An allegation of a sex offense in Edgewater can turn life upside down in an instant. Even a rumor can damage a career, relationships, and standing in the community. New Jersey law carries severe penalties, and the process moves quickly. Having a steady legal advocate who understands local courts, prosecutors, and procedures can help you regain control. At the Law Office of Edward Appel, we provide clear guidance from the first call, explain the risks and options, and develop a defense plan tailored to your goals. If you have been contacted by police or believe you are under investigation, do not go it alone—get informed support right away.
Edgewater cases often involve fast-moving investigations, digital evidence, and sensitive interviews. Early steps can shape the outcome, including how you respond to police requests and whether evidence is preserved. Our approach focuses on protecting your rights, investigating the facts, and presenting your side of the story with care and attention. Whether the issue involves consent, mistaken identity, online activity, or a misunderstanding, we work to challenge the State’s assertions and pursue the best available outcome. We are available to speak discreetly, answer urgent questions, and coordinate next steps. Call 856-856-2373 to discuss your situation with a New Jersey criminal defense firm you can rely on.
Prompt legal guidance can make a meaningful difference. In many Edgewater investigations, law enforcement gathers statements, phone records, and digital data before a person realizes they are a target. A defense attorney can intervene early, advise on interviews, safeguard devices, and ensure your rights are respected. A thorough approach helps identify weaknesses in the allegations, highlight inconsistencies, and preserve favorable evidence that might otherwise be lost. It also opens the door to pre-charge communication with prosecutors, which can narrow issues or even limit exposure. Beyond the courtroom, proactive representation helps manage privacy concerns, media risks, and employment issues that often arise from sensitive accusations.
The Law Office of Edward Appel is a New Jersey firm handling Criminal Defense matters throughout Bergen County, including Edgewater. Our practice is built on careful preparation, clear communication, and steady advocacy. We take time to understand the facts, gather records, and coordinate with investigators and experts when needed. Clients appreciate our practical guidance, respectful approach, and willingness to dig into the details that shape outcomes. We also handle Personal Injury and DUI matters, which informs our understanding of courts, procedures, and negotiation dynamics across the region. From the first consultation to resolution, we strive to protect your rights and help you move forward with confidence.
New Jersey sex offense cases cover a range of allegations, from sexual assault and criminal sexual contact to endangering the welfare of a child and online conduct. The law focuses on elements such as force, coercion, age, consent, and the nature of the contact. Some charges carry prison exposure, registry requirements, and strict supervision if there is a conviction. Cases are often built on statements, medical records, devices, and social media, which means context and credibility matter. Because these cases are sensitive and complex, early strategy helps address misunderstandings, protect privacy, and preserve evidence that supports your account of what happened.
Edgewater investigations may involve detectives from Bergen County, school officials, or child welfare personnel depending on the allegation. You may be asked to provide a statement or surrender devices. You have the right to remain silent and the right to counsel. Exercising those rights does not signal guilt; it simply protects you. A defense team can evaluate the accusation, advise on risks, and help you avoid unintentional missteps. In many cases, timelines, communications, location data, and witness accounts reveal gaps that the initial report overlooks. Our goal is to guide you through each stage with clarity, discretion, and a plan grounded in New Jersey law.
Sex crime allegations generally center on whether contact occurred, whether it was voluntary, and whether any statutory bars apply due to age or status. Prosecutors often rely on statements, forensic evidence, phone extractions, browser histories, and third-party records. In some cases, the State may proceed primarily on testimony, which places credibility and consistency at the heart of the case. Defense work examines every element, including identification, timeline, prior communications, and whether law enforcement followed proper procedures. Context matters. Messages, photos, travel data, and witness accounts can complicate the State’s narrative. A careful review tests the reliability of each piece of evidence and identifies reasonable doubt.
Most cases move through investigation, charging, initial appearances, discovery, motions, negotiations, and either resolution or trial. Along the way, the defense can challenge probable cause, suppress statements or evidence, and seek limits on certain testimony. The State must prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt, including identity and the nature of any contact. Pretrial motions and expert consultations can shift leverage and shape potential outcomes. In Edgewater and greater Bergen County, courts expect timely participation in discovery and compliance with scheduling orders. Staying ahead of deadlines and preparing thoroughly for each appearance helps protect your rights and positions the case for the strongest possible defense.
