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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Jersey City, NJ

Our Recommended Top 21

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Jersey City 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.

194Reviewed

124Curated

21Top Picks

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Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

549 Summit Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (49)
FindLaw
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Joel Silberman LLC is a criminal defense and civil rights legal practice with criminal lawyers in Jersey City serving clients throughout the metro area. It takes cases involving domestic violence, DWI, child pornography, Internet sex crimes, sexual assault, theft, robbery, narcotics offenses, harassment, weapons charges, and murder. The firm also provides a defense for white-collar crimes, including tax violations, insider trading, and bank, mortgage, insurance, mail, credit card, Internet, and bankruptcy fraud.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Joel Silberman - PrincipalActive18 yrs

197 New Jersey 18 South, East Brunswick, NJ 08816

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (2)
Facebook
4.9 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 2005, John B. Fabriele, III LLC is the law firm of a criminal defense attorney near Newark. Founder John Fabriele defends clients charged with marijuana possession, juvenile delinquency, gun and weapon crimes, and shoplifting offenses in superior and municipal courts. He helps accused clients get charges dropped or reduced and penalties moderated, including jail terms and fines. His firm also deals with cases involving expungement, speeding tickets, homicide, and white-collar crimes. Mr. Fabriele is a member of the Middlesex County Bar Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
John Fabriele - PrincipalActive25 yrs

12 Oakland Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.5 (161)
Facebook
4.3 (29)
Yelp
1.5 (8)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone is a legal practice serving clients throughout Jersey City. Founded in 1988, it takes criminal defense cases involving indictable crimes and disorderly or petty disorderly person offense, such as property theft, criminal mischief, assault, drug possession, DUI, murder, manslaughter, sex charges, and stalking. The firm also represents individuals charged with white-collar crimes, including forgery, identity theft, and fraud. Other practice areas include personal injury and family law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Anthony Carbone - PrincipalActive36 yrs

549 Summit Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (42)
Facebook
5.0 (1)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Stephen J. Natoli advocates for the legal rights of individuals charged with criminal offenses. Mr. Natoli represents clients charged with a variety of misdemeanors and felonies. He's successfully argued cases involving DUIs and white-collar crimes as well as federal racketeering, distribution of narcotics, assault, and murder cases. The firm conducts a thorough investigation into each case, assessing the evidence and data. It evaluates police reports and conducts interviews to ensure procedures were properly followed.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Stephen Natoli - FounderActive12 yrs

26 Journal Square Plaza Suite 1201, Jersey City, NJ 07306
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.5 (17)
Justia
5.0 (4)
Avvo
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Willis & Novel, LLC, offers legal services to individuals in Jersey City. It advocates for the rights of clients facing charges for money laundering, tax and security fraud, and embezzlement. The firm also takes on matters related to kidnapping, sexual assault, and drug crimes. Its team helps defendants build cases to settle mandatory penalties, including high fines and imprisonment. One of the partners, Peter Willis, has been litigating criminal cases for over five decades. He has been featured in New York Times and Jersey Journal.

  • Federal Crime
  • Drug Crimes

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Peter Willis - partnerActive54 yrs

853 Summit Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07307

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (36)
Avvo
4.9 (32)
Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

With more than 20 years of legal experience, Frances Nicotra, Esq., is a multi-practice attorney who serves individuals and families in Jersey City and the surrounding areas. She provides criminal defense services for various charges, including disorderly person offenses and domestic violence. She also assists with criminal record expungements.​ Her other practice areas include family and matrimonial law, estate administration and probate​​​​​​, and personal injury. Frances Nicotra serves as the president of the Hudson County Bar Association for the 2021 term.

  • Expungement
  • Domestic Violence

549 Summit Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Anthony R. Gualano, Esq., is a lawyer in Jersey City who has been serving defendants for over 30 years. He handles various criminal cases, such as homicide, burglary, theft, DWI and DUI, and domestic violence. He assists clients in obtaining favorable results by providing strategic defenses and employing legal tactics when representing them in court. Gualano is a board-certified criminal trial attorney by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. Since 2014, he has been named to The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers.

  • DWI/DUI

179 Fern Rd., East Brunswick, NJ 08816

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.7 (15)
Google
2.0 (4)
FindLaw
0.5 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Bryak & Associates assists drivers cited for speeding, tailgating, red light-running, improper lane change, careless driving, and leaving the scene in Jersey City. It also represents those caught driving while suspended, without a license, and without insurance. Among its notable cases, the firm had all charges dropped against a defendant with 18 demerit points from 10 distinct violations. Its attorney, Edmund Bryak, concentrates on defending motorists with traffic infractions. He has acted as lead counsel in various criminal cases, including shoplifting, DUI, drug possession, forgery, assault, and rape.

