Criminal charges are a burden that can have a serious effect on your life. You may face significant fines or even time in jail or prison. And whether it’s a minor or serious charge, a criminal charge can stay on your record for years.
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, you need a criminal defense attorney in New Jersey to help protect your rights.
At the Weiner Law Group, we focus our practice on offering comprehensive criminal defense services for a wide range of charges. No matter what the charge is, you deserve the best possible representation.
New Jersey Criminal Defense
Charges of assault or other violent crimes can change your life forever. In New Jersey, the most serious crimes a person can be charged with are known as “indictable offenses,” often called felonies in other jurisdictions. There are four categories of indictable offenses, from first to fourth degree.
First- and second-degree charges are the most serious, and if someone is convicted, these offenses are the most likely to lead to prison time. Third and fourth-degree offenses are less serious but still come with a range of punishments, including jail or prison time.
If you’ve been charged with one of these crimes, you need the help of a New Jersey criminal lawyer to make sure you have a strong advocate on your side.
Potential Prison Terms for Indictable Offenses
Indictable offenses come with a range of possible punishments, including:
- First-degree: 10 to 20 years in prison
- Second-degree: five to 10 years in prison
- Third-degree: three to five years in prison
- Fourth-degree: 18 months or less in prison
The team at Weiner Law is experienced in defending clients against violent and other serious criminal charges. Get in contact if you’ve been arrested or charged with:
- Arson,
- Assault,
- Aggravated assault,
- Simple assault,
- Assault or death by auto,
- Burglary,
- Trespassing or criminal mischief,
- Carjacking,
- Child pornography,
- Contempt of court,
- Credit card theft or fraudulent use of a credit card,
- Domestic violence,
- Restraining orders,
- Drug offenses and controlled dangerous substances charges,
- Endangering the welfare of a child,
- False swearing,
- Forgery,
- Gambling,
- Murder,
- Aggravated manslaughter,
- Manslaughter,
- Identity theft,
- Insurance fraud,
- Kidnapping,
- Criminal restraint,
- Piracy,
- Perjury,
- Resisting arrest and escape,
- Sex crimes,
- Theft or robbery,
- Threats, or
- Weapons offenses.
If you are charged with a serious crime, don’t face it alone. Whether you need the help of a New Jersey sex crimes lawyer, a violent crime lawyer, or any other type of criminal lawyer, we are here to help.
Municipal Court Criminal Defense
In a municipal court, the court’s authority is limited to a specific New Jersey municipality, county, city, town, or borough. But that doesn’t mean you don’t need a New Jersey criminal attorney to help you navigate what can be serious charges.
Municipal courts handle four types of matters: traffic violations, local ordinance infractions, disorderly and petty disorderly conduct charges, and DUI cases.
Traffic Violations
Common traffic violations include:
- Speeding,
- Improper passing,
- Driving with a suspended license,
- Driving without a license,
- Reckless driving, and
- Careless driving.
Each violation has its own fines and penalties, and more serious violations can result in having your license suspended or even revoked entirely. Ordinance infractions can range from noise complaints to parking in a prohibited area, and often result in fines.
Disorderly Persons Offenses
New Jersey imposes jail sentences of up to 6 months and mandatory fines of up to $1,000 for those convicted of disorderly persons offenses. For petty disorderly persons convictions, a charge can result in up to $500 in fines and up to 30 days in county jail. Disorderly persons charges include:
- Resisting arrest,
- Simple assault,
- Drug possession (minimal amounts), and
- Possession of drug paraphernalia.
Petty disorderly persons violations include charges like harassment.
DUI and DWI Defense
The most serious charges municipal courts handle are DUI and DWI charges. The legal limit to operate a motor vehicle in New Jersey is .08%.
A range of penalties may apply to a driving under the influence conviction. For example, you could lose your license for at least 3 months and up to 10 years, depending on the severity of the charge and whether it is a first violation.
Other penalties include fines, ignition interlock device requirements, driver’s education courses, community service, and even jail time. A driver’s BAC is often measured through a breathalyzer, and New Jersey has strict procedures to follow for these tests to be admissible in court.
Even though these procedures are intended to ensure that evidence is properly handled, irregularities can occur. Having a New Jersey criminal defense attorney that you trust on your side can make all the difference.
A municipal court conviction can have serious consequences. At the Weiner Law Group, we know how serious these charges can be. Contact us if you’ve been charged with:
- Possessing burglar’s tools,
- Criminal mischief,
- Criminal trespass,
- Disorderly conduct,
- Disorderly persons offenses,
- DUI,
- DUI refusal,
- Harassment,
- Joyriding,
- Motor vehicle offenses,
- Traffic violations,
- Shoplifting, or
- Theft.
No matter the charge, we will help make sure your rights are protected.
Post-Trial Motions
If you do not agree with the verdict of your case, you have options. If you believe your case was negatively impacted by errors or misconduct, you have the right to file a post-trial motion or an appeal.
At Weiner Law, we can talk through your case to identify weaknesses and errors in your conviction and help you through the process of pursuing additional relief.
Criminal Record Expungement
A criminal record can affect your life forever. In certain circumstances, someone convicted of a crime can erase or expunge their record. Under New Jersey law, a person who has committed only one (or no) indictable offense during the course of their entire life can be eligible for an expungement.
Certain convictions, such as homicide, aggravated sexual assault, and perjury, are not eligible. This process is document-heavy and often complicated, and you need the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney in New Jersey to help you navigate it.
White Collar Crime Defense
White collar crimes are nonviolent, financially motivated offenses that occur within a business or governmental organization.
Despite white collar crimes being nonviolent in nature, those alleged to have committed such crimes often face severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, fines, and victim restitution. Some charged with state white collar crimes may also face federal criminal charges as well.
If you’ve been charged with one of the following crimes, call a New Jersey white collar crime attorney at Weiner Law. We handle many white collar crimes, such as:
- Tax evasion,
- Securities fraud,
- Corporate fraud,
- Money laundering,
- Embezzlement,
- Ponzi schemes, and
- Bribery.
White collar criminal convictions are serious and can carry serious consequences. Don’t face charges alone.
Get the Defense You Deserve
Being charged with a crime doesn’t have to ruin your life. At Weiner Law LLP, our team of experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorneys is here for you. We offer comprehensive legal defense services for a variety of criminal charges.
Regardless of the charge, Weiner Law knows the importance of a strong legal defense and can be your dedicated advocate throughout.
Give our office a call today or fill out our online contact form to get started today. If you have been charged with a crime or would like more information, please contact us to schedule a free consultation.