New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer
Being accused of a crime can have life-altering consequences. Although you are presumed innocent until found guilty, the criminal allegations alone could harm your reputation. If you are convicted of the offense, you could be sent to jail or prison, and you may be required to pay steep fines. On top of that, living the life you once lived after you’ve completed your sentence can be challenging. A criminal record can make it difficult to get a job, find a house, or even qualify for government assistance.
Because the State takes criminal charges seriously, it harshly prosecutes these matters and will use the resources at its disposal to land a conviction. Attempting to handle your case without the assistance of an experienced attorney can be challenging. Instead of going it alone, allow our team at the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C. to provide the effective counsel you need. We have extensive experience practicing law, we know the ins and outs of the legal processes, and we are dedicated to protecting the rights and freedoms of the accused. When you retain our services, we will be committed to working toward getting charges reduced or dropped and minimizing the effects of potential conviction penalties on your life.
Why Choose Our New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorneys?
- We provide personalized and customized criminal defense legal representation. We achieve the best possible case results for every client by taking the time to tailor our defenses and legal services to their unique circumstances.
- Our criminal defense lawyers work relentlessly to protect our clients and achieve positive case outcomes when their futures are on the line. We have successfully negotiated case dismissals, downgrades and plea deals.
- Our founder, Jeffrey S. Hasson, is a trial lawyer with extensive experience representing individuals charged with criminal, DWI, DUI, and traffic offenses in New Jersey. He was recently named to The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers.
Meet Our New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney
Get to know our criminal defense lawyer so that you can feel comfortable and confident with your legal advocate.
Jeffrey S. Hasson
Jeffrey is our founding partner. He graduated with a B.A. from Emory University in 1990 and received his Juris Doctorate from Temple University School of Law in 1993. He is a member of both the New Jersey Chapter and the National Chapter of The Association for Justice.
Jeffrey has been named to the New Jersey Law Journal Personal Injury Hall of Fame, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. He has ample experience both as a personal injury lawyer and criminal defense lawyer.
What Types of Criminal Charges Do We Defend in New Jersey?
At the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C., our criminal defense attorney has effectively handled numerous cases. We have an extensive understanding of the legal system. We will provide dedicated representation from the beginning of your case until its conclusion, answering your questions and informing you of your rights.
Our New Jersey criminal defense attorneys provide legal defense for various crimes, including:
In addition to delivering fierce representation for offenses, we can also guide you through the process of clearing your criminal record, known as an expungement. This can seal court files and make it easier for you to get a job, rent a home and get accepted into school.
Understanding New Jersey Criminal Charges by Degree
In New Jersey, when a person is accused of committing a crime, they will be informed of what is being charged and what specific law they are alleged to have violated. Numerous offenses are listed in the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, and are classified based on their severity:
- First-degree: Such offenses include, but are not limited to, murder, manslaughter, and aggravated sexual assault. The prison sentence for a conviction includes 10 to 90 years in prison.
- Second-degree: Crimes under this classification include, but are not limited to, sexual assault, robbery, and burglary. Conviction penalties include 5 to 10 years in prison.
- Third-degree: Offenses in this class include, but are not limited to, shoplifting (items valued between $501 and $74,999), terroristic threats, and unlawful possession of a rifle or shotgun. If convicted, a person could face between 3 and 5 years in prison.
- Fourth-degree: These offenses include, but are not limited to, crimes such as criminal mischief (resulting in monetary losses between $501 and $1,999), shoplifting (items worth between $200 and $500), cyber-harassment (if the actor was 21 years of age or older and impersonated a minor to harass a minor). A conviction carries with it up to 18 months in jail.
- Disorderly persons offense: This classification includes crimes such as simple assault, shoplifting (items valued less than $200), and criminal mischief (resulting in a loss of $500 or less). A conviction could result in a person spending up to 6 months in jail.
- Petty disorderly persons offense: Crimes in this classification include, but are not limited to, disorderly conduct, simple assault (when individuals consensually enter into a fight or scuffle), and harassment. If convicted, the individual could be put in jail for up to 30 days.
Most criminal charges start at a certain classification but can be upgraded or downgraded depending on extenuating circumstances. If there are aggravating factors, such as prior criminal convictions or serious bodily injury, expect an enhancement. However, an attorney can strive to negotiate a reduction in charges.
What Happens After an Arrest in New Jersey?
