Nobody in New Jersey wants to find themselves on the wrong side of the criminal justice system. Depending on the charges against you, a criminal conviction could cost you your finances, freedom, reputation, livelihood, and more. When the stakes are this high, the best thing you can do for yourself is to have an experienced Elizabeth, NJ, criminal defense attorney by your side.
If you are facing criminal charges in New Jersey, The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall can help you seek a successful resolution to your case. Our Elizabeth, NJ, criminal lawyers have more than 200 years of combined experience and have helped hundreds of people successfully navigate the justice system. With multiple former prosecutors on our team, we have the knowledge and skill set to protect your rights and work diligently to minimize the penalties for your alleged offense. Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation.
What Charges Can an Elizabeth, NJ, Criminal Defense Lawyer Help Me With?
Our Elizabeth criminal defense attorneys have experience with many kinds of cases, including:
- Drug Charges – While certain New Jersey drug laws have changed recently, others have not, and a drug possession charge could still lead to significant legal consequences. If prosecutors accuse you of a more serious drug offense, such as drug trafficking or manufacturing, a conviction could send you to prison for decades. Depending on the case, we might be able to help you negotiate a plea deal to avoid having a drug possession charge on your record or help you prepare your defense for a more serious drug charge.
- Domestic Violence – New Jersey prosecutors come down hard on those accused of abusing a spouse, dating partner, or child. Additionally, a domestic violence allegation can severely harm your reputation, even if the prosecutors drop the charges or you prove your innocence at trial. Our Elizabeth criminal defense lawyers can fight to protect your freedom and reputation if you are accused of domestic violence.
- DWI/DUI – A drunk driving conviction could cost you your driving privileges and lead to heavy fines. If prosecutors accuse you of injuring or killing someone while impaired, you could go to jail for several years or longer. Our New Jersey criminal defense lawyers understand the state’s drunk driving laws and how to prepare a defense with the best chance of helping you keep your driving privileges.
- Sex Crimes – Sexual assault and similar crimes are among the most severe offenses you could face in New Jersey. A sex crimes conviction could send you to prison and force you to register as a sex offender, blocking you from living in certain areas and keeping you from finding a job. Furthermore, a sex crimes conviction can significantly damage your reputation. We could work to help you stay out of prison and protect your reputation.
- Juvenile Charges – In general, juvenile offenders face less severe penalties for criminal convictions than adults do. However, these consequences can still be harsh and may include jail time. In certain circumstances, juvenile offenders may face adult charges. Our juvenile defense attorneys in New Jersey can strategize a plan with the best chance of keeping your child in the juvenile justice system and work to minimize the potential damage to their future.
- Assault and Threat Charges – In New Jersey, you do not have to physically touch someone for the police to arrest you on suspicion of assault. Merely making threats can be enough to land you in trouble with the law. We can diligently pursue the best resolution to your case, whether that means going to trial, negotiating a plea deal, or finding a way to have the prosecution reduce your charges.
- Gun and Weapons Offense Violations – New Jersey is known for having some of the strictest gun laws in the country. In fact, police sometimes arrest people for bringing guns into New Jersey even when they do not live here. Furthermore, criminal defendants may face additional penalties for using a gun while committing a crime. Our Elizabeth gun defense attorneys could prepare defenses to try to avoid a conviction with jail time or minimize the consequences of a conviction on weapons charges.
- Theft Charges – Whether you stand accused of stealing from a person or business, the penalties for property crimes are severe in New Jersey. If prosecutors say you used a gun or other deadly weapon when you committed the crime, you could face more severe penalties. We have extensive experience with cases involving theft or other property crimes, and we can fight to obtain the best possible resolution to your case.
- Fraud-Related Charges – Defrauding an individual, a business, or the government is grounds for severe criminal penalties in New Jersey. Because fraud cases involve people using deceptive means to enrich themselves, prosecutors often come down hard on alleged offenders. We will work diligently to try to prove your innocence or reduce the potential consequences you may face.
What Should I Do if I Have Been Arrested in Elizabeth, NJ?
There are three key things to remember if the police arrest you in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
First, say as little as possible to the police and prosecutors. Police and prosecutors can use anything you say against you, so your best bet is to say nothing. Let your attorney handle most of the communication with the authorities, and never talk to the police or prosecutors without your lawyer.
