Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Brick, NJ

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the Brick Township Police Department is (732) 262-1100.

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

  You can get a copy of a police report in Brick through the Police Records Bureau at the Brick Township Police Department. The Records Bureau files, maintains, and disseminates all reports and documents generated by the police department. Its office is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• What types of offenses lead to being in the sex offender registry in Brick?

  The crimes that can land you on the sex offender registry in Brick are sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual contact, criminal sexual contact, and endangering the welfare of a child through kidnapping, pornography, prostitution, or engaging in a sexual act with a minor. Sex offenders who were serving a sentence on the effective date of the law or who have been convicted since Megan’s Law went into effect on October 31, 1994, are required to register. Additionally, regardless of the date of their conviction, sex offenders who are considered repetitive and compulsive by experts and the courts must register.

• What are the consequences for foreign nationals in Brick facing criminal convictions?

  The federal immigration law states that ICE can take custody of foreign nationals convicted of crimes and have them removed from the U.S. If you are an immigrant in Brick and have been charged with a drug crime, illegal possession of a handgun or other firearm, domestic violence crime, crime of moral turpitude, or aggravated felony, you can be deported. 

• What happens if your property was illegally searched in Brick?

  The 4th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects people from unlawful or unreasonable searches of you or your property. A judge or magistrate must sign a search warrant for a law enforcement officer in Brick before they can search you or your property. Even if there is a warrant, the search might still be unlawful if the warrant is proven to be defective or faulty. Also, evidence taken in an unlawful search and seizure can be suppressed. Criminal defense lawyers can help you challenge the validity of a search or defend you against charges brought about as a result of a search and seizure.

• What are the penalties for assault charges in Brick?

  Simple assault in Brick is a less serious crime with penalties of up to 6 months in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000. Meanwhile, any degree of aggravated assault in New Jersey is a felony. A 4th-degree aggravated assault charge is the lowest level, with the defendant facing 18 months in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. Those with 3rd-degree aggravated assault charges face 3–5 years in prison, but if there is no prior record, the sentence may be lowered to probation. The penalties for a 2nd-degree aggravated assault charge are 5–10 years in prison and fines of up to $150,000 in addition to other serious penalties.

• What could happen if you are carrying a handgun without a permit in Brick?

  The law in New Jersey states that it is illegal to possess a handgun without a permit to carry it. A person in Brick can be charged with a 2nd-degree crime if they own a handgun or antique handgun without first getting a permit to carry. The charge can be considered a crime of the 3rd degree if the handgun is an air gun, a spring gun, or a similar weapon. A 3rd-degree offense is punishable by 3–5 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $15,000. Meanwhile, a 2nd-degree offense is punishable by 5–10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $150,000.

• 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.