The terminology in sex offense cases can be confusing. Understanding a few common terms helps you follow what is happening and make informed decisions. These definitions are general and may vary based on the specific charge, facts, and court orders. If you have questions about how a term applies to your situation, speak with counsel before taking action. Clear definitions can help you evaluate options, weigh risks, and decide on the next steps. Below are several frequently used concepts in Edgewater cases that often arise during investigation, pretrial hearings, plea discussions, and any required post-conviction supervision.
Probable cause is the legal threshold required for police to make an arrest or for a court to issue a warrant. It means there are reasonable grounds, based on facts and circumstances, to believe a crime was committed and the person arrested committed it. In sex offense cases, probable cause may be based on a complainant’s statement, corroborating messages, or medical records. However, the existence of probable cause does not establish guilt. Defense counsel can challenge whether the standard was met, seek suppression of evidence gathered through defective warrants, and test the reliability of the underlying information that led to the arrest.
Megan’s Law refers to New Jersey’s registration and community supervision requirements for certain sex offense convictions. Depending on the offense and risk tier, individuals may be required to register with law enforcement and comply with ongoing reporting rules. The tiering process evaluates factors such as offense history and risk assessments. Not all charges lead to registration, and some outcomes avoid these obligations entirely. Defense efforts often focus on charge selection, plea negotiations, and litigation strategies that reduce the chance of a registrable result. Understanding Megan’s Law early helps you evaluate potential consequences and plan for mitigation if the case proceeds to sentencing.
Consent generally means a voluntary, informed agreement to engage in conduct. In New Jersey sex offense cases, the issue may hinge on words, actions, and surrounding circumstances. Certain factors, such as age, intoxication, coercion, or power dynamics, can affect whether consent is recognized under the law. Text messages, social media exchanges, and prior communications may be relevant, but they are not always decisive. The State must prove lack of consent where required by the statute, and the defense can present evidence that supports a different understanding of events. Precision in evaluating timing, context, and credibility is essential to building a strong defense.
The No Early Release Act is a New Jersey sentencing law that requires service of a substantial portion of a prison term—typically eighty-five percent—for certain violent offenses before parole eligibility. Some sex offense charges may trigger NERA, depending on the facts and statutory elements. Understanding whether NERA applies is important when evaluating plea options and trial risk because it affects practical time exposure. Defense strategy often aims to challenge elements that would trigger NERA or to negotiate resolutions that avoid it. Accurate advice about NERA’s impact helps you compare choices and plan for a realistic path forward in your case.
Every Edgewater case is different. Some situations call for a light touch and targeted guidance, while others require a comprehensive, resource-intensive defense. A limited engagement might focus on consultation, immediate advice on police contact, and help preserving evidence. Comprehensive representation may include independent investigation, expert consultation, motion practice, and trial preparation. The right path depends on the allegations, available evidence, and your goals. Thoughtful evaluation early in the process helps align strategy with risk. We discuss options, costs, and likely timelines so you can choose a defense plan that fits your circumstances and protects your future.
If you have heard about an allegation but have not been charged, a limited approach may focus on preparing for potential outreach from detectives. Counsel can advise you on whether to speak, how to respond if contacted, and how to avoid unintentional statements. This stage may also include preserving communications, gathering alibi materials, and identifying witnesses. Early guidance can head off avoidable missteps without committing to full litigation. If the case advances, you can transition to comprehensive representation. This measured plan helps you stay protected while controlling costs and keeping options open as more information becomes available.
Some matters hinge on a misunderstanding that clear documentation can resolve. Examples include misidentification, incorrect dates, or messages that change the context of an interaction. In those situations, focused counsel may facilitate a prompt exchange of materials, communicate with the prosecutor, and request a careful review before charges escalate. The goal is to address the concern efficiently while avoiding unnecessary exposure. If the State persists or new facts complicate the picture, the plan can escalate to a broader defense. This stepwise approach respects the sensitivity of sex offense allegations while working to restore your standing as quickly as possible.
