Ocean City, NJ, “America’s Greatest Family Resort” will close its beaches early this Summer
New Jersey shore town, Ocean City, will close its beaches early due to alleged out-of-control teens and other public safety concerns. The shore town which claims to be “America’s Greatest Resort” made the decision to close beaches early at 8:00 p.m. Backpacks will also not be permitted on the beach or the boardwalk after 8:00 p.m. The new rules will apply to all ages.
This change comes after a Memorial Day weekend where Ocean City police responded to nearly 1,000 incidents, including underage drinking, vandalism, assault, shoplifting and illegal firearms. This was nearly 100 more than the previous year!
Our criminal defense law firm represents individuals charged with a variety of offenses in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. We have an incredible track record of getting great results for individuals charged especially young adults who vacation with their family in many shore towns in New Jersey like Ocean City, Wildwood, Sea Isle, Cape May, Atlantic City, Stone Harbor and Margate.
What are other New Jersey Shore towns changing this summer
In addition to Ocean City, many shore towns including Sea Isle, Wildwood and Atlantic City have taken steps to control what appears to be a pattern of misconduct amongst tourists who visit these seasonal towns.
Wildwood & Atlantic City
Wildwood recently banned the use and consumption of alcohol on its boardwalk and beaches while Atlantic City banned concealed carry permits in Casinos and other “sensitive” areas. While the Wildwood and Ocean City measures are Ordinances, the Atlantic City ban is State law and applies not only to Atlantic City, but throughout New Jersey.
Sea Isle
The city of Sea Isle also passed ordinances focused on certain sized of bags and backpacks. These types of bags are not permitted between 10:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. with the exception of medical devices and equipment for people fishing or journalists. Finally, Ocean City has passed a breach of peace Ordinance which allows the police to detain minors who violate curfew and are out between the hours of 1:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. and during the offseason from 10:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. The only exception being students and workers. Under this ordinance, police can now detain and bring an underaged person to a police station and call their parents or guardian. These teens, however, will not be arrested for violating curfew.
Our law firm often sees a spike in crime during the summer months as many people go to the Jersey shore for vacation and often engage in activities which expose them to criminal liability.
Here are a few tips to remember if you are stopped by police this summer:
- Never give police consent to search your house or your car but do it in a polite way.
- If you are stopped for a DUI/DWI do not refuse the chemical test (breathalyzer or blood test).
- If you are traveling through New Jersey with your gun or firearm and do not possess a permit to carry, the gun should be kept in a secure gun box with the ammunition separate. If, however, you have a permit to carry, which is becoming more common in New Jersey, you are still not permitted to carry it in certain areas. This includes Atlantic City in areas such as the casino, bars, restaurants, and youth sporting events. You are also not permitted to carry a firearm despite a permit to carry in and around schools, universities, daycare centers and hospital facilities.
Our criminal defense law firm wishes you and your family a great summer!
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