Facing Criminal Charges?
Our New Jersey Defense Attorneys Fight to Protect Your Innocence
A criminal charge can ruin your life. It could stop you from landing your dream job or securing a bank loan to pay for your new house. It can damage your reputation in the office, community and home. It can create a stigma that stays with you for a lifetime. Our experienced New Jersey defense attorneys can help reduce or drop criminal charges filed against you. The Spevack Law Firm can defend anyone charged with criminal offenses in most New Jersey municipal courts.
The Municipal Court Process
- Arraignment. The defendant stands before a judge and enters a plea (usually “guilty” or “not guilty.”)
- Pre-trial/bail period. During the bail period, the defendant pays a sum of money to leave police custody under the condition that he or she returns for the trial.
- Plea bargaining. The defendant’s attorney meets with the prosecutor to discuss a plea bargain (pleading guilty in exchange for a lesser sentence).
- Trial. If the parties do not agree on a plea, the defense and prosecution argue their cases in front of a judge and jury. The jury issues a guilty or not guilty verdict.
Common Municipal Court Charges
- Driving Under the Influence
New Jersey DUI laws are strict. If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is above .08 (the legal limit), you could lose your license, pay thousands in fines and face community service for a first offense. Your attorney could help reduce charges and soften the sentencing.
- Shoplifting
New Jersey criminal law requires shoplifting charges be tried in municipal court if the goods allegedly stolen are worth $200 or less. With the help of a New Jersey criminal attorney, you could get a 3rd or 4th degree shoplifting charge downgraded or dropped entirely.
- Drug Possession
Municipal courts hear cases involving marijuana, certain prescription drugs and paraphernalia. If this is your first drug offense, ask a New Jersey defense lawyer if you qualify for the conditional discharge program. If so, just stay clean for six months to a year and the charge disappears from your record.
- Assault
Simple assault charges are decided in municipal court. If your legal defense can prove that the physical altercation was consensual or that you did not intend to inflict bodily injury, the judge could drop or reduce charges.
- Bad Checks
New Jersey litigates bad check charges in municipal court if the amount on the check is under $200. If you accidentally overlooked a financial statement and unknowingly wrote a bad check, the prosecution could drop or reduce charges if your attorney can prove that you did not intend to defraud anyone.
Contact a New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
No matter your case, attorneys at Spevack Law Firm are ready to fight for your rights. Criminal charges can have long lasting consequences, and you can avoid them by seeking the help of a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer. Contact Spevack Law Firm today for a free consultation.