Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Jersey City

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Jersey City, New Jersey?

  201-547-5477 is the non-emergency line of the Jersey City Police Department.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Jersey City, New Jersey?

  You can request a copy of your police report from the Jersey City Police Department in person at 1 Journal Square Plaza, 4th Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07306, from Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. You can also acquire a copy through mail by sending a request letter to Police Records Department, 1 Journal Square Plaza, 4th Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07306.

• What are some of the most common criminal charges handled by Jersey City attorneys?

  Shoplifting, theft, armed robbery, burglary, and kidnapping are some of the most frequent criminal accusations handled by Jersey City attorneys. Other cases these legal professionals deal with also include sexual abuse, manslaughter, homicide, possession of a controlled dangerous substance or drug paraphernalia, and simple or aggravated assault.

• What consequences could you expect if you're charged with a crime in Jersey City?

  The misdemeanor or felony charges you are up against in a criminal case in Jersey City may have a variety of life-altering effects, including loss of freedom, damages to finances, a damaged reputation, and broken relationships. If you are convicted, you may also find it difficult to locate housing and a job, as well as acquire student loans.

• Do you need to hire an attorney if you decide to plead guilty in your Jersey City criminal case?

  If you intend to plead guilty, be mindful that several strong arguments still favor hiring legal counsel. You can negotiate a guilty plea bargain with a skilled criminal defense lawyer in Jersey City for better terms and circumstances. You can also learn more about the consequences of entering a guilty plea through a legal team. Most crucially, a criminal defense lawyer might be able to have your charges dropped and aid in avoiding a conviction completely.

• How long does it take for a criminal case in Jersey City to be resolved?

  The duration for a criminal charge in Jersey City to be settled is determined by how complicated the case is. For instance, a felony case could take several months or even a full year. A misdemeanor case can take a few weeks or months to resolve. Having an attorney assist you with a real plea bargain early in the case can speed up the process.

• How do Jersey City criminal defense lawyers request payment from their clients?

  Criminal defense attorneys in Jersey City charge a fixed fee or an hourly cost. Those who bill by the hour charge for all time spent on the case, such as court appearances, phone conversations, emails, and other correspondence. Attorneys who offer a flat fee assess the intricacies of the case to calculate their price, regardless of how many court appearances, phone conversations, or emails are required.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.