The criminal justice system is complex, and various rules must be followed at each stage. A mistake made at any one of the steps could result in serious consequences. For instance, failing to show up for a first appearance could result in the judge issuing a warrant for arrest. That is why it is crucial to have a New Jersey criminal defense lawyer on your side who can help you understand the processes and how to move forward.
Making an Arrest
Depending on the circumstances, the person could be arrested at the scene of the crime or based on a warrant. The arrested individual will be booked into the local police station, where his or her fingerprints and mugshot will be taken. The individual will remain detained until released.
Attending a First Appearance
After law enforcement makes an arrest, the accused will be scheduled for their first appearance in court. During the proceeding, the judge may:
- Determine conditions for pretrial release (if the defendant is eligible),
- Order pretrial detention (in specific cases), or
- Set bail
In most cases, New Jersey now uses a risk-based pretrial release system rather than traditional cash bail. This system factors in the nature of the alleged offense, the individual’s criminal history, any potential danger to the public and the risk of failing to appear in court.
Appearing for an Arraignment
Before the trial begins, the accused will be required to appear for an arraignment, where they are told of the formal charges. At this time, they may also enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. If they admit to committing the offense, a pre-sentencing investigation may begin before penalties are imposed.
Negotiating a Plea Bargain
Before the actual trial begins, the prosecutor and defense attorney may enter into plea negotiations. During this part of the process, the defendant could plead guilty in exchange for a lesser charge or reduced sentencing.
Going to Trial
If the case goes to trial, it will be heard by either a judge or jury. During this phase, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused committed the crime. At the same time, the defense attorney may challenge the prosecutor’s evidence to argue for their client’s innocence.
What Does a Criminal Conviction Mean for Your Future?
If the case against you ends in a criminal conviction, be prepared for what this might mean for your future. While every case is different, many convictions carry long-term impacts. Depending on the nature of your conviction, such as whether it is a misdemeanor or felony offense, you could suffer impacts to your:
- Education and ability to get into college
- Housing and the ability to rent
- Professional licenses and certifications
- Employment and job opportunities
- Overall finances
- Personal relationships with friends and family
If you have to spend time in jail or prison, for example, your time away could lead to the loss of your job. Many schools and job positions do not accept applicants with criminal records. Working with a criminal defense attorney from the beginning is the best way to build a strong case and improve your chances of charge reduction or dismissal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I get arrested in New Jersey?
Try to stay calm. Use your right to remain silent. The most important thing you can do for your case is not answer any questions about the alleged offense. Cooperate with the police, but politely state that you wish to speak to a lawyer. Do not consent to searches without speaking to a defense lawyer first. Contact a lawyer from the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C., as soon as possible to start building your defense.
Do I need an attorney for minor offenses, such as disorderly persons?
Certain charges may be less serious than others, but being convicted of them could still result in consequences that affect your life, including a permanent criminal record. It is always worth discussing your case with a criminal defense attorney to get professional legal advice about your case before the first hearing.
Will my criminal case go to trial?
The answer to this question depends on the individual circumstances. However, most criminal cases in New Jersey can be resolved through pretrial solutions, such as plea negotiations or a request for case dismissal. If a fair outcome cannot be reached, a criminal defense attorney can represent you in trial.
Can my criminal record be expunged?
Although not every conviction is eligible, certain offenses and arrests qualify for expungement in New Jersey. You must fulfill specific legal requirements, such as completing any required jail time and the statutory waiting period. Talk to our attorneys to find out if you’re eligible for record expungement.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost?
The price to hire a criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson will depend on your case. Many factors can influence price, such as the seriousness of the charges and whether the case proceeds to trial. You can discuss price in more detail during your initial consultation. The value you receive from hiring a lawyer – such as avoiding the worst possible penalties associated with your charges and protecting your future – is generally well worth the price.
Contact Our New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyers Today
When you turn to the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C., you can count on our devoted team of New Jersey criminal defense lawyers to aggressively fight for a favorable resolution on your behalf.
We consult with our clients to create custom-tailored solutions to meet their needs. We also provide them with a comprehensive understanding of the charges they’re facing, in order to help them make informed decisions for their legal matters.
Backed by over 90 years of combined legal experience defending the accused in court and the negotiation of pleas, our trained legal staff takes a calculated and tactical approach in choosing the most effective defense strategies for our clients.
Contact us at (201) 645-4374 to get started today. We have two office locations in Teaneck and Union City and serve all of New Jersey for criminal defense legal resources.