Cases involving device extractions, medical evidence, or multiple witness accounts typically call for a comprehensive defense. These matters benefit from independent investigation, expert consultation, and motion practice to test the State’s proof. Thorough analysis of timelines, metadata, and chain-of-custody can expose inconsistencies or gaps. Preparation for cross-examination and detailed evidentiary challenges can shift leverage in negotiations and at trial. When the State’s case appears layered and technical, investing in a full defense strategy helps ensure no issue is overlooked and that your rights are protected at every stage of the proceeding.
If the allegations carry the risk of a lengthy sentence, No Early Release Act exposure, or Megan’s Law registration, the stakes warrant a broad, sustained defense. A comprehensive plan allows time to develop mitigation, address treatment options where appropriate, gather character materials, and litigate evidentiary issues that influence outcomes. It also supports careful plea analysis, including charge selection and collateral consequences affecting employment, housing, and family life. High-stakes cases often require the discipline of deadlines, detailed preparation, and repeated strategy sessions to adapt as discovery unfolds. A full defense helps position you for the strongest available resolution.
A comprehensive defense brings structure and momentum to a stressful situation. It ensures evidence is preserved, witnesses are interviewed, and deadlines are met. By addressing both legal and practical concerns—from privacy to employment—this approach reduces the risk of surprises. It improves negotiations by showing prosecutors that the defense is prepared, informed, and ready to litigate. It also creates options, whether that means pursuing dismissal, negotiating favorable terms, or preparing confidently for trial. With a full plan, you control the narrative rather than reacting to developments piecemeal, which can improve both outcomes and peace of mind.
Beyond the courtroom, a comprehensive plan integrates mitigation that can influence charging decisions and sentencing. Thoughtful mitigation may include treatment, evaluations, community support letters, and documented achievements that show stability and progress. Pairing strong legal arguments with meaningful personal context can reshape how a case is viewed. This broader lens is especially helpful in sensitive matters where reputational stakes are high. The combination of legal challenges, strategic communication, and humanizing materials provides a fuller picture to decision-makers and can open doors to alternatives that might not otherwise be considered.
Thorough preparation influences how prosecutors evaluate risk. When the defense presents organized discovery challenges, credible alternative timelines, and well-developed mitigation, it signals readiness for litigation. That often encourages more productive discussions, better offers, or narrowed issues for hearing or trial. In Edgewater cases, early engagement with the State can also speed decisions that avoid unnecessary escalation. The goal is not conflict for its own sake, but informed leverage that supports your objectives. A stronger negotiating position gives you choices and allows for realistic comparisons between plea options and trial strategy, so you can make decisions with confidence.
Sex offense allegations carry unique reputational risks. A comprehensive defense considers confidentiality, media exposure, and collateral consequences at every step. Coordinated strategy can reduce unnecessary public filings, seek protective orders where appropriate, and manage communications to avoid harm. Long-term planning addresses registry exposure, employment impacts, housing concerns, and immigration issues when relevant. By thinking beyond the immediate hearing, the defense can position you for a stable future. Protecting privacy and long-term interests is part of a holistic approach that treats you as a whole person, not just a case number.
Well-meaning explanations can be misunderstood or taken out of context. If detectives reach out, be polite and request an attorney before answering questions. This protects your rights and allows time to understand the scope of the investigation. An attorney can coordinate a controlled interview, decline inappropriate requests, or offer written materials that present your side accurately. Exercising your rights does not signal guilt. It signals care for the process. Even a short delay can be the difference between a statement that harms your case and a clear, strategic response guided by sound legal advice tailored to New Jersey law.
Limit public statements and avoid discussing the case online. Posts, comments, and private messages are often discoverable and can be used to challenge credibility. Ask friends and family not to engage in arguments or speculation. If you receive contact from the complainant or related parties, do not respond; notify your attorney immediately. A measured approach protects privacy and keeps the focus on the legal strategy. Careful communication planning reduces risk, avoids misunderstandings, and helps ensure that your story is told in the right place, at the right time, with appropriate legal safeguards in place.
