Parsippany Criminal Defense Lawyer
Few events in a person’s life can be as intimidating or frightening as facing criminal charges. Even if the allegations are minor, a conviction can carry severe financial consequences, a criminal record, and jail time. More serious cases —including indictable offenses— can lead to a mandatory prison sentence or have serious collateral consequences, such as requiring you to register as a sex offender and hefty fines.
You must fight back against the allegations as quickly as possible. Hiring an Parsippany criminal defense lawyer is the first step in this process. Our experienced attorneys will work to protect your rights, investigate the circumstances of your case, and create a strong defense to fight the accusations levied against you. Our legal team is ready to answer your questions and prepare your defense.
How Can an Attorney Assist with Criminal Proceedings?
Every criminal allegation in New Jersey is a serious matter. However, each offense is categorized into two different offense levels, and then more specifically into distinctive gradings. Understanding these different charges is the first step to help individuals comprehend the severity of their case.
The most serious criminal offenses in New Jersey are known as Indictable offenses. Many will compare these to what other states consider felony offenses. These offenses typically allege serious harm to other people or their property. Common examples of indictable offenses include Aggravated Assault, Drug Distribution, Robbery, and Possession of a Firearm.
Indictable offenses are further categorized into grade levels of first, second, third, and fourth degree charges. A fourth-degree offense is the least serious indictable level and exposes a defendant to a maximum sentence of 18 months’ imprisonment, though there is no presumption of incarceration. The most serious indictable offense, which carries severe sentencing consequences as well as a mandatory presumption of imprisonment, is a first degree charge. A sentence for conviction of a first-degree offense can range from 10 to 20 years’ imprisonment. In some case where enhanced sentencing terms may apply, a prosecutor may even seek a life sentence. Fortunately, a dedicated attorney can build a comprehensive case to defend your criminal charges.
Lower-Level Criminal Offenses
Lower-level offenses in New Jersey are characterized as Disorderly Persons offenses. Many will compare these to what other states consider misdemeanors. Under New Jersey Revised Statute § 2C:43-8, a disorderly persons offense conviction can result in a maximum jail sentence of six months. The court may also order a guilty party to pay a fine of no more than $1,000. However, this does not account for other potential penalties like driver’s license suspension or the imposition of a restraining order. A defendant may also be sentenced to serve a term of probation in lieu of a jail sentence. Common examples of disorderly person offenses include Simple Assault, Shoplifting, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Criminal Mischief.
The lowest offense level that is one grade lower than a disorderly persons offense is known as a Petty Disorderly Persons offense. When you are facing a DP charge, or even an indictable offense, your Parsippany attorney may try to resolve your matter with a petty disorderly persons offense. Common examples of PDP offenses include Disorderly Conduct and Harassment. The maximum sentence for a PDP offense is up to thirty days in county jail and a maximum fine of $500.
Reach Out to a Criminal Defense Attorney at Williams Law Group in Parsippany Today
People facing criminal charges in New Jersey must give themselves every possible advantage. The best way to do this is by hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney to handle your case.
Our Parsippany criminal defense lawyers will help alleged offenders understand the potential penalties associated with their criminal charges and will explain what a prosecutor needs to prove to meet the elements of your charges. Most importantly, our team will protect your rights and ensure that you put forth the strongest defense.
Criminal charges can be overwhelming, but our team at Williams Law Group is prepared to help you through every step of the process. Call today to schedule a consultation.