When accused of any crime in the State of New Jersey, you must stop all communication with the police. An experienced criminal lawyer like Rafael A. Triunfel should be consulted as soon as possible to protect your rights and defend you against further police actions or court orders. Below are some examples of criminal charges with special considerations.
It is prudent to speak to a domestic violence attorney before communicating with the so-called victim. A No Contact Order may be issued immediately and a violation is an additional criminal charge.
Types of Domestic Violence Charges
New Jersey has some of the toughest drug laws in the country. The majority of drug offenses are felonies. Factors that impact the seriousness of the charges include:
Types of Drugs in Question:
Many times, evidence from a drug arrest was obtained inappropriately. The defense can argue that evidence relating to drugs or paraphernalia should be “suppressed.” Common defenses include:
In cases where there is strong evidence against the defendant or a confession was made to the police, hope is not lost. New Jersey has several programs for first-time offenders and your Criminal Law Attorney will help to mitigate your potential penalties or sentences. These special programs focus on drug treatment, as an alternative to a long-term prison sentence.
Your criminal defense attorney should be knowledgeable about these different programs, as acceptance is not automatic or guaranteed. Depending on the facts of your case, a lawyer like Rafael A. Triunfel should advise you on which programs are available and are good for you.
New Jersey severely prosecutes theft charges. Even a first-time offense can result in jail time, fines, and probation.
Non-Criminal Penalties
A conviction for theft or shoplifting can result in the loss of your job or the denial of a future job opportunity. This is because theft-associated crimes are considered “crimes of dishonesty.” A theft conviction can also stop you from obtaining housing, professional licenses, security clearances, and college admission. For non-US citizens, immigration consequences can result in deportation.
A shoplifting charge can also result in a civil lawsuit initiated by the retail establishment. Larger retail chain stores commonly file lawsuits, even when the dollar value of the merchandise is under $100.
If a settlement is negotiated with the business owner, the criminal case can sometimes be dismissed. Under this law, the court may (at its discretion) dismiss the criminal case, if your defense attorney can provide evidence that the merchant has accepted restitution.
In New Jersey, there are diverse degrees and penalties for theft, depending on the value of the property and if you were a juvenile at the time of arrest. As you can see below, maximum penalties for adults are very severe. A theft attorney like Rafael A. Triunfel should be contacted as soon as possible to prepare a defense and prevent you from making implicating statements to the police or the court.