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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Elizabeth, NJ

Our Recommended Top 17

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Elizabeth Criminal Defense Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

110Reviewed

72Curated

17Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

180 Kings Hwy, Middletown Township, NJ 07748

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (89)
Google
5.0 (44)
Facebook
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Keith Oliver, Criminal Law, is a firm that provides representation for clients in Elizabeth. It handles various levels of criminal offenses, including federal crimes, expungements, and felonies. It also offers defense for clients charged with drug and weapon offenses, sex crimes, and theft. Founding partner Keith Oliver focuses his career entirely on criminal law practice. He was recognized in 2015 by the National Trial Lawyers Association as one of the Top 40 Criminal Attorneys under 40 in New Jersey.

315 Forsgate Drive, Monroe Township, NJ 08831

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Google
5.0 (74)
Facebook
5.0 (25)

Why choose this provider?

Elias & Gonzalez, LLC Attorneys at Law, serves individuals accused of committing a crime in Elizabeth. It offers criminal defense for a wide array of cases, including DUI, drug charges, and murder. Partner Daniel Gonzalez has been exclusively practicing criminal defense for over 17 years. He leverages his experience as a former public defender to aggressively defend criminal cases during the pre-indictment and pre-trial phases, so the client won't have to go to trial. The firm also takes on personal injury law cases.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Adam Elias - PartnerActive10 yrs

277 N. Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07208

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Michael R. Shulman, Attorney at Law, LLC, provides customized litigation services for individuals in Elizabeth with criminal defense matters. The firm represents defendants charged with aggravated assault, financial crimes, and homicide. Shulman prepares defense plans and is ready to go to trial in order to help clients get better outcomes. He is certified by the Supreme Court as a Criminal Trial Attorney and is a member of the Hudson County Fee Arbitration Committee.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Crimes

575 Morris Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07208

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Review Sources

Google
4.9 (164)
Avvo
5.0 (7)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Druckman & Hernandez is a legal firm that handles traffic and municipal law matters in the Elizabeth metro and the neighboring areas. It assists clients who have received municipal-court summons or traffic tickets in handling proceedings. Its lawyers defend persons charged with DUI/DWI and develop solutions to reduce adverse consequences, such as jail time, license problems, and fines. Jonathan Druckman is an NJ Supreme Court-Certified Civil Trial Attorney who has been practicing law for more than 30 years.

60 Park Place, Suite 1000, Newark, NJ 07102

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Review Sources

Google
4.4 (39)
Avvo
3.8 (31)

Why choose this provider?

BMB Law Firm represents criminal defendants in and around Elizabeth. Its attorney, Brooke M. Barnett, builds defense strategies for individuals accused of murder, assault, kidnapping, and arson. She also handles cases involving DWI, theft, and white-collar crimes such as money laundering and fraud. The legal professional protects a defendant's right to a jury trial, the right to be presumed innocent, and the right to remain silent. She also represents victims of negligent behavior, whether the incident was a slip and fall or a car accident.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes
  • Theft & Burglary

1338 North Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ 07208

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Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (21)
Google
4.8 (19)

Why choose this provider?

Raul J. Pinto Attorney at Law offers criminal defense services to clients in Elizabeth. The firm takes charge of a case from the first appearance before the judge to the final disposition. It caters to juvenile offenders and adult criminals. The office also handles municipal law violations like traffic violations. Raul Pinto is a litigation practitioner who formerly served as an assistant deputy public defender at Union County. He is licensed to appear before the District Court for the Federal District of New Jersey.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Juvenile Crimes

1139 E Jersey St Suite 607, Elizabeth, NJ 07201

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Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (15)

Why choose this provider?

Fernandez Garcia LLC provides legal counsel to individuals seeking criminal defense services in Elizabeth. Our firm believes in representing every client to the best of our abilities, “represent them as if they were your husband, wife, son or daughter”. Michael “Miguel” Garcia has many years of experience as a Criminal Defense Attorney and is a former Assistant Union County Prosecutor and Assistant United States’ Attorney for the District of New Jersey. As an Assistant Union County Prosecutor, Mr. Garcia has worked in the Appellate Unit, Juvenile Unit, Forfeiture Unit and Trial Unit and is a member of the NJ State Bar Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Michael Garcia - PartnerActive28 yrs
Juan Fernandez - PartnerActive36 yrs

