As we make plans to go down the shore during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, it’s important to remember that sometimes those plans can go awry.
In addition to our firm’s defense of complex white-collar crimes and government investigations, Stradley Ronon often assists clients’ friends and family members with the unexpected legal troubles that can arise at various New Jersey shore points — whether it is a DUI on the way home from dinner, disorderly conduct at the local bar, trespassing at a nearby pool or a high-school senior week gone wrong. Once the police are involved, legal representation is critical and necessary as these incidents — no matter how small they may appear — can have significant, long-term impact. Our lawyers have the ability to handle any legal problem that clients and their families and friends might encounter at the Jersey Shore.
This shore season, keep these ordinances in mind*:
- Ocean City: Police can detain minors for “breach of the peace” offenses, including breaking curfew, making excessive noise and engaging in other disruptive behavior. The curfew is 11 p.m. for those under 17 years old not accompanied by a parent or guardian. Also, carrying backpacks will not be permitted between 8 p.m. and 1 a.m. on the beach, boardwalk, and beachside streets.
- Sea Isle City: The curfew is 10 p.m. for unaccompanied minors. Parents and guardians can be fined $250 to $1,500 if they knowingly let a minor break curfew. Sea Isle City also bans all visitors from having bags larger than 8 inches x 6 inches x 8 inches between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. on the boardwalk, beaches and beachside streets during the summer.
- Seaside Heights: There is a 10 p.m. curfew for unaccompanied minors and beaches are closed to the public from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- Wildwood: A recent ordinance banned alcohol possession of any kind, including its “mere existence.” The city also approved a breach-of-the-peace ordinance to curb disorderly conduct. The curfew for unaccompanied minors is midnight.
When issuing citations, law enforcement officers often tell offenders, “This is no big deal — just go to court and it will get taken care of.” This is not true. Any citation or complaint involving a criminal charge, DUI and/or related traffic offense can carry substantial penalties and have significant collateral consequences.
Stradley Ronon partner Ashley Shapiro has years of criminal defense experience and firsthand knowledge of the courts in New Jersey. Having grown up at the Jersey Shore, Ashley is well versed in the legal landscape and can immediately assist with any legal issues that clients, their families and friends find themselves in this summer and throughout the year. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please contact Ashley for help.
We hope everyone has a terrific summer.
*Ordinances mentioned are in place at time of publication.
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