Charged in New Jersey? Get a defense that's ready.

Stay calm, say you want a lawyer, and don't answer questions about the incident. You must give your name and identification, but you don't have to explain what happened. Don't consent to searches, and don't discuss the case by phone from jail, by text, or on social media. Call 856-823-1117 as soon as you can.

New Jersey doesn't use the terms felony and misdemeanor. Indictable crimes are graded first through fourth degree, go to the Superior Court in the county where the offense happened, and carry possible state prison time. Disorderly persons and petty disorderly persons offenses are heard in municipal court and carry up to six months and up to 30 days in jail, respectively.

Often, yes, for first-time defendants. Pretrial Intervention (PTI) is a Superior Court diversion program for indictable charges, and conditional discharge is available in municipal court for certain drug offenses. If you complete the program, the charges are dismissed. Eligibility and prosecutor consent rules apply, so getting a lawyer early matters.

Municipal court matters often resolve within a few months. Indictable cases in Superior Court usually take longer because of grand jury review, discovery, and motion practice. We push for efficiency without giving up preparation.

The judge confirms you understand the charges and your rights, and addresses pretrial release conditions. New Jersey largely replaced cash bail with a risk-based release system in 2017. In indictable cases, the arraignment usually comes after indictment. Having counsel at the first appearance protects you from early mistakes.

Be polite, provide your license, registration, and insurance, and avoid volunteering how much you drank. Roadside field sobriety tests aren't covered by New Jersey's implied consent law, but the breath test at the station is, so refusing it is a separate offense. Call us immediately after release.

Refusing the Alcotest at the station is a separate violation under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.4a. A refusal conviction carries its own fines, an ignition interlock requirement, and other penalties. The State must prove the officer read the standard statement properly and that your refusal was clear, so these charges can be challenged.

No. In New Jersey, DWI is a motor vehicle offense heard in municipal court, so it isn't a criminal conviction. It stays on your driving abstract and can't be expunged. A later offense counts as a repeat offense, although a step-down rule can apply if more than ten years have passed.

For a first offense, penalties depend on your blood alcohol level. They include fines starting at $250, up to 30 days in jail, an ignition interlock device, possible license forfeiture at higher readings, 12 hours at an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center, and MVC insurance surcharges. Conditional discharge and PTI aren't available for DWI, so the defense focuses on the stop, the testing, and the evidence.

Paying a ticket is a guilty plea. That means points, possible MVC surcharges, and higher insurance costs. Many tickets can be negotiated to a lower-point or no-point offense, so talk to a lawyer before you pay, especially if you hold a CDL or already have points.

Yes. Collecting 12 or more points can trigger an MVC suspension, and 6 or more points within three years can bring surcharges. An approved defensive driving course can remove up to 2 points. We work to keep points off your record in the first place.

Reckless driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96) means driving heedlessly, in willful or wanton disregard of safety. It carries 5 points and possible jail. Careless driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97) is a lesser 2-point offense. Reckless charges are often negotiable, depending on the facts.

Missing municipal court can lead to a bench warrant or a license suspension for failure to appear. Call us right away. We can often get the matter relisted and resolve the warrant before it causes a bigger problem.