People contact us at many stages: before charges, after an arrest, or when a court date appears unexpectedly. The common thread is uncertainty about rights, next steps, and realistic outcomes. Early guidance helps set boundaries with law enforcement, protects devices, and outlines a plan tailored to your situation. Whether you face a misunderstanding, an allegation tied to alcohol, online communications, or a relationship dispute, you deserve careful attention to the facts and the law. We focus on preserving your options, managing risk, and working toward a resolution that lets you move forward with your life.
Sex offense cases can affect employment, education, housing, and family life. A defense team can address these realities while building the legal case. We coordinate with evaluators when appropriate, gather character materials, and advise on steps that demonstrate responsibility and stability. In many matters, proactive action has a meaningful impact on outcomes. Edgewater clients appreciate a direct, respectful approach that acknowledges the sensitivity of these cases while remaining steadfast in defense of their rights. If you have questions, we offer discreet consultations to talk through your concerns and map out a plan that fits your goals.
Many cases start with a call from a detective, a request to “come in and talk,” or a notice that devices will be examined. Others begin after an incident involving alcohol, confusion about consent, or messages taken out of context. Sometimes a relationship dispute escalates into conflicting stories. In each scenario, the earlier you get legal guidance, the better your chance of protecting your rights and preserving helpful evidence. Understanding what the State must prove and how the process works reduces stress and improves decision-making. We help you prepare thoughtfully for each step and avoid common pitfalls.
If you receive a call from an investigator, do not assume you can clear it up with a quick conversation. Well-intended statements can unintentionally fill gaps in the State’s case. You have the right to counsel, and exercising it protects you. We’ll assess whether an interview is wise, prepare you for potential questions, and set boundaries. In some cases, we decline an interview and present information in writing or through counsel. The goal is to control the flow of information, reduce risk, and ensure your side is shared in a way that supports a strong defense.
When law enforcement seeks devices or online accounts, timing and procedure matter. Do not delete or alter content. Contact a lawyer immediately and provide any paperwork you received. We analyze the warrant, evaluate probable cause, and consider suppression if the search exceeded legal limits. We also guide you on how to preserve additional data that helps your defense. If the State intends a forensic extraction, we can address scope, conditions, and privacy concerns. Careful handling of digital evidence protects your rights and helps ensure that any future court challenges have a solid foundation.
A summons or indictment means deadlines are approaching. Immediate steps include calendaring your first appearance, reviewing discovery, and identifying preliminary motions. We explain the charges, potential penalties, and options, including negotiations, hearings, or trial. We also discuss practical concerns such as employment notifications, transportation to court, and family logistics. This is a time for steady action and clear planning. With a structured defense, you can make informed choices and avoid missteps that might limit your options later. Our team stands with you at each hearing and keeps you updated on every development.
You deserve a defense that is thoughtful, detailed, and responsive. Our firm believes in thorough investigation, consistent communication, and honest advice about risks and options. We prepare for each stage with a plan that reflects your goals, whether that means seeking dismissal, negotiating a resolution, or going to trial. Clients appreciate that we explain the process in plain language and stay available for questions. In sensitive cases, trust and follow-through make a difference. We aim to earn that trust every day by showing up prepared and advocating firmly for your future.
Local familiarity matters. Edgewater cases often involve Bergen County procedures, prosecutors, and judges with specific preferences. Understanding those expectations helps us tailor strategy and timing. We also coordinate with investigators and professionals when their input can strengthen the defense or mitigation. Our work across Criminal Defense, DUI, and related matters gives us insight into court dynamics and negotiation practices that can benefit your case. With a clear plan and steady guidance, we help you navigate each step and make decisions that reflect both legal realities and personal priorities.
We take confidentiality seriously and treat clients with dignity. Sensitive allegations require care, discretion, and respect. From intake to resolution, we protect your privacy and focus on solutions that allow you to move forward. We will not overpromise or pressure you into decisions. Instead, we provide the information you need to choose confidently. When stakes are high, that steady partnership can be the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling prepared. If you are ready to talk, we are ready to listen and put a strategy in motion.