The second thing to remember if the police arrest you is to cooperate as much as possible without incriminating yourself. Basically, do not flee the scene, attempt to dispose of evidence, or give the police a hard time. You have nothing to gain by fighting the police, and you may wind up facing additional charges.
Finally, the most important thing to do if the police arrest you is to hire a defense attorney immediately. A defense attorney can help you with bail proceedings and keep you out of jail while the legal process unfolds. A criminal defense lawyer can also protect your rights and be a buffer between you and the authorities. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the more they can do to protect your rights and help you stay out of prison.
Where Are Elizabeth, NJ, Criminal Matters Heard?
In Elizabeth and Union County, where your criminal case is heard depends on what charges you face. If prosecutors have accused you of a minor offense like drug possession, shoplifting, simple assault, trespassing, or a traffic infraction, your case will probably take place at the Elizabeth Municipal Court Building. You will find this building at 208 Commerce Place in Elizabeth.
If prosecutors have accused you of a more serious offense, your case will likely take place at the Union County Superior Court in Elizabeth. Cases heard in Superior Court include violent crimes like murder and sexual assault, property crimes like robbery and burglary, and other serious offenses like drug trafficking and kidnapping. You can find the Union County Superior Court building at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. Ask your lawyer if you are unsure where to go for your case.
What Are Some Potential Defenses to the Charges I Am Facing?
Your defense strategy in a New Jersey criminal case depends on what charges you face, the available evidence, and other factors. That said, some common defense strategies include:
Mistaken Identity
Police officers are human beings and sometimes make mistakes. If you can show you did not commit the crime in question and that the police arrested the wrong person, prosecutors should drop the case against you.
Showing How You Could Not Have Committed the Crime
Prosecutors usually have to show you had the ability to commit a crime to obtain a criminal conviction. If you can prove that you could not have committed the alleged offense, the prosecution should drop their case. For example, you may have an alibi showing that you were in another location when the offense occurred.
Lack of Criminal Intent
Certain crimes require prosecutors to prove you intended to commit a crime. Showing that you did not intend to commit a crime may convince prosecutors to drop the case against you.
Self-Defense
Self-defense is a common strategy when prosecutors accuse someone of a violent crime. You have the right to defend yourself against an attacker, and a skilled defense lawyer could prove that you acted in self-defense.
How Can an Elizabeth, NJ, Criminal Lawyer Improve the Outcome of My Case?
Some of the ways a criminal lawyer in Elizabeth, NJ, can help you reach a better outcome in your case include:
- Showing how you could not have committed the alleged offense, which should lead prosecutors to drop their case.
- Suppressing evidence obtained through an illegal search, which may cause the prosecution to drop some or all the charges against you.
- Negotiating a plea deal to reduce your sentence and possibly keep you out of jail.
- Preparing your defense strategy for trial to give you the best chance of an acquittal.
Why Hire Our Elizabeth, NJ, Criminal Defense Law Firm?
Who you choose to represent you in a criminal defense case can significantly affect its outcome. Here are a few reasons to choose the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall if the police arrest you in Elizabeth:
Convenient location
We have an office close to the Elizabeth Municipal Court building and the Union County Superior Court building. This convenient location makes it easy for us to meet with you and minimizes the chance of missing a critical court hearing.
A Team of Former Prosecutors
Our legal team includes several former New Jersey prosecutors. Their time spent prosecuting defendants gives them unique insight into how these cases work and what it takes to keep someone out of jail.
Our Commitment to Protecting Your Future
We have seen how criminal convictions ruin defendants’ lives and know the potential consequences you may face. That is why we work tirelessly to protect your rights, keep you out of jail, and mitigate the impact of a conviction.
Contact an Elizabeth, NJ, Criminal Lawyer Today
Our Elizabeth criminal defense lawyers understand what you are going through and the consequences you face if your case goes badly. That is why we work hard to protect our clients and their freedoms. Our office in Elizabeth is conveniently located near both the Elizabeth Municipal Court and the Union County Superior Court, and we’re happy to meet with you wherever works best for you.
Contact the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall today or visit our contact page for a free consultation with an Elizabeth, NJ, criminal defense lawyer.
