How to Lose Your Job in NJ Traffic / Municipal Court

Yes, that's right, you can lose your job as a result of conviction of charges brought against you in municipal court. No, I'm not talking about losing your job because you lost your driver's license in a DUI; I'm talking about fired because of the conviction itself. If you are a public employee, you can face the loss of your job depending on the charges.

If you hold a public office and are convicted of a disorderly (or petty disorderly) persons offense (what other states call "misdemeanors"), you stand to lose your job as a "collateral consequence" (i.e. it is not part of the sentence, but a result of it). "Public office" is defined very broadly and includes all elective offices, as well as full or part time employment with local, county, or state government, school boards and districts, fire districts, authorities, and any other political subdivision of the State of New Jersey.

If your job meets this definition, you stand to lose it in one of two contexts:

You are convicted of an offense involving dishonesty. Although this is not specifically defined, it would likely include shoplifting, receiving stolen property, and theft by deception. This is because "dishonesty" is at the heart of all theft offenses under NJ law. Then there is lying to the police, hindering an investigation (lying to the police), or passing bad checks.
If you are convicted of something that "involves or touches upon" your public office or employment. This is actually worse, as it not only results in the loss of your current job, but actually bars you from ever holding public office or employment. The problem arises when the involvement of the employment is not self-evident.

Municipal court prosecutors are being instructed to investigate forfeiture issues in cases, so if you are facing a charge like this and hold public office or employment, be sure to contact my office right away to discuss your options. There are ways to avoid forfeiture, as long as it is done before entering a plea.

Need more information about NJ traffic court? Get the answers by downloading my free book, A Guide to Driving Legally in New Jersey and Surviving Traffic Court If You Don't. It will give you the answers you need all in one place. Then call my office at 888-857-8418 or contact me through this site for an appointment for a free consultation to discuss your case.

The Law Office of Steven J. Richardson serves New Jersey, including: Gloucester, Camden, Burlington, Salem, Cumberland and Atlantic Counties and surrounding New Jersey communities, including Woodbury, Colonial Manor, North Woodbury, Woodbury Heights, Deptford, Thorofare, Gloucester City, Washington Township, Blackwood, Brooklawn, Westville and Pitman.

Richardson Law Offices
40 Newton Avenue
Woodbury, NJ 08096
Phone: (856) 686-9910
Fax: (856) 686-9911