Wanaque NJ Burglary, Trespassing Charges Dismissed

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Passaic County, New Jersey

Criminal defense attorney Alissa Hascup recently represented a client who was originally charged with third degree burglary and invasion of privacy in Wanaque, New Jersey. Burglary is considered an indictable crime under section N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2 of the New Jersey Criminal Code. Typically, burglary is a third degree crime, as it was in this case, but it can be elevated to a more serious second degree crime if the defendant is allegedly armed with what appears to be a weapon, attempts to injure, or actually injures anyone during the commission of the offense. In this case, the client was charged with third degree burglary and was facing between 3 and 5 years in New Jersey State Prison if convicted. The case was first sent up to Passaic County Superior Court because it involved a felony; however, Alissa was able to have the charges downgraded to criminal trespass and harassment and remanded to Wanaque Municipal Court.

Now that the charges were downgraded, the client was facing less severe penalties, as criminal trespass, also known as trespassing, is typically a disorderly persons offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:18-3. Additionally, harassment, codified under N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4, is a disorderly persons offense unless the person is on parole or probation at the time of the offense, in which case it is a fourth degree crime. Disorderly persons offenses in New Jersey are punishable by up to 6 months in the county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and a charge on the defendant’s criminal record.

The client was accused of entering the alleged victim’s home and placing a recording device in her child’s bedroom. Alissa reviewed the discovery, prepared with her client, and took the case to trial. The client was found “not guilty” after the trial, as the State could not prove that Alissa’s client (a friend of the family) wasn’t permitted in the residence at issue, nor could the State prove that her client had anything to do with the recording device. The charges were dismissed after the “not guilty” verdict and the client was able to move on with their life. This was clearly a fantastic result for the client and The Law Offices of Alissa Hascup.

If you are facing criminal charges such as burglary, trespassing, harassment, or invasion of privacy in Wanaque or Passaic County, New Jersey, contact Alissa Hascup today to receive a free consultation about your case and discuss potential defense strategies. We are available 24/7 to assist you. Simply call 862-257-1200 today or contact us online.