39:4-56.1. Willfully causing vehicle to become disabled

Willfully causing vehicle to become disabled; abandonment of vehicle upon public highway (a) No person shall operate a vehicle upon the public highways, bridges or tunnels of this State or upon any highways, bridges or tunnels in this State operated by any authority of this State or by any authority created jointly by this State and any other State in such a manner as to willfully cause such vehicle to become disabled, by reason of lack of fuel or otherwise, for the purpose of interfering with or obstructing the passage of other vehicles.

(b) No person shall willfully abandon a vehicle upon the public highways, bridges or tunnels of this State, or upon any highways, bridges or tunnels in this State operated by any authority of this State or by any authority created jointly by this State and any other State for the purpose of interfering with or obstructing the passage of other vehicles.

L.1964, c. 18, s. 1. 39:4-56.2. Violations; penalties Any person who has been convicted of a violation of this act shall be subject, for a first offense, to a fine of not less than $200.00 nor more than $500.00 and shall have his license to operate a motor vehicle suspended for a period of not less than 1 year nor more than 5 years. For a subsequent violation, he shall be fined not less than $500.00 nor more than $1,000.00 and shall have his license to operate a motor vehicle suspended for 5 years from the date of his conviction. In fixing the penalty to be imposed, the magistrate shall give consideration to the hazard to the public safety and the public inconvenience created by the conduct of such person.

L.1964, c. 18, s. 2.

39:4-56.3. Suspension of registration The registration of any motor vehicle which is used by any person in violation of section 1 of this act shall be suspended for not less than 90 days nor more than 1 year unless the owner thereof can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Director of Motor Vehicles that said vehicle was used in such a manner without his knowledge and consent. In fixing the period of suspension, the director shall give consideration to the threat to public safety and the public inconvenience caused by the use of said vehicle.

L.1964, c. 18, s. 3.

39:4-56.4. Legislative findings and declarations The Legislature finds and declares that a serious threat to the health, safety and welfare of the people of this State may be presented by any concerted effort, plan or demonstration involving the use and operation of vehicles in such a way as to impede, hamper, stall and interfere with the ordinary progress of vehicular traffic on, in and through the roads, highways and bridges of the State. Because of the special road hazards, with consequent danger to the lives and property of the people of this State, and economic loss which would inevitably flow from any such course of conduct, the Legislature determines that the penalties and sanctions provided by this act shall be applicable under such circumstances.

L.1964, c. 18, s. 4.


Protect your Rights.

Before you pled guilty and face potentially thousands of dollars in fees and surcharges, schedule an in office appointment with our attorneys experienced in handling these matters.

Consequences of a Criminal Guilty Plea

1. You will have to appear in open court and tell the judge what you did that makes you guilty of the particular offense(s)

2. Do you understand that if you plead guilty:

a. You will have a criminal record

b. You may go to Jail or Prison.

c. You will have to pay Fines and Court Costs.

3. If you are on Probation, you will have to submit to random drug and urine testing. If you violate Probation, you often go to jail.

4. In indictable matters, you will be required to provide a DNA sample, which could be used by law enforcement for the investigation of criminal activity, and pay for the cost of testing.

5. You must pay restitution if the court finds there is a victim who has suffered a loss and if the court finds that you are able or will be able in the future to pay restitution.

6. If you are a public office holder or employee, you can be required to forfeit your office or job by virtue of your plea of guilty.

7. If you are not a United States citizen or national, you may be deported by virtue of your plea of guilty.

8. You must wait 5-10 years to expunge a first offense. 2C:52-3

9. You could be put on Probation.

10. In Drug Cases, a mandatory DEDR penalty of $500-$1,000, and lose your driver's license for 6 months - 2years. You must pay a Law Enforcement Officers Training and Equipment Fund penalty of $30.

11. You may be required to do Community Service.

12. You must pay a minimum Violent Crimes Compensation Board assessment of $50 ($100 minimum if you are convicted of a crime of violence) for each count to which you plead guilty.

13. You must pay a $75 Safe Neighborhood Services Fund assessment for each conviction.

14. If you are being sentenced to probation, you must pay a fee of up to $25 per month for the term of probation.

15. You lose the presumption against incarceration in future cases. 2C:44-1

16. You may lose your right to vote.

The defense of a person charged with a criminal offense is not impossible. There are a number of viable defenses and arguments which can be pursued to achieve a successful result. Advocacy, commitment, and persistence are essential to defending a client accused of a criminal offense.

Jail for Crimes and Disorderly Conduct:

If someone pleads Guilty or is found Guilty of a criminal offense, the following is the statutory Prison/Jail terms.

NJSA 2C: 43-8 (1) In the case of a crime of the first degree, for a specific term of years which shall be fixed by the court and shall be between 10 years and 20 years;

(2) In the case of a crime of the second degree, for a specific term of years which shall be fixed by the court and shall be between five years and 10 years;

(3) In the case of a crime of the third degree, for a specific term of years which shall be fixed by the court and shall be between three years and five years;

(4) In the case of a crime of the fourth degree, for a specific term which shall be fixed by the court and shall not exceed 18 months.

2C:43-3 Fines have been increased recently! 2C:43-3. Fines and Restitutions. A person who has been convicted of an offense may be sentenced to pay a fine, to make restitution, or both, such fine not to exceed:

a. (1) $200,000.00 when the conviction is of a crime of the first degree;

(2) $150,000.00 when the conviction is of a crime of the second degree;

b. (1) $15,000.00 when the conviction is of a crime of the third degree;

(2) $10,000.00 when the conviction is of a crime of the fourth degree;

c. $1,000.00, when the conviction is of a disorderly persons offense;

d. $500.00, when the conviction is of a petty disorderly persons offense;

If facing any criminal charge, retain an experienced attorney immediately to determine you rights and obligations to the court.