Expertise.com
2024

Last updated:

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Trenton

Our Recommended Top 19

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

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

79

Reviewed

55

Curated

19

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
247 East Front Street, Trenton, NJ 08611

Why choose this provider?

Forrester Law Firm focuses on criminal defense law in the Trenton metro. It provides aggressive representation to clients facing criminal charges of any degree. Lawyer Amber Forrester is certified as a Criminal Trial Attorney with over 12 years of experience in criminal defense. She is relentless towards achieving favorable outcomes for her clients. She has represented thousands facing charges from minor theft offenses to homicide allegations. Forrester Law Firm also handles cases involving juvenile delinquency, and municipal court.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Amber Forrester - Principal16 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (22)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
9 E. Main St, Moorestown, NJ 08057
  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes

Why choose this provider?

Michele Finizio serves clients in Trenton and nearby areas. She offers criminal defense for cases involving drug offenses, disorderly conduct offenses, shoplifting, traffic violations, and DWI. Her primary areas of focus include criminal law and municipal court charges. She has experience in arguing for dismissal, lesser charges, a reduced sentence, or probation to keep a client's record clean and set the prison time to a minimum. She has been working in the industry since 2006

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (181)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
212 W. Route 38 Suite 440, Moorestown, NJ 08057
  • Drug Crimes

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Stephen R. Piper serves individuals throughout Trenton. It offers criminal defense services, representing those charged with felonies and misdemeanors, DUIs and traffic offenses, domestic violence, drug and sex crimes, theft, and violent crimes. It negotiates for reduced charges and works to minimize the potential consequences for defendants. Stephen R. Piper, the firm's principal, is a member of the Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey and the criminal law and family law sections of the New Jersey State Bar Association.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (20)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
3828 River Road, Point Pleasant, NJ 08742
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

William Proetta Criminal Law represents individuals accused of a crime in Trenton. Its criminal defense attorneys handle cases involving traffic violations, drug crimes, assault, and federal crimes. They also assist juvenile defendants and clients in seeking expungement. The firm has defended thousands of cases across New Jersey, gaining an understanding of the nuances of local judges, prosecutors, and criminal justice courts. Partner William A. Proetta has over 10 years of criminal defense experience. He is included in the National Trial Lawyers Association Top 40 Criminal Attorneys Under 40.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (41)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2681 Quakerbridge Road, Trenton, NJ 08619

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Nick Travisano represents clients charged with criminal offenses in Trenton. Travisano helps clients filing for domestic violence claims and works on finalizing temporary restraining orders. He also handles DWI cases and other traffic violations like driving while suspended, driving without insurance, and leaving the scene of an accident, as well as drug charges, juvenile matters, and assault. A former municipal prosecutor, Travisano has been a trustee of the Mercer County Bar Association for 15 years.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Nick Travisano - Principal34 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.9 / 5 (14)
Yelp
3.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
820 Bear Tavern Road Suite 304, West Trenton, NJ 08628
  • Federal Crime

Why choose this provider?

Furlong and Krasny provides legal consultation and representation to clients in the Trenton area. It works on criminal defense cases, defending individuals accused of committing crimes. The firm handles cases involving embezzlement, corporate fraud, drugs and weapons charges, or child pornography. It also offers services to individuals accused of insurance fraud, tax fraud, commercial bribery, and sexual assault. John Furlong and Scott Krasny started the firm in 1993. They share more than 75 years of combined legal experience.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
John Furlong - Partner48 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1487 State Highway 38 West, Hainesport, NJ 08036
  • DWI/DUI
  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Crimes
  • Juvenile Crimes

Why choose this provider?

Sitzler and Sitzler, a Hainesport-based law office, serves people residing in Trenton and the nearby communities. It defends individuals charged with DUI, domestic violence, homicide, burglary, assault and battery, and drug crimes. Its attorneys evaluate clients' situations, interview witnesses and collect evidence, and help obtain a favorable outcome for the accused, whether through a plea bargain or trial. John S. Sitzler, the firm's sole proprietor, worked as an adjunct professor at Widener University School of Law and is a member of the National Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Avvo
4.9 / 5 (45)
Google
4.5 / 5 (24)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
101 Route 130 S Suite 306, Cinnaminson, NJ 08077
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

