Fourth Degree Felony Charges Morris County under NJ 2C:33-3E

“Here is a case we handled for a client with no prior record in Morristown court. He was facing a 4th degree felony charge for placing a 911 call without an emergency originally which is punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a permanent felony charge on his record. His case was downgraded to a fine only and no criminal record.”

Creating False Public Alarm

If you have been charged with creating a false public alarm in New Jersey under N.J.S. 2C:33-3, we can help. Here is a case we handled in 2018 for a client facing those charges where we were able to keep this felony charge off of his record. Our client was a young professional who lives in Washington D.C. and is going to school for his masters. He was up in Morristown, NJ visiting his girlfriend and family and they were out drinking at some of the bars on the green. After their night was over, they went to the Morristown Diner for food. The establishment called the police because their crowd was creating a disturbance. The police asked the group to leave and they complied.

Unfortunately, our client was not happy with his interaction with the police and didn’t feel as though they were helping him. As a result, he called 9-1-1 for assistance. The police officers on scene responded and charged him with placing a false 9-1-1 call without an actual emergency under N.J.S.A. 2C:33-3(a), which is a fourth degree crime in New Jersey, and provides in pertinent part:

NJSA 2C:33-3 False public alarms.

e. A person is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree if the person knowingly places a call to a 9-1-1 emergency telephone system without purpose of reporting the need for 9-1-1 service.

Penalties for Creating False Public Alarm in 4th Degree – Calling 911 Without an Emergency

He was facing a $10,000 fine, probation, up to eighteen (18) months in prison, and a permanent felony charge on his record if he was convicted of this serious offense.

Luckily, we were able to convince the Morris County Prosecutor’s office to downgrade the felony charge back to Morristown Municipal Court as a disorderly persons offense. Then, when we appeared in court and the prosecutor reviewed the police reports and circumstances of the arrest, Mr. Tormey was able to convince him to downgrade the case again to a town ordinance violation for disturbing the peace. This resulted in a fine and no criminal record for our client.

Arrested/Charged with Creating False Public Alarm in Morris County? Contact Us Now

The client was extemely satisfied with the service provided and the results in this case. With his promising career ahead of him, it was crucial to avoid any criminal convictions on his permanent record. If you or a loved one needs assistance with a criminal charge in Morris County, contact our offices anytime for a free initial consultation.