elements of the offense. They are that on(date)in the(place)the defendant committed an act: 1. which was flagrantly (conspicuously bad) lewd and offensive. Lewd means sexually indecent behavior. Lewd acts shall include (but are not limited to) the exposing of the genitals for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of the defendant (or any other person). Offensive means an act that is grossly vulgar and causing resentment, one which offends common modesty and delicacy. 2. which the defendant knows or reasonably expects is likely to be observed by non consenting persons who would be affronted or alarmed. (Define Knowledge) In other words the State must prove that the defendant intended his/her act to be seen or he/she was aware that (it was probable) it would be seen by casual observers if they had looked. The defendants act must be done knowingly and not accidental and further it must be under circumstances through which the defendant knew his/her conduct would or was likely to 1The statute abandons the limitation of public lewdness and broadens the prohibited activities to private as well as public places relying instead on the circumstances. N.J. Penal Code Commentary. p. 201. But seeState v. Ramos, 203N.J Super206 (Law Div. 1985).LEWDNESS (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-4) Page 2 of 2 cause alarm to those disinterested, casual, non-consenting spectators who would consider the behavior as threatening sexual aggression.

Consequences of a Criminal Guilty Plea 1. You will have to appear in open court and tell the judge what you did that makes you guilty of the particular offense(s) 2. Do you understand that if you plead guilty: a. You will have a criminal record b. You may go to Jail or Prison. c. You will have to pay Fines and Court Costs. 3. If you are on Probation, you will have to submit to random drug and urine testing. If you violate Probation, you often go to jail. 4. In indictable matters, you will be required to provide a DNA sample, which could be used by law enforcement for the investigation of criminal activity, and pay for the cost of testing. 5. You must pay restitution if the court finds there is a victim who has suffered a loss and if the court finds that you are able or will be able in the future to pay restitution. 6. If you are a public office holder or employee, you can be required to forfeit your office or job by virtue of your plea of guilty. 7. If you are not a United States citizen or national, you may be deported by virtue of your plea of guilty. 8. You must wait 5-10 years to expunge a first offense. 2C:52-3 9. You could be put on Probation. 10. In Drug Cases, a mandatory DEDR penalty of $500-$1,000, and lose your drivers license for 6 months - 2 years. You must pay a Law Enforcement Officers Training and Equipment Fund penalty of $30. 11. You may be required to do Community Service. 12. You must pay a minimum Violent Crimes Compensation Board assessment of $50 ($100 minimum if you are convicted of a crime of violence) for each count to which you plead guilty. 13. You must pay a $75 Safe Neighborhood Services Fund assessment for each conviction. 14. If you are being sentenced to probation, you must pay a fee of up to $25 per month for the term of probation. 15. You lose the presumption against incarceration in future cases. 2C:44-1 16. You may lose your right to vote. The defense of a person charged with a criminal offense is not impossible. There are a number of viable defenses and arguments which can be pursued to achieve a successful result. Advocacy, commitment, and persistence are essential to defending a client accused of a criminal offense. Jail for Crimes and Disorderly Conduct: If someone pleads Guilty or is found Guilty of a criminal offense, the following is the statutory Prison/Jail terms. NJSA 2C: 43-8 (1) In the case of a crime of the first degree, for a specific term of years which shall be fixed by the court and shall be between 10 years and 20 years; (2) In the case of a crime of the second degree, for a specific term of years which shall be fixed by the court and shall be between five years and 10 years; (3) In the case of a crime of the third degree, for a specific term of years which shall be fixed by the court and shall be between three years and five years; (4) In the case of a crime of the fourth degree, for a specific term which shall be fixed by the court and shall not exceed 18 months. 2C:43-3 Fines have been increased recently! 2C:43-3. Fines and Restitutions. A person who has been convicted of an offense may be sentenced to pay a fine, to make restitution, or both, such fine not to exceed: a. (1) $200,000.00 when the conviction is of a crime of the first degree; (2) $150,000.00 when the conviction is of a crime of the second degree; b. (1) $15,000.00 when the conviction is of a crime of the third degree; (2) $10,000.00 when the conviction is of a crime of the fourth degree; c. $1,000.00, when the conviction is of a disorderly persons offense; d. $500.00, when the conviction is of a petty disorderly persons offense; If facing any criminal charge, retain an experienced attorney immediately to determine you rights and obligations to the court. Current criminal charge researched by Kenneth Vercammen, Esq. 732-572-0500