New Jersey Criminal Defense

"Finis Origine Pendet", Roman Poet, Manilus
Translation  -- The end depends on the beginning

     Have you been accused in New Jersey of a crime either by the State of New Jersey or the United States Government?

     Personal freedom is one of the most important rights afforded to all citizens not only in New Jersey, but throughout the United States. The potential loss of personal freedom from a criminal accusation in New Jersey requires an aggressive defense where the client is involved in every aspect of the case. You are an integral part of your defense. It is vital that you are informed of how a felony case is processed through the system, the evidence against you and all possible defenses to the accusation including practical and tactical considerations. You need to count on someone with the experience and knowledge to guide you.

     As soon as you come into contact with the legal system, you need IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE. Prompt assistance can mean the difference between keeping or losing your personal freedom.

Your Rights regarding New Jersey criminal law

     For all cases in the Criminal Courts of New Jersey, you have the following rights:

1. You have a right to a speedy and public trial.

2. You have a right not to be convicted unless the State can prove each and every element of the offense with which you are charged.

3. You have the right to confront witnesses against you in person, as well as the right to cross-examine those witnesses.

4. You may present evidence in your own behalf and you may testify on your own behalf, but only if you choose to do so.

5. You cannot be made to furnish evidence against yourself in the courtroom, and your failure to take the witness stand cannot be used as evidence of your guilt.

6. You have additional rights to protection from unreasonable searches and seizures of your person, your home, your possessions and papers, and of your automobile.

7. If evidence against you has been obtained in violation of these rights, upon proper motion, that evidence will not be admitted.

8. And, most importantly, you have a right to a lawyer to represent you.

What to do if you have been arrested

1.                  Do not discuss your case with anyone, anything you say can be used against you;

2.                  Do not discuss your case with any police officers, even if they tell you it will help your case;

3.                  If you have suffered an injury, seek medical treatment and document the injury with photographs;

4.                  Compile a list of all witnesses, including addresses and telephone numbers;

5.                  Contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss the facts while the events are clear in your memory.

Useful New Jersey criminal law links

Model Criminal Jury Charges (from the NJ Judiciary Website)

Selected State Statutes Governing
New Jersey criminal law Courts

"The following selected criminal law of New Jersey is purely a public resource of general information (intended, but not promised or guaranteed to be correct, complete or up-to-date) and is not, and it is not intended to be, a source of legal advice. You should consult a New Jersey criminal attorney for advice regarding your specific situation."

  Knowingly leaving scene of motor vehicle accident resulting in serious bodily injury, fourth degree crime; sentencing