  • DWI/DUI

242 10th St Ste 103, Jersey City, NJ 07302

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (30)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Proetta & Oliver is a criminal defense firm serving clients throughout Jersey City, with additional locations in Edison and Cranford. Founded in 2017, it represents individuals under arrest and investigation for assault, domestic violence, DWI, drug charges, sex crimes, disorderly conduct, theft, traffic violations, weapon offenses, and robbery. The firm also handles white-collar criminal charges involving theft by deception, forgery, identity theft, and check, prescription, credit card fraud.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
William Proetta - FounderActive14 yrs

494 Broad Street 5th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Murphy Orlando LLC is a legal firm with criminal lawyers in Jersey Cityserving clients throughout the metro area. Founded in 2009, it represents individuals and businesses under arrest and investigation for misdemeanor and felony criminal charges. The firm's attorneys use their skills, education, and experience to protect clients' rights and defend them against all allegations. Other practice areas include labor and employment, land use, election, redevelopment, probate, and regulatory law. Attorney Michael Murphy is a former Morris County prosecutor with over 40 years' experience.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
William Murphy - PartnerActive49 yrs

1100 Valley Brook Ave, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.6 (30)
Google
5.0 (8)

Why choose this provider?

Scarinci Hollenbeck LLC is a legal practice serving clients in Jersey City with four additional locations in New York City, Red Bank, San Francisco, and the District of Columbia. Founded in 1988, it handles federal and state criminal charges involving racketeering, bank fraud, and tax crimes. The firm's attorneys also provide post-conviction services, including appeals, conditional discharge, and expungement of arrest and conviction records. Other practice areas include labor and employment, trust law, and estate planning.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Robert Levy - PartnerActive48 yrs
Paul Lieberman - PartnerActive10 yrs
Ronald Bienstock - PartnerActive40 yrs
David Einhorn - PartnerActive37 yrs
Kenneth Hollenbeck - PartnerActive37 yrs
Donald Scarinci - Founding/Managing PartnerActive33 yrs

600 Broad Street, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (33)
Avvo
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

The O'Mara Law Firm is a law firm in Jersey City that offers criminal defense and related services. Its legal team fights for individuals arrested or accused of domestic violence, unlawful possession of weapons, aggravated assault, drug possession, and sexual assault. The attorneys also handle juvenile and DWI cases as well as represent clients in expungement and bail reduction hearings. Founding attorney Peter M. O'Mara is a member of the New Jersey Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Pete O'Mara - PrincipalActive31 yrs
Pete O'Mara - PrincipalActive31 yrs

574 Newark Ave Suite 204A, Jersey City, NJ 07311

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (91)
Avvo
4.9 (70)
Facebook
5.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall serves clients in Jersey City. The firm provides legal services for criminal defense cases, specifically DUI and DWI charges. The firm's attorneys—who have over 200 years of combined legal experience—represent individuals accused of DUI offenses, including first to third offenses, refusal to submit, drug DUI, DWI in school zone, and underage DUI. Marshall is also a legal consultant for several print and television publications, including CNBC and Starledger.

  • DWI/DUI

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Jonathan Marshall - Managing PartnerActive31 yrs

1919 Kennedy Blvd, North Bergen, NJ 07047

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.8 (53)
Google
4.7 (19)

Why choose this provider?

Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq is a legal firm located in North Bergen serving clients in Jersey City with over ten additional offices throughout the metro area. Founded in 1991, it represents individuals under arrest for misdemeanors and felonies, including drug possession and trafficking, federal crimes, homicide, vehicular manslaughter, robbery, carjacking, firearm offenses, arson, conspiracy, theft, fraud, and sex offenses. The firm's attorneys also assist with expungements and parole proceedings. Services are available in English and Spanish.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Lawrence Lebrocq - Managing PartnerActive22 yrs
William Garces - Founder and Managing PartnerActive36 yrs
William Grabler - PartnerActive41 yrs

30 Montgomery Street, 11th Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07302

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Genova Burns is a mid-sized law firm that represents individuals and corporate clients arrested for a criminal offense in Jersey City. Its attorneys offer legal guidance while minimizing the unwanted media attention and commercial repercussions that come along with being the topic of court disputes. They collaborate with clients from the beginning to determine liability and reduce any future risk. Genova Burns was named the Best Law Firm by US News & World Report in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

440-56th Street, West New York, NJ 07093

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (52)
Avvo
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Alberto Soto, Attorney at Law, has been representing clients in Jersey City for over 10 years. This general practice law firm deals with cases ranging from criminal law to family law. The office handles charges in assault and battery, drug possession and paraphernalia, domestic violence, and theft. Alberto Soto began his career in criminal law and has worked in the Kings Country District Attorney Office's Homicide Bureau and Appeals Bureau. Soto has also advised clients who have been charged with a crime that could jeopardize their immigration status.