Fridie Law Group LLC provides a variety of legal services to the residents of Trenton through its two offices in Cinnaminson and Gibbsboro. Its attorneys represent clients involved in criminal cases such as DUI and DWI, aggravated assault, shoplifting, and domestic violence. The firm also handles cases involving elder law, estate planning, and family law, including, divorce, custody, and alimony. Fridie Law Group has been providing 24/7 service to the residents of New Jersey since 2009.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (56)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (6)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
438 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08609
  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

Azzmeiah R. Vázquez, Attorney At Law, serves clients in the Trenton metro. She takes on criminal defense cases and provides legal representation for individuals who are facing DUI, identity theft, prostitution, and drug charges. She also handles personal injury cases and helps victims of negligence receive compensation. In addition, she accommodates clients with immigration and family law concerns. Azzmeiah R. Vázquez has been in the legal field for more than two decades. She is a member of the Committee on the Unauthorized Practice of Law.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Google
4.2 / 5 (5)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
50 Princeton Hightstown Rd, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

John W. Hartmann, Esq., counsels and represents clients in the Trenton metro and the surrounding communities. It handles various types of criminal defense cases, such as bank and wire fraud, drug distribution and trafficking, expungement, firearm possession, hit-and-run, and sexual assault. It also works on carjacking, DUI, embezzlement, prostitution, and theft claims. John W. Hartmann, the attorney, brings more than 20 years of experience in the legal field. He previously served as a state assemblyman for Mercer County.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
143 White Horse Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08610
  • DWI/DUI
  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Crimes

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Mark W. Catanzaro provides assistance to Trenton residents who are undergoing criminal, appellate, and civil litigation procedures. The firm's head attorney, Mark W. Catanzaro, handles various criminal matters in both state and federal courts, from terroristic threats to white-collar crimes. He helps criminal defendants who want to opt for a pre-trial intervention program, a diversionary process that allows clients to have their charges dismissed upon completion of requirements. Catanzaro is also licensed to practice in the state of Pennsylvania.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Google
5.0 / 5 (7)
Facebook
1.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
21 US-130, Cinnaminson, NJ 08077
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

Afonso Archie & Foley, P.C., caters to the legal needs of clients in Trenton. It has been providing criminal defense since 1996. The firm defends individuals who are facing allegations of fraud that concern Small Business Administration loans. It deals with federal charges, such as conspiracy to defraud the United States, aggravated identity theft, and making false, fictitious, or fraudulent claims, as well as tax evasion. Its criminal attorney, Troy Archie, is a member of The American Trial Lawyers Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Albert Afonso - Founding Attorney / Managing Partner28 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.9 / 5 (78)
Facebook
4.4 / 5 (14)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
69 High Street, Mount Holly, NJ 08060
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

Shugar Law Office provides clients in Trenton with legal assistance in criminal matters. Its attorneys defend individuals in drug possession or distribution, shoplifting charges, sex offenses, and gun crimes. Their legal services also include fighting traffic and speeding tickets, as well as challenging DUI and DWI charges. The office emphasizes efficiency in communication by sending step-by-step text alerts to its clients. The legal team has more than 60 years of combined experience.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Gregory Shugar - Founding Partner22 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Avvo
4.8 / 5 (141)
Google
4.7 / 5 (111)
Yelp
3.7 / 5 (7)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
86 Court Street, Freehold, NJ 07728

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Mallon & Tranger was founded in 1985 to offer representation in criminal defense and personal injury cases. Its criminal justice attorneys near Trenton secure preferable outcomes for individuals charged with DUI violations. They also handle traffic violations, such as speeding and driving without insurance or a driver's license. From possession to manufacturing and trafficking, the lawyers are well-versed in challenging drug charges. The firm provides reliable defense counsel in cases involving sexual offenses and violent crimes as well as property and white-collar criminal accusations.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Randall Tranger - Partner20 yrs
Thomas Mallon - Partner40 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
FindLaw
5.0 / 5 (122)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (8)
Yelp
1.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
46 West Lafayette Street, Trenton, NJ 08608
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

DeCosmo Law, Attorneys at Law, offers legal solutions to clients in Trenton. Its associates hold over 80 years of collective experience, representing individuals facing charges for DUI, sexual assault, murder, domestic violence, and drug possession. They fight for the defendant's rights in the courtroom and work on appeals and post-judgment actions, including applications for post-conviction relief and expungements. Its lawyers cater to immigrants filed with criminal charges. Managing partner Derek DeCosmo served as a chairperson of the American Immigration Lawyers Association New Jersey Chapter.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.8 / 5 (38)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (15)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (8)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2653 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619

Why choose this provider?

