My question involves criminal law for the state of: New Jersey
A few of my friends and I were out playing guitars and hanging out at a private lake/watershed and were arrested for criminal trespassing. I have read differing accounts about whether or not these can be pleaded down. Although two of my friends were asked once to leave and did not, there was no disturbance of property, vandalism, or any type of damage down to the property. Also, I have seen that most prosecutors would wish to keep a few college kids records clean of criminal offenses in this case. Should I hire a lawyer to help me, or will I be able to plead these charges down myself? Also, is a court date mandatory?

