South Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer
Our lawyers are experienced in handling a wide variety of offenses in New Jersey. In many states, crimes are classified as misdemeanors and felonies. However, in New Jersey, offenses that carry more severe potential sentences are called "crimes" and those that carry less severe potential sentences are called "disorderly persons offenses" and "petty disorderly persons offenses."
Under the New Jersey Constitution a crime is any offense defined by the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice or other New Jersey statute for which a sentence of imprisonment in excess of six months is authorized. Crimes range in severity from first to fourth degree, first degree crimes being the most serious. In New Jersey one must be indicted before they can be prosecuted for a crime. Crimes or "indictable offenses," as they are sometimes referred, are handled in the Superior Courts. Some crimes include sexual assault, possession of cocaine, aggravated assault, burglary, theft and robbery.
Disorderly persons offenses and petty disorderly persons offenses are not crimes within the meaning of the New Jersey Constitution. There is neither a right to indictment by a grand jury nor any right to a jury trial for such offenses. The maximum sentence of imprisonment authorized for a disorderly persons offense is six months. Generally, disorderly persons offenses, petty disorderly persons offenses, violations of local ordinances and all traffic matters are handled in the municipal courts. There are municipal courts in most municipalities in New Jersey.
Some disorderly persons offenses include, shoplifting, simple assault and possession of marijuana under 50 grams. Even though these offenses are not labeled as crimes or felonies, a conviction for a disorderly persons offense or petty disorderly persons offense results in a criminal record with the New Jersey State Police and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
For more information about the potential consequences of a criminal charge, please click on the heading.
DWI/DUI
We have obtained many acquittals and dismissals in DWI/DUI cases. This does not come without knowledge, effort and a willingness to fight. Our philosophy with respect to DWI/DUI charges is that if you want to have your case dismissed or result in a not guilty verdict you must have an attorney who is willing to do the work necessary to achieve that result.
Drug Charges
We aggressively defend drug charges in the Federal, Superior and Municipal courts. Drug cases frequently arise from warrantless police searches conducted without probable cause, false information provided by addicted and unscrupulous informants and outright entrapment. If you have been charged with a drug crime the best way to protect yourself and your rights is to consult with an attorney immediately.
Assault
Our attorneys have a great deal of experience handling assault charges. Generally speaking, assault refers to causing or attempting to cause some level of bodily injury to another person. In New Jersey there are two main types of assault charges, simple assault and aggravated assault. Most simple assault charges are on the disorderly persons offense level. The maximum sentence of imprisonment authorized for a disorderly persons conviction is six months and the maximum fine authorized is $1,000.
Aggravated assault charges are more serious and are defined as a crimes. Aggravated assault charges are dealt with in the Superior Courts. Because the law authorizes lengthy prison sentences for aggravated assault convictions, it is crucial that you speak to an experienced attorney about your case.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assaults, commonly called "rape", are indictable crimes in New Jersey and carry a lengthy prison sentence. Depending on factors such as your relationship to the victim, the age of the victim, your age, whether there was penetration, and whether force or a weapon was used, you could be facing a sentence of up to 20 years for each charge. If you plead guilty or are found guilty of a sex crime, you could potentially face a lifetime of registration as a sex offender under Megan's Law and parole for life. No other area of criminal law carries a greater potential for personal, family, social and financial devastation or a greater potential for a false accusation and wrongful conviction.
Gun Charges
Simple unlawful possession of a firearm, such as a handgun or shotgun, in New Jersey is an indictable crime and is punishable by up to five years in prison. However, possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose or possession of a gun by a felon is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Given the current wave of anti-gun hysteria, many innocent citizens are wrongfully charged with gun crimes. We are extremely aggressive in defending these cases.
Casino Crimes
Our attorneys are highly skilled in casino crimes defense. We have provided a successful defense in numerous cases involving bad checks, casino markers, money laundering, financial structuring, dealer-player conspiracies, counterfeit coins and tokens, past posting, and charges of outright theft or robbery of chips. We know from long experience that persons charged with casino crimes are often the innocent victims of set-ups and scams. We are also quite familiar with defending cases in which individuals have gambled and lost millions of dollars at casinos and, after they have lost their businesses and homes, are charged with theft or bad checks when they are unable to pay the last markers held by casinos.
Probation Violations
Probation and parole violations are very serious offenses in New Jersey. If you are found guilty, you can be sentenced to the maximum term for the crime for which you are on probation or parole . For example, if you received a sentence of probation and no jail for possession of a small amount of cocaine, you could receive a sentence of 5 years in state prison for violating that probation. If you commit another crime while on probation, you can be held in jail without bail by the judge who sentenced you to probation and you can be sentenced to a consecutive state prison sentence for the new crime.
Theft
A theft conviction on your record can have a devastating effect on your ability to earn a living. Many employers do not hire employees who have theft convictions. Our attorneys fight hard to resolve these cases without a conviction. Since theft is a non-violent crime, hard work by a criminal defense lawyer can often result in a disposition that does not involve a criminal record.
Juvenile Crimes
We strongly recommend that you hire a criminal defense attorney to represent your child in any juvenile matter, no matter how seemingly slight. Many parents make the mistake of not hiring an attorney when the court notice they receive states that an attorney is not required such as a notice for a Juvenile Conference Committee hearing or a Counsel Non-mandatory hearing before a Juvenile Hearing Officer. These proceedings can result in a juvenile record. There is also a common misconception that juvenile proceedings are dismissed and expunged when the juvenile turns 18 years of age. That is absolutely not the case. The advice of a criminal defense attorney skilled in juvenile matters should be sought upon your child's first contact with law enforcement or court personnel.
Free initial consultation: Contact an experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyer about your case. Lawyers are available seven days a week, 24 hours a day, including holidays.
