NJ Law Permits Municipal Judges to Demand Community Service in Lieu of Fines

If you’ve been charged with a municipal crime in New Jersey, you may have the option of accepting community service instead of a fine. Earlier this year, Gov. Chris Christie signed legislation that would provide leniency to some offenders who do not have the ability to pay the financial penalties associated with their convictions.

The law, which amends N.J.S.A. 2B:12-23.1, authorizes a municipal court judge to consider the defendant’s financial ability to pay a fine. The judge now has the ability to allow the person to pay the penalty in installments for a set period of time or perform community service instead of a financial penalty.

Judges can use this discretion specifically with defendants who express an inability to pay in full on the date of the sentencing hearing or those who have failed to pay penalties before.

If you or someone you care about has been charged with a municipal crime in New Jersey, speak with an experienced lawyer who can negotiate with the court on your behalf to get you community service instead of a financial penalty.

Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC represents countless people who are facing municipal charges in New Jersey. Contact our office today for a free consultation about your case.