Criminal Defense

Our commitment to N.J. criminal law is no secret, and we’re repeatedly recognized for it. In 2017 alone, our team earned two coveted spots amongst SJ Magazine’s Top Attorneys 2017, were honored by Super Lawyers Magazine as “Rising Stars,” and two of our attorneys became certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as criminal trial attorneys — a distinction only 300 out of 40,000 lawyers statewide have earned.

Our competitive advantage comes from hands-on experience working for the other side. As former county prosecutors, we strategically consider the prosecutor’s perspective when preparing your case to develop the most comprehensive defense possible. Our expertise in New Jersey criminal law is expansive and includes:

Juvenile Crime

In New Jersey, people younger than 18 years old who commit crimes are considered juveniles and are tried in the family part of superior court. Although the law is designed to protect children rather than punish them, it’s not uncommon for prosecutors to argue children should be tried as adults — especially if they are repeat offenders. When that happens, children are “waived” to adult court and face the same punishments as an adult would. Having a criminal record can be detrimental for your child and could prevent them from going to college or getting a job. As your criminal lawyer, it’s our job to protect your son or daughter and ensure they are treated fairly and in a way that will help them become productive, law-abiding adults.

• Juvenile Case Process
• Juvenile Tried as an Adult (“waiver” cases)
• Juvenile Diversionary Matters (such as Intake Services Conference or
• Juvenile Conference Committee)

Drug Crimes

As the “war” on drugs continues to rage nationwide and the opioid epidemic grows, New Jersey maintains its stance against the possession, use and distribution of illegal drugs including narcotics/opioids, methamphetamine, cocaine and more. While medical marijuana is legal, New Jersey residents are still using pot illegally, sometimes being arrested despite the privacy that should be afforded by the Plain Smell Doctrine. Conviction for drug crimes can result in jail time and participation in drug treatment programs.

• Drug Court
• Marijuana
• Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Dangerous Substance
• Possession with Intent to Distribute Within 1,000 ft. of a School Zone
• Possession with Intent to Distribute Within 500 ft. of a Public Park
• Opiate Addiction

Arson

In New Jersey, arson is defined as recklessly or intentionally causing a fire or explosion of land, a structure or a vehicle. The law allows for harsher punishment if the target is a religious building. In many cases, arson charges accompany insurance fraud charges. Charges can vary from fourth to first degree, with punishment including jail time and thousands of dollars in fines. Some convictions are also subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA), meaning that if convicted a defendant must serve 85 percent of their sentence before they become eligible for parole. Also, arson charges cannot be expunged from a criminal record, meaning a wrongful conviction could prevent you from getting employment, loans or military work for the rest of your life.

Expungement

Every New Jersey resident has the opportunity to remove or expunge a criminal charge from their record. For many, expungement is an opportunity to remove barriers to employment, education, military service or bank loans. Expungement is not automatic in N.J., however, and you must petition the court for it to expunge your record. While this is something you can do on your own, the process can involve court appearances and other nuances that are best handled by an experienced criminal lawyer.

Theft Crimes

Stealing in the New Jersey can lead to a number of theft charges depending on the circumstances of what you are accused of stealing. These crimes vary from common theft like shoplifting or computer theft to extortion for property in excess of $75,000. The state of New Jersey considered bad checks, forgery, credit card fraud and insurance fraud all theft crimes. If you are convicted of a theft crime, you could face fines, a negative impact on your credit score, jail time and other penalties.

• Robbery
• Burglary
• Shoplifting
• Fraud, Forgery & White Collar Crimes
• Passing a Bad Check

Violent Crimes

Violent crimes are some of the most serious charges in the New Jersey legal system. These crimes involve threatening or causing bodily harm to another person. This can involve a total stranger — such as in a car accident — or a loved one — such as in domestic violence cases. Regardless of the crime, violence crimes carry the highest levels of penalties, including life in prison.

• Assault (Simple Assault and Aggravated Assault)
• Domestic Violence
• Murder & Homicide
• Manslaughter
• Death by Auto