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New Jersey Criminal Lawyer

Call (888) 519-6013 to speak with a criminal defense attorney.

If you have been charged with a serious crime, you need the best criminal attorney in New Jersey. An experienced lawyer can help you decide if you should have a judge or jury trial, accept a plea deal, or mount a defense and argue your case in court. It is a scary situation to have your freedom and your future hanging in the balance, but having an experienced attorney on your side can ease the burden a bit.

United States citizens have access to one of the fairest justice systems anywhere. Suspected criminals maintain many rights, even when they are under arrest. They must be made aware of their Miranda rights once they are arrested. They can refuse to answer any questions until an attorney is present. Any questions which they answer after asserting this right to have an attorney cannot be used against them in court. Additionally, everyone is entitled to an attorney if a person charged with a crime cannot afford to hire a private attorney, they will be assigned a public defender.

Criminal law, also known as penal law, involves prosecution by the government of a person for an act that has been classified as a crime. A 'crime' is defined as any act or behavior which violates an established law or rule prohibiting it. A crime can also be the omission of an act, such as failing to pay one's taxes. A crime can even be the planning of an act, as in conspiracy. Though there are some common law crimes, most crimes in the United States are established by local, state, and federal governments. Criminal laws vary significantly from state to state.

Crimes include both felonies and misdemeanors. Felonies are more serious and include rape, arson, aggravated assault, kidnapping, torture, murder, embezzlement, fraud, tax evasion, treason, espionage, drug trafficking and grand theft. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses and can include prostitution, simple assault, trespassing, drug possession, vandalism, public intoxication and jaywalking. Persons convicted of a crime may be incarcerated. For misdemeanors, incarceration will be for a period of one year or less, and takes place in a county or local jail. Felons will face longer sentences of incarceration, and their confinement will be in a federal or state prison. Convicted criminals may also be required to pay fines, to perform community service, to fulfill certain conditions such as maintaining employment or completing drug or alcohol rehabilitation programs, or to be under the supervision of the state in the form of probation or parole.

Simple traffic violations are usually considered infractions, not crimes. For these, it's possible to represent oneself in court in order to fight the ticket. More serious crimes require professional legal representation. Court procedures and criminal law are too complicated for the average person to take on by themselves if they want a successful outcome.

When you are threatened with the loss of your freedom, financial penalties and a felony record, you want the best criminal attorney you can find, preferably one who specializes in the type of crime with which you are charged. It is important to remember that you are entitled to rights throughout the criminal justice system, and hiring an attorney will ensure that your rights are upheld. You are innocent until proven guilty and it is the responsibility of the prosecutor's office working for the government to prove you are guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Contact a New Jersey criminal lawyer by visiting the website American Bar Association (ABA). At the ABA website, access is always free, and you can begin your search for an attorney.