1283 Route 22 East, Mountainside, NJ 07092

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Lord, Kobrin, Alvarez, & Fattell LLC has offered legal services for over 30 years. Its criminal defense attorneys near Elizabeth utilize evidence from unjust arrest processes, including wrong administration of field sobriety tests, to represent clients facing accusations for committing traffic violations such as speeding and DUI. They also handle weapon and drug possession cases and assist clients in getting bail reductions and expungements. Lord, Kobrin, Alvarez, & Fattell litigates auto accident, medical malpractice, and worker's compensation cases.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Robert Lord - PartnerActive38 yrs

1 Gateway Center Suite 2600, Newark, NJ 07102

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Review Sources

Avvo
4.9 (55)
Google
5.0 (5)
Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

David Jay Glassman Law Offices provides criminal defense to clients in the Elizabeth area. It represents clients charged with state and federal offenses, such as cybercrimes, juvenile offenses, drug crimes, theft, weapons violations, and parole violations. The firm also offers legal solutions for homeland security and immigration-related matters, such as smuggling investigations and chemical security issues. David previously served as a New Jersey prosecutor and a PA deputy attorney general. He has over 40 years of experience in the legal industry.

  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes

One Gateway Center, Suite 2600, Newark, NJ 07102

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (59)
Facebook
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Husain A. Gatlin defends the accused in criminal cases around the Elizabeth neighborhood. The law office deals with a range of criminal matters, from minor misdemeanors to serious felony charges. It handles cases tried before the municipal court, such as criminal and quasi-criminal charges, as well as traffic offenses. The firm's attorney, Husain Gatlin, is a member of the Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Husain Gatlin - PrincipalActive11 yrs

340 North Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (23)

Why choose this provider?

Dughi, Hewit & Domalewski, P.C. Attorneys at Law offers services to clients in Elizabeth. It provides legal representation to individuals charged with crimes such as DWI, bribery, racketeering, falsifying documents, election fraud, and credit card fraud. Its team also defends clients accused of drug charges and violent crimes. The firm has been serving clients since 1979 and currently has over 20 attorneys on staff. Brandon Minde, a trial partner at the firm, is a certified criminal trial attorney by the New Jersey Supreme Court.

  • DWI/DUI

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Craig Domalewski - Managing PartnerActive28 yrs

60 Morris Turnpike #3, Summit, NJ 07901

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (24)

Why choose this provider?

Zegas Law represents clients in Elizabeth who are facing criminal charges. The firm uses its understanding of the law and legal system to develop aggressive criminal defense strategies. Its lawyers, founder Alan Zegas and associate Joshua Nahum, advocate for those involved in white-collar, violent, and juvenile crimes. Zegas and Nahum also defend people against charges of DUI, domestic violence, and identity theft. They were featured on NJ.com, the New Jersey Law Journal, and Esquire.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes
  • Juvenile Crimes

2424 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (226)
Google
5.0 (37)
Yelp
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Mark M. Cheser has served people living near Elizabeth with criminal defense matters for more than 35 years. Founder Mark M. Cheser represents individuals facing traffic violation charges, such as driving without insurance or with a suspended license, DWI, tailgating, and reckless driving. He also advises and defends non-citizen clients facing possible deportation for committing crimes such as drug possession and weapon violations. The New Jersey Supreme Court has named Mr. Cheser a Certified Criminal Trial Attorney since 1980.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Mark Cheser - PrincipalActive45 yrs

186 North Avenue East, Cranford, NJ 07016

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (18)
FindLaw
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 1969, the Triarsi Betancourt Wukovits Dugan Law Offices represents clients in various legal proceedings in Elizabeth. It defends accused individuals from criminal charges, such as violent crimes, drug offenses, white-collar crimes, fraud, and gang-related matters. Its lawyers also handle expungements, appeals, and post-conviction relief. One of the partners, Steven F. Wukovits, is a certified criminal trial attorney by the New Jersey Supreme Court. He has been a recipient of the Meritorious Public Service Award from the NJ Supreme Court's District Ethics Committee.

  • Arraignment
  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Crimes

75 Elizabeth Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ 07206

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Mandelbaum Barrett is a multi-practice law firm that has been serving the residents of Elizabeth and the surrounding areas for over 90 years. It provides criminal defense services for a wide variety of charges, including arson and criminal mischief, kidnapping, sex crimes, and domestic violence. It also handles cases involving white-collar crimes such as cybercrimes, insider trading and securities fraud, and tax evasion. Mandelbaum Barrett is a member of the International Society of Primerus Law Firms.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Arraignment

227 Main Street, Woodbridge, NJ 07095

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (158)
Avvo
4.9 (88)
Facebook
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Anthony J. Vecchio offers defense to people in Elizabeth who have been accused of a variety of criminal offenses. The attorney and staff at this firm handle different criminal offenses, including driving while suspended for DUI, drug possession, traffic violation, sexual assault, and juvenile cases. The firm's primary attorney, Anthony J. Vecchio, is a former prosecutor who uses a proactive approach when dealing with every case. He has expertise in expungements, post-conviction relief filings, and appeals.

