Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Newark

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency police calls in Newark, contact (973) 733-6000.

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

  You can obtain a copy of a police report at the City Annex building between Newark City Hall and 31 Green Street. It should be available three business days from filing.

• What are the most common crimes in Newark?

  Property crimes account for 73% of crimes recorded in Newark. The most common of which is larceny, with a reported rate of 837 cases filed per 100,000 residents. And although violent crimes only constitute 27%, aggravated assault is above the national average, at 330 offenses per 100,000 people.

• How does Newark fare in terms of gun violence?

  According to state statistics, Newark recorded the most number of shootings in New Jersey with 283, an increase of 10% from 2020 to 2021. Together with four other major cities, it accounts for 62% of the 1,412 gun-related violence in the state, with a rate of 58 victims per 100,000 residents. Newark alone is at 11.3 per 10,000.

• What is Newark's crime index compared to other US Cities?

  According to FBI crime data, Newark's crime rate is higher than 87% of the other cities and towns in New Jersey. With a crime index of 24, it is safer than only 24% of the other cities in the United States.

• What are the safest neighborhoods in Newark?

  The Newark neighborhoods with the least crime rate include Forest Hill South, Ironbound Southeast, and West Side Park. In addition, the residences on the corners of Elm Street and Lang Street, North 6th Street and Park Avenue, and Stuyvesant Avenue and 18th Avenue. Forest Hill Southeast, Lincoln Park South, Ironbound Northwest, and the vicinity of the New Jersey Institute of Technology are considered safe as well.

  The northwest section of Newark reported the least average recorded crime per year, at only 761.

• What is Newark's annual crime rate?

  Newark's crime rate is 19.05 per 1000 residents for an average of 5,852 crimes per year. Almost 5 people become victims of violent crimes like homicide and rape annually, while around 14 properties become subject to crimes like burglaries and arson.

• 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.