In New Jersey, violations of the state’s criminal code can be of the more serious variety (indictable crimes) or the less serious variety (disorderly persons and petty disorderly persons offenses) depending on the type of crime you are accused of having committed and the severity of harm or damage involved.  INDICTABLE CRIMES: (1) Crimes of the first degree - A first degree crime is the most serious crime we have in NJ such as murder, kidnapping, maintaining a drug manufacturing facility, etc. A first degree crime is punishable by 10-20 years in New Jersey state prison. (2) Crimes of the second degree - Second degree crimes can include robbery, gun charges, sexual assault, drug offenses, etc. A second degree crime in New Jersey is punishable by 5-10 years in NJ state prison.  (3) Crimes of the third degree - Third degree crimes can include drug charges, shoplifting, and aggravated assault. A third degree crime in NJ is punishable by 3-5 years in NJ state prison if convicted. (4) Crimes of the fourth degree -  A fourth degree crime is the lowest level indictable (felony) charge we have in NJ and can include marijuana offenses, shoplifting, driving while suspended for a DWI charge, etc. These are punishable by up to 18 months in NJ state prison if convicted.  DISORDERLY PERSONS AND PETTY DISORDERLY PERSONS OFFENSES: Disorderly persons offenses -  Disorderly persons level charges in NJ (known as misdemeanors in other states) include shoplifting, simple assault, possession of marijuana under 50 grams, etc. These are punishable by up to six months in the county jail and a $1,000 fine.  Petty disorderly persons offenses - These are the lowest level criminal offense we have in NJ and can include disorderly conduct, harassment, and simple assault by mutual fighting. PDP offenses are punishable by up to 30 days in county jail and a $500 fine.  TRAFFIC OFFENSES: A traffic offense is not a criminal charge, but if not handled properly, a speeding ticket, reckless driving charge, DWI charge, or another New Jersey traffic offense can become a serious legal problem. Pleading or being found guilty of a traffic offense in New Jersey may cost you a fine and jail time, loss of driving privileges, and years of higher auto insurance premiums.