The David Law Firm LLC provides criminal defense services and deals with both state and federal crimes. Whether a client has been charged with weapons possession, drug distribution, assault, or a sex-based offense, this firm can protect them in court and help to mitigate or reduce their sentence. The David Law Firm LLC also defends juveniles who've been charged with misdemeanors or felonies. Divorce and family law services are available as well.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Mark Davis - Managing Partner18 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.8 / 5 (77)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
142 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

Law Offices of Eric B. Morrell caters to Trenton residents who have criminal defense concerns. The firm takes on cases ranging in gravity from drunk driving to gun crimes and drug charges. It handles accusations of assault and battery and defends persons struck by allegations of sexual assault. Clients include college students and the group represents victims of campus rape. Principal Eric B. Morrell has been a lawyer since 1998 and has conducted seminars such as “Understanding Drug Recognition Evaluations.”

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.9 / 5 (39)
Facebook
4.6 / 5 (11)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1874 Route 70 East Suite 6, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes

Why choose this provider?

Gigliotti Law Group provides criminal defense to clients in Trenton and the surrounding areas. It defends individuals against criminal charges, such as DUI, DWI, drug possession, assault, and burglary. It represents people in appeals, detention hearings, and record expungement. It builds relationships with forensic professionals and works with them when analyzing cases and preparing defenses. Ross Gigliotti, one of its criminal defense lawyers, served as a prosecutor from 1997 to 2000. Its attorneys have over 55 years of experience in criminal defense.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
101 Route 130 S Ste 1, Cinnaminson, NJ 08077
  • DWI/DUI
  • Juvenile Crimes

Why choose this provider?

Smolensky Law provides its services to clients in the Trenton metro and the surrounding communities. It assists individuals who are being arrested or investigated for different types of crimes, such as DWI or DUI and traffic violations. It represents them in various legal proceedings, including pretrial intervention, interrogation, evidence discovery, defense investigation, trial, and sentencing. Michael Smolensky, the attorney, has been practicing law since 2008. He holds a bachelor's degree in History and Spanish and a master's in Education.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Michael Smolensky - Principal16 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (36)
Google
4.8 / 5 (17)
Facebook
4.5 / 5 (13)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.5
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

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 withExpertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    The non-emergency contact number for the Trenton Police Department is 609-989-4000.

  • Can a non-US citizen from Trenton avoid penalties for a DWI charge?

    Yes, non-US citizens in Trenton can avoid DWI penalties, especially with the help of a criminal defense attorney. They can obtain a range of evidence to build a strong case, such as:

    • documents showing the unreliability of the police officer's urine, blood, or breath tests; and
    • records highlighting the suspect's medical condition that could be seen as a sign of inebriation. Over 22% of Trenton residents are born outside the country. An individual aiming to become a permanent resident in the US should hire a criminal defense attorney to avoid adverse consequences with their immigration status.
  • What are the penalties for a murder charge in Trenton?

    According to state law, murder is considered a first-degree felony; individuals could face a minimum of 30 years or even life in jail. One can face murder charges if they intentionally caused the death of another person, caused severe injury to an individual that ultimately resulted in their death, or killed someone during the commission of a robbery. Over 40 murders were committed in Trenton in 2021, underscoring the importance of a skilled attorney for people accused of the crime.

  • What makes Trenton dangerous for its residents?

    Trenton faces multiple socioeconomic challenges, including a 27.2% poverty rate and a median household income of $37,000, which is significantly lower than the national average of $64,994, as reported by Neighborhood Scout. The city also struggles with gang-related activity, with more than 10 active gangs identified by Inside Prison. Furthermore, Trenton grapples with urban blight, with more than 125 properties either slated for or currently undergoing demolition.

  • How can a Trenton criminal law attorney defend an individual accused of domestic violence?

    A Trenton criminal defense attorney can claim that their client engaged in self-defense or is falsely accused as part of the efforts to help them avoid the penalties related to a domestic violence charge. The lawyer might also check evidence that shows the arresting police officers did not comply with the proper procedure during the course of investigating or detaining the accused individual.

  • Can a person get a guilty verdict overturned if they were stopped illegally by the police in Trenton?

    Yes. An individual illegally stopped by Trenton police can claim their constitutional right against unreasonable search and seizure is violated. Their attorney can thereby suppress or exclude the evidence related to the illegal stop from the trial. Suppression of evidence is not guaranteed, however; the suspect's attorney still has to convince the judge that the police improperly searched their client's car.