Riot
Riot crimes in New Jersey involve situations where multiple defendants work together to commit a crime or prevent official action. These types of cases often involve unusual fact patterns with numerous parties. Defense attorneys are required to navigate complex fact patters and pursue all available legal defenses. Indeed, Riot charges are not for inexperienced lawyers.
New Jersey statute 2C:33-1 provides:
a. Riot. A person is guilty of riot if he participates with four or more others in a course of disorderly conduct as defined in section 2C:33-2a:
(1) With purpose to commit or facilitate the commission of a crime;
(2) With purpose to prevent or coerce official action; or
(3) When he or any other participant, known to him, uses or plans to use a firearm or other deadly weapon.
Riot if committed under circumstances set forth in paragraph (3) is a crime of the third degree. Otherwise riot is a crime of the fourth degree.
b. Failure of disorderly persons to disperse upon official order. Where five or more persons are participating in a course of disorderly conduct as defined in section 2C:33-2 a. likely to cause substantial harm, a peace officer or other public servant engaged in executing or enforcing the law may order the participants and others in the immediate vicinity to disperse. A person who refuses or knowingly fails to obey such an order commits a disorderly persons offense.
If you are charged with Riot, you should protect your legal interests by contacting an experienced New Jersey Riot attorney. A knowledgeable lawyer can defend your rights and liberty. Our firm has handled Riot cases on behalf of criminal defendants in New Jersey. Recently, we won a jury trial in Monmouth County on behalf of a defendant charged with Riot. Contact our office for a free consultation.
