Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Edison, NJ

FAQs

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

  Call (732) 248-7400 for non-emergency situations in the Edison metro.

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

  To obtain a copy of a police report for incidents related to your case in Edison, you can visit the Central Records Bureau located on the 2nd floor of the Public Safety Wing at 100 Municipal Boulevard, Edison, NJ 08817. The office is open from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You may contact the office manager, Melissa Tango, at 732-248-7452.

• Where will a charge be heard in Edison?

  If you have been charged with a disorderly persons offense, ordinance violation, or traffic ticket in Edison, your case will be heard in the Edison Municipal Court. However, if the offense is classified as a first, second, third, or fourth-degree crime, it falls outside the local jurisdiction and will be heard at the Middlesex County Superior Court in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

• Who determines whether you are guilty or innocent of the charge filed against you in Edison?

  In the Edison Municipal Court, the judge presiding over the case is the one who decides whether a defendant is innocent or guilty of the offense charged, including DWI. For indictable charges such as burglary or aggravated assault, the defendant has the right to a trial by jury. However, all other municipal court cases are decided solely by the judge.

• Do you need an attorney when you appear in the Edison Municipal Court?

  While it is not mandatory to hire a lawyer when appearing in the Edison Municipal Court, you have the right to be represented by one of your choosing. The court will assign a public defender on the basis of tight income standards if you cannot pay an attorney. For instance, to qualify, a single individual with no dependents must make $15,075 or less annually.

• What is the criminal process in Edison?

  The criminal process in Edison follows a similar process to other jurisdictions. It starts with an investigation to gather evidence and arrest those who committed a crime. A prosecutor files a complaint or charge, and the defendant attends an initial hearing or arraignment. Both the prosecution and defense share information in the discovery phase, and a plea bargain may be made to avoid trial. A preliminary hearing takes place, followed by a trial before a jury or judge. Sentencing happens for those who plead guilty or are found guilty, and defendants can appeal or seek expungement of their criminal record.

• Will you go to jail if you lose your Edison case?

  The possibility of going to jail often depends on the seriousness of the charge. Disorderly persons offenses typically carry a maximum jail sentence of 6 months, while fourth to first-degree crimes may result in 18 months to 20 years in state prison. Hiring an experienced criminal attorney can greatly increase the chance of avoiding imprisonment.

• 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.