New Jersey Criminal Defense Journal : New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer & Attorney : Alexander M. Iler Law Firm : Monmouth County NJ DWI & Drunk Driving Defense

On January 15, 2009 I posted an article about a Toms River resident who was arrested and charged with theft by deception and two counts of disorderly conduct for impersonating Joba Chamberlain, the New York Yankees star pitcher. Now, Ryan Ward, the 30 year old impersonator, pled guilty on Wednesday to three counts of Disorderly Conduct in Belmar Municipal Court as a result of his plea agreement with the Belmar Municipal Prosecutor. Judge Dennis Lavender sentenced Ward to the 1.5 days he already spent in Monmouth County jail when he was arrested and also to two (2) years probation. As part of his probation, Mr. Ward must continue the alcohol treatment he is currently receiving. Further, for the two year probationary period Mr. Ward must stay out of the local bars and restaurants where he previously impersonated Joba Chamberlain. Mr. Ward confessed, as part of his plea, to signing more than 100 autographs, dating many women, and receiving free food and drink through his impersonation of Joba Chamberlain.

This seems to be a fair result based on the facts and circumstances surrounding the charges. Mr. Ward is not a threat to society and his behavior did not have a serious or significant negative impact on anyone. However, Mr. Ward must learn his lesson from this experience and cease this type of conduct for good. Otherwise, he could find himself back in prison and next time he would certainly be facing indictable criminal charges at the county level for impersonating Joba Chamberlain and receiving benefits as a result of that deception.

 For additional information regarding this story, please visit APP.com for "The Sentencing of Ryan Ward, Joba Chamberlain Impersonator".

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     I represented a client in Keansburg Municipal Court this morning. I saw many individuals charged with "Disorderly Conduct". A wide range of circumstances can lead to a disorderly conduct charge: a fight, an argument, or some other improper behavior or offensive language.  Most defendants do not realize the seriousness of these charges. This is a "2C" criminal offense which leads to a permanent record if you are found guilty or plead guilty. The statute governing disorderly conduct in New Jersey is N.J.S.A. 2C: 33-2. The defendant also faces up to six (6) months in prison as a result of this petty disorderly persons offense.

     I was also amazed and slightly disappointed that individuals were willing to plead guilty to the disorderly conduct charge without speaking to a lawyer or, at the very least, speaking with the prosecutor to discuss a potential plea agreement. These disorderly conduct charges can often be amended down to a municipal or borough ordinance. This means that the defendant pleads guilty to a local ordinance rather than the "2C" criminal offense and avoids a permanent criminal charge on his or her record. The municipal ordinance results in a fine and the case is resolved. This can have a significant impact on a defendant's life as they avoid a permanent criminal record which is very important when looking for jobs, etc. Therefore, if you are charged with disorderly conduct in New Jersey, speak to a lawyer or at the very minimum meet with the prosecutor on your court date to determine if a plea agreement can be reached amending the criminal charge to a municipal ordinance.

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     A Toms River resident named Ryan Ward was recently charged with theft by deception and two counts of disorderly conduct for impersonating Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain. He faces more than a year in prison based on these charges. Allegedly Ward used his resemblance to Joba Chamberlain to impress women, sign autographs, and receive free food from atleast one local restaurant.

     Identity theft is a serious problem these days and should not be treated lightly. However, in this case these charges seem fairly ridiculous. Mr. Ward, although he should not have been impersonating Joba Chamberlain, did not harm or alarm anyone as a result of his actions. At the most he received some free food based on his false misrepresentations. Moreover, he returned to the bagel shop where he received the free food and paid for it. In fact, the bagel store owner himself said he didn't think that it was a big deal and that Mr. Ward should not go to prison for his actions.

     Here, it seems like a serious waste of time and taxpayer money to come down so hard on Mr. Ward. If the police had informed Mr. Ward of the serious potential consequences of his actions and "suggested" he cease impersonating Joba Chamberlain or face serious charges, justice would have been done. This would have avoided the necessity of court dates, adjournments, and the like which prevent the Belmar Municipal Court from tending to other, more pressing matters.

     The exciting and fairly interesting article concerning "The Impersonation of Joba Chamberlain" can be found at APP.com.

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