New Jersey Municipal Court Defense Lawyers
High profile criminal cases make news headlines, inspire movies and television shows, and capture our imagination. The overwhelming majority of people who find themselves charged with a crime, however, are involved in less dramatic disorderly persons offenses that fall within the jurisdiction New Jersey's municipal courts.
Although in comparison these matters may seem minor, a conviction for a disorderly persons offense carries a maximum sentence of 180 days in jail, up to two years of probation, fines up to $1,000, and the loss of driving privileges in certain instances. Additionally, in our security conscious society, a conviction for a disorderly persons offense will leave you with a criminal record that may significantly interfere with your ability to obtain employment and certain state licenses. Given these serious consequences, it is critical to have experienced legal representation to protect your rights.
If you have been arrested or charged with a criminal offense in municipal court, Ehrlich, Petriello, Gudin & Plaza can provide the aggressive criminal defense that can favorably impact the outcome of your case. Our criminal defense attorneys will be with you through every step of the process from bail hearings, evidence motions, plea negotiations, and, if necessary, the trial of your case.
We are prepared to put our years of experience on your side when you face criminal charges such as the following:
- Simple assault
- Criminal mischief
- Disorderly conduct
- Drug crimes
- False identification
- Harassment
- Resisting arrest
- Shoplifting
- Theft
If charged with a disorderly persons criminal offense, you may be tempted to simply plead guilty, pay the fine and just put the matter behind you. Unfortunately, the prosecutor who recommends the plea offer and judge who accepts your guilty plea have no duty to inform you about the full impact of that criminal conviction on your future.
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and Other Serious Motor Vehicle Violations
Our attorneys also represent clients facing serious motor vehicle violations, which carry significant penalties including jail and the loss of driving privileges, such as:
- Driving While Intoxicated/Driving Under the Influence (DWI/DUI)
- Driving with a suspended license
- Reckless or careless driving
- Driving without insurance
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Possession of Drugs in a motor vehicle
- Truck violations
Although these violations are not criminal offenses, they still carry equally damaging consequences. Additionally, they often involve the same complex procedural evidentiary issues as criminal cases. In the case of DWI/DUI violations, for example, there are a variety of legal issues that must be carefully examined, including:
- Did the police properly stop the vehicle in the first place?
- Did the police properly perform the Alcotest/Breathalyzer test?
- Are the Alcotest/Breathalyzer test results accurate?
- In the case of a refusal charge, did the police properly inform the driver as to the obligation to provide breath samples?
Don't risk your reputation and your future. Obtain legal representation now while a skilled criminal defense lawyer may be able to make a positive difference in the outcome of your case. Please contact Jeffrey Plaza to schedule a consultation.
