Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Passaic

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency phone number of the Passaic Police Department is 973-365-3900.

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

  To obtain a copy of a Passaic police report, call the Records Department at 973-365-3909 to file your request.

• Can you represent yourself in court if you’re facing criminal charges in Passaic County?

  In Passaic County, you can actually legally represent yourself in court if you do not qualify for a public defender and cannot or choose not to hire a private criminal defense attorney. However, the consequences of this decision can be disastrous. It would still be in your best interest to get the help of a lawyer to properly protect your rights and fight for your freedom.

• What happens if you receive probation in Passaic County?

  If you were convicted of a crime in Passaic County and you receive probation, it might just be the best possible sentence you could get in your case. Probation is a non-custodial sentence imposed by the judge that allows you to live in your community rather than go to jail or prison. You will be assigned a probation officer to supervise you throughout your probationary term and ensure that you meet all the conditions of the court. These may include performing community service, attending school, maintaining gainful employment, and undergoing regular drug and alcohol testing.

• Can the Passaic County police book you for a crime?

  If the Passaic County police suspect that you’ve committed a crime, they can institute a criminal case by indicting you. What follows after an indictment is that the state will offer evidence to a grand jury comprised of people who live within the county where the alleged offense happened. The grand jury will then determine whether or not you should be charged with a crime.

• How much does hiring a criminal defense lawyer cost in Passaic County?

  In reality, criminal defense lawyers in Passaic County do not have a fixed price for providing legal representation to their clients. This is because the amount that the defendant will pay depends on various factors. Some attorneys charge by the hour, while others charge by the case. The rate will also be affected by the unique details of the defendant’s case matter.

• Can you clear your criminal record in Passaic County?

  It may be possible for you to clear your criminal record in Passaic County if the crime you were arrested for or convicted of qualify for expungement. Once the court approves your petition for expungement, whatever arrest or conviction you received in the past will be removed from public records access, and it will appear as though the charges on your record never happened.

• 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.