A criminal accusation can have serious impacts on your life. Even minor offenses can lead to expensive court costs and fines. Meanwhile, convictions for more serious charges can result in prison time.
Furthermore, those charged with crimes may face constraints on their ability to travel, set their own schedules, and generally do as they please. Your freedom may literally be at stake if you are accused of a crime. If you are facing criminal charges in Vineland, do not face them alone, and seek help from us.
Call the Law Offices of John J. Zarych at (609) 616-4956 for help with your case from our criminal defense lawyers.
What Can My Criminal Defense Attorney Do for Me?
Our attorneys can oversee and handle all aspects of your criminal case and defense, from ensuring you understand the charges and protecting your rights throughout the process.
Explain the Charges
One of the first things we can do is explain why you were arrested or what the specific charges filed against you mean. You must appreciate the severity of the situation and know the potential consequences if convicted.
Protect Your Rights
Our lawyers will also protect your rights, getting any illegally obtained statements or evidence thrown out so it is not unfairly used against you.
Collect and Analyze Evidence
When building our defense, we can collect evidence of our own and may involve expert witnesses in your case. We will also analyze the prosecution’s evidence so we know how to address it with the jury, pointing out any WORD or chain-of-custody issues.
Negotiate a Plea
Your attorney may negotiate a plea deal with the prosecution if that is the best way to avoid a lengthy prison sentence. When negotiating a plea, your lawyer must ensure that the charges are reduced and the new charges don’t carry the same potential maximum sentence.
Represent You in Court
Our experienced lawyers represent defendants throughout their criminal trials in Vineland, presenting opening and closing arguments, presenting our evidence and witnesses, cross-examining the prosecution’s witnesses, making sure you are present at all mandatory court appearances, and explaining what happens at each stage.
What Should You Expect After Being Arrested in Vineland, NJ?
If you have been arrested in Vineland, it can be difficult to know what to expect without first consulting our lawyers. Each case is unique, and several factors can influence the process of mounting your defense. Still, there is a general path that most cases will follow:
Charge & Arrest
Most criminal cases begin with the investigation, charge, and arrest of defendants. In some cases, the process may begin when a grand jury indicts the defendant.
If you were not charged with a crime yet have still been asked to speak with law enforcement or have other indications you are being investigated, you should get in touch with our criminal defense lawyers right away. This is a critical time period in your case. You should not wait until you are charged to call our law firm. Further, you should not speak with the police until you have sought counsel from our attorneys.
Initial Appearance
After you have been charged with a crime, you will be afforded an initial opportunity to appear before a judge and enter your plea of innocent or guilty. You should seek guidance from our lawyers before making an initial appearance in your case.
Bail
If a judge has concerns that you are a flight risk or that you may pose a danger to others, then they will likely set forth a sum of money that must be pledged as security for your potential release. This sum of money is referred to as “bail.”
Several factors that may play a role in determining the amount of bail in a particular case. For instance, those charged with more serious crimes may face higher bail amounts. Also, someone with a history of failing to appear in court may have to pay a higher bail.
Pre-Trial Conference
Criminal defendants in Vineland also have to attend pre-trial conferences. Pre-trial conferences are intended to help defendants understand the potential convictions and sentences they face if found guilty at trial. Additionally, at a pre-trial conference, it is established that the accused has decided to reject any plea offers.
Support from our experienced criminal defense attorneys can be valuable during your pre-trial conference. Our legal team can help resolve any evidentiary and discovery issues we find in your case. Also, during this conference, our lawyers can help schedule appearances for expert witnesses and dates for pre-trial motions.
Trial
Finally, if plea agreements are not reached, criminal cases will go to trial. Criminal defendants do not have to testify at trial. Rather, the burden is always on the prosecution to prove a defendant’s guilt.
The trial process can vary from case to case. Generally, our criminal defense attorneys will make opening statements, cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses, summon defense witnesses, and present closing arguments.
What Are the Criminal Penalties in Vineland, NJ?
In other states, most crimes are described as either “felonies” or “misdemeanors.” However, in Vineland, the two types of crimes you can be charged with are referred to as “indictable crimes” and “disorderly persons offenses.” The penalties for disorderly persons offenses are usually less severe than those imposed for indictable crimes.
Disorderly Persons Offense
Those charged with disorderly persons offenses can face up to 6 months in prison. However, some lesser offenses, also called petty disorderly offenses, are punishable by up to 30 days in prison. If you have been charged with such an offense, our criminal defense attorneys may be able to negotiate a penalty that does not include any jail time whatsoever.
Indictable Crime
Charges for indictable crimes are more severe and can carry more serious criminal penalties. Generally, indictable crimes are broken down into 4 degrees of severity:
- 4th degree crimes, punished with prison terms up to 18 months
- 3rd degree crimes, punished with prison terms between 3 and 5 years
- 2nd degree crimes, punished with prison terms between 5 and 10 years
- 1st degree crimes, punished with prison terms between 10 and 20 years
No matter the type of offense you are facing, you can reach out to our experienced lawyers for aid.
Examples of Cases Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Handle
Our lawyers can provide support to criminal defendants in a wide range of cases. For example, our team can help defend those who have been charged with many different offenses, such as the following:
- Resisting arrest
- Weapons crimes
- DWI
- Disorderly conduct
- Drug crimes
- Assault
- Traffic violations
- Casino crimes
- Internet crimes
- Juvenile offenses
- White collar crimes
- Domestic violence
FAQs About Our Criminal Defense Attorneys in Vineland, NJ
Do You Need a Lawyer When Facing Any Criminal Charge?
Almost charge could harm your reputation, and more serious offenses often make it harder for people to find safe, affordable housing or get hired at new positions. Having a lawyer means having someone who operates solely with your best interests in mind and with concern for your future.
What Should You Tell Your Defense Lawyer?
You should tell our attorneys everything you can about the charges. Anything you tell your lawyer is privileged information, so don’t leave anything out. For example, if you are facing charges for assault, you should tell us who initiated the altercation and whether you were defending yourself.
Can Your Defense Lawyer Negotiate a Plea?
Our attorneys might negotiate a plea to reduce the charges against you in exchange for a shorter sentence or fewer consequences. The prosecution must be open to negotiating a plea deal and lower charges, especially if they aren’t fully confident in their ability to prove the initial charges or want to save the resources of a trial.
Can Your Attorney Get Charges Dismissed?
We may be able to get the judge to dismiss charges against you by challenging as much of the prosecution’s evidence as we can. Without enough admissible evidence, prosecutors cannot convince jurors of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
How Soon Should You Get a Lawyer After Being Arrested?
You should get an attorney immediately after being arrested, and you can do so by invoking your Miranda rights, which include your right to a lawyer. Avoid any conversations with the arresting officers and investigators without us present to protect you from misspeaking or unintentionally incriminating yourself.
How Should Your Lawyer Choose Your Defense?
Your lawyer should choose the defense they use based on the facts of the case. For example, we may argue that you were acting in self-defense or in defense of others, engaged in illegal activity under threat or duress, or had an alibi and were elsewhere during the commission of the crime.
Criminal Defendants in Vineland, NJ Can Call Our Law Firm for Support
Get a free case review from our experienced criminal defense lawyers at the Law Offices of John J. Zarych by dialing (609) 616-4956.