  • DWI/DUI

910 Bergen Avenue, Suite 203, Jersey City, NJ 07306

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (48)
Yelp
3.5 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Dominick Succardi is an attorney representing individuals and families in Jersey City and the surrounding areas. He offers criminal defense services to help clients reduce their legal consequences or prove their innocence. He also guides them in understanding and navigating their legal options to fight for their rights. In addition to criminal law, Dominick handles DUI, personal injury, and domestic violence matters. He is available to serve clients in the creative, hospitality, and start-up industries.

  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

185 Hudson St Ste 2510, Jersey City, NJ 07311

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Connell Foley is a legal practice with criminal justice attorneys in Jersey City with over six locations in the metro area. Founded in 1938, it represents businesses and executives charged with and under investigation for white-collar crimes involving theft, deceit, bribery, extortion, kickbacks, racketeering, and banking, health care, bankruptcy, securities, finance, and tax fraud. The firm's attorneys work with clients through all phases, including indictments, pretrial hearings, trials, and appeals. It also focuses on cannabis, construction, and real estate law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
William Deveau - PartnerActive19 yrs
Brad Shalit - PartnerActive26 yrs
Timothy Corriston - PartnerActive38 yrs

26 Journal Square Suite 1201, Jersey City, NJ 07306

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (11)
Avvo
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Peter R. Willis, Attorney at Law, defends wrongfully accused individuals in Jersey City before federal and state courts. The firm fights for justice on behalf of those involved in criminal matters, such as drug possession, sexual assault, DUIs, white-collar crimes, and tax offenses. One of its members, Kevin G. Callahan, is a former superior court judge who collaborates with a team of litigators, investigators, and forensic professionals in handling complex criminal cases. They also have worked with high-profile clients like police officers and political figures.

  • DWI/DUI

549 Summit Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (8)
Google
5.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Rubas Law Offices is a legal practice serving clients throughout the Jersey City metro area with a second location in Manasquan. The firm represents individuals charged with felony and misdemeanor offenses, including final restraining orders, unlawful weapons possession, theft, property crimes, assault, battery, sex offenses, child endangerment matters, and white-collar charges. Attorney and founder Michael Peter Rubas is certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a criminal trial attorney.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Michael Rubas - PrincipalActive25 yrs

1139 E. Jersey St., Suite 317, Elizabeth, NJ 07201

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (16)
Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Law Office of Charles Dawkins Jr LLC protects the rights of people in and around Jersey City. It offers legal counsel and representation to individuals facing charges for criminal violations. The practice handles cases involving improper searches, domestic violence, theft and shoplifting, sexual assault, and drug crimes. It also takes on business, personal injury, and immigration law. Founding partner Charles Dawkins Jr. received the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Criminal Trial Lawyers and Who's Who Top Attorneys Awards in 2016.

  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Crimes
  • Theft & Burglary
  • Probation Violation

Compare our Top Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
The Law Offices of Joel Silberman LLC
549 Summit Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306
John B. Fabriele, III, LLC
197 New Jersey 18 South, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone
12 Oakland Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306
The Law Offices of Stephen J. Natoli
549 Summit Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306
Willis & Novel, LLC
26 Journal Square Plaza Suite 1201, Jersey City, NJ 07306
Frances Nicotra, Esq.
853 Summit Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07307
Anthony R. Gualano, Esq.
549 Summit Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306
Bryak & Associates
179 Fern Rd., East Brunswick, NJ 08816
The Law Offices of Proetta & Oliver
242 10th St Ste 103, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Murphy Orlando LLC
494 Broad Street 5th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102
Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
1100 Valley Brook Ave, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071
The O'Mara Law Firm
600 Broad Street, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall
574 Newark Ave Suite 204A, Jersey City, NJ 07311
Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq
1919 Kennedy Blvd, North Bergen, NJ 07047
Genova Burns
30 Montgomery Street, 11th Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Alberto Soto, Attorney at Law
440-56th Street, West New York, NJ 07093
Dominick Succardi
910 Bergen Avenue, Suite 203, Jersey City, NJ 07306
Connell Foley
185 Hudson St Ste 2510, Jersey City, NJ 07311
Peter R. Willis Attorney at Law
26 Journal Square Suite 1201, Jersey City, NJ 07306
Rubas Law Offices
549 Summit Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306
Law Office of Charles Dawkins Jr LLC
1139 E. Jersey St., Suite 317, Elizabeth, NJ 07201

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.

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.

  • 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.