24 Commerce Street, Newark, NJ 07102

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (57)
Google
5.0 (49)

Why choose this provider?

Joseph D. Rotella Esq. provides the services of a criminal defense attorney to clients in Elizabeth. Attorney Joseph D. Rotella has over 30 years of experience representing juveniles arrested for committing crimes, such as underage drinking, receiving stolen property, drug trafficking, and robbery. He reviews witness statements and police reports in sex, drug, and gun crime cases, looking for flaws to exploit while negotiating for plea bargains. Mr. Rotella also defends clients accused of committing white collar and DUI crimes.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Joseph Rotella - PrincipalActive38 yrs

Compare our Top Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Keith Oliver Criminal Law
180 Kings Hwy, Middletown Township, NJ 07748
Elias & Gonzalez, LLC Attorneys at Law
315 Forsgate Drive, Monroe Township, NJ 08831
Michael R. Shulman Attorney at Law, LLC
277 N. Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07208
Druckman & Hernandez
575 Morris Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07208
BMB Law Firm
60 Park Place, Suite 1000, Newark, NJ 07102
Raul J. Pinto Attorney at Law
1338 North Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ 07208
Fernandez Garcia, LLC
1139 E Jersey St Suite 607, Elizabeth, NJ 07201
Lord, Kobrin, Alvarez & Fattell, LLC
1283 Route 22 East, Mountainside, NJ 07092
David Jay Glassman Law Offices
1 Gateway Center Suite 2600, Newark, NJ 07102
Law Office of Husain A. Gatlin
One Gateway Center, Suite 2600, Newark, NJ 07102
Dughi, Hewit & Domalewski, P.C. Attorneys at Law
340 North Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
Zegas Law
60 Morris Turnpike #3, Summit, NJ 07901
Mark M. Cheser
2424 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
Triarsi Betancourt Wukovits Dugan Law Offices
186 North Avenue East, Cranford, NJ 07016
Mandelbaum Barrett
75 Elizabeth Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ 07206
The Law Offices of Anthony J. Vecchio
227 Main Street, Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Joseph D. Rotella, Esq.
24 Commerce Street, Newark, NJ 07102

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Elizabeth, NJ Criminal Defense FAQs

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

    The non-emergency phone number of the Elizabeth Police Department is 908-558-2000.

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

    You can use the Elizabeth Police Department's online reporting system to file and print a free copy of a police report. Before filing one, you must verify the following details:

    • The incident happened in Elizabeth City.
    • The situation is not urgent.
    • The incident is not an active crime.
    • No immediate police action is necessary in response to the occurrence.
  • Should you approach Elizabeth's police about your criminal case?

    To prevent self-incrimination, you should seek legal representation from an Elizabeth criminal defense attorney before speaking to the police. Remember that everything you say to police after being detained can be used against you in court, and they will employ several strategies to get confessions or other proof of guilt. A lawyer can defend you against police questioning techniques and make sure the police follow the correct procedures while questioning you.

  • What kinds of charges do criminal defense lawyers in Elizabeth often handle?

    Criminal defense attorneys in Elizabeth frequently deal with charges of assault and threat crimes, domestic violence, the operation of a vehicle under the effects of alcohol or drugs, sexual abuse, weapon-related offenses, and fraudulent activities. They also work on cases involving narcotics possession, juvenile crimes, robbery, theft, and break-ins.

  • How should you get ready for your initial meeting with a criminal defense lawyer in Elizabeth?

    When meeting with a criminal defense lawyer in Elizabeth for the first time, make copies of crucial documents related to your case, such as the charging document, affidavits, bond papers, and police records. Also, you should have a list of questions ready for the lawyer, such as inquiries about their experience with criminal law and their fee structure.

  • What actions should you take after being detained in Elizabeth?

    The first thing you should do after being held in Elizabeth is to maintain your composure, be courteous, and keep quiet. Even if the police appear to be allowing you to tell your side of the story, choose not to talk about the details of your case because anything you say can be used against you in the courtroom. Before you respond to any queries from the authorities, call a lawyer to talk about the situation.

  • Can you represent yourself in a criminal case in Elizabeth?

    In Elizabeth, you can certainly defend yourself in court. However, to do so is risky if you don't fully understand the criminal court system. A skilled criminal defense attorney, meanwhile, will be familiar with both the law and the criminal justice system. It is usually preferable to seek assistance from a criminal defense attorney with significant expertise to achieve favorable results.