Our process is designed to bring clarity and momentum. We begin with a confidential consultation to understand your concerns and immediate risks. Next, we gather records, secure digital evidence, and request discovery to evaluate the State’s proof. We identify legal issues for motions, map out investigation steps, and coordinate with professionals when needed. Throughout the case, we keep you updated, prepare you for hearings, and discuss negotiation options alongside trial planning. The goal is to protect your rights, position the case for the best outcome available, and support you through a stressful time with clear, steady guidance.
We start by listening. During the initial consult, we gather timelines, communications, and your priorities. We advise on immediate concerns, such as police contact or device handling, and outline early preservation steps. We also discuss potential charges, court procedures in Bergen County, and realistic next steps. This stage sets expectations and allows us to tailor the defense plan to your goals and risk profile. With a shared understanding of the road ahead, we move quickly to protect your rights and secure materials that may be vital to your defense.
Your story drives the strategy. We ask focused questions, review messages or documents you bring, and identify urgent issues. If police outreach is expected, we plan a response. If devices may be searched, we discuss how to preserve data and safeguard privacy. We explain each right in simple terms, so you know what to do and what to avoid. Clear priorities help reduce anxiety and create a strong foundation for the defense. With prompt action, we can set the tone and prevent avoidable problems later in the process.
We secure records that support your account, including texts, call logs, photos, and location data. Where appropriate, we reach out discreetly to potential witnesses and consider preservation letters to third parties. If pre-charge communication with prosecutors is useful, we evaluate timing and approach. We also assess whether any expert input is needed to interpret digital or medical records. Working quickly at this stage can protect materials that might otherwise be lost and can influence charging decisions. The aim is to position your case for thoughtful review and fair consideration from the start.
Once discovery arrives, we conduct a line-by-line review, compare it against your materials, and plan targeted investigation. We file motions where appropriate to suppress statements, limit certain testimony, or compel disclosure. We discuss negotiation options and assess plea offers against trial risk and long-term consequences, including registry exposure. Regular updates and strategy sessions keep you involved and informed. The combination of legal challenges and measured outreach can shift leverage and improve outcomes. Our approach balances firmness with professionalism to advance your interests while keeping the door open for constructive resolutions.
We compare the State’s narrative against objective data. Timelines, metadata, and third-party records often reveal gaps. We interview witnesses, request additional materials, and analyze device extractions for reliability and context. Where needed, we consult professionals to interpret specialized records. This careful work tests each element of the charges and identifies reasonable doubt. By organizing findings clearly, we prepare for both negotiations and courtroom challenges. Strong investigation underpins every strategic decision, from motion practice to trial themes, and gives you a solid basis for choosing the path forward.
Legal motions can narrow the case or exclude unreliable evidence. We assess grounds to challenge searches, statements, or expert opinions and present well-supported arguments. At the same time, we pursue negotiations that reflect the strengths of the defense and your priorities. We explain the pros and cons of each option, including trial risk, sentencing ranges, and collateral consequences. This dual track—litigation and advocacy—keeps pressure on the State while preserving opportunities for favorable resolution. Your informed input drives decisions at every stage.
If the case proceeds, we develop a focused trial plan or pursue alternatives such as diversion where available. Trial preparation includes witness work, cross-examination outlines, evidentiary motions, and exhibits. We refine themes that highlight reasonable doubt and present your story clearly. If the path leads to a plea or sentencing, we shift to mitigation, gather character materials, and address treatment or evaluations when helpful. Throughout, we stay in close contact so you know what to expect, how to prepare, and how each step supports your overall goals.
We prepare witnesses carefully, outline direct and cross-examinations, and anticipate the State’s themes. We organize exhibits, timelines, and demonstratives that help the court understand the facts. We also rehearse testimony, address sensitive topics with care, and plan how to handle challenging issues that may arise. Attention to detail at this stage builds confidence and clarity. Whether in Edgewater or elsewhere in Bergen County, we bring a disciplined approach that keeps the case on track and aims to present a persuasive, respectful defense in the courtroom.
If a case moves toward a plea or sentencing, we present the strongest possible mitigation. That may include letters of support, employment history, treatment participation, evaluations, and a forward-looking plan that demonstrates stability and responsibility. We address registry concerns, supervision terms, and collateral consequences to seek terms that support rehabilitation and future success. Clear, credible mitigation can influence outcomes significantly. Our goal is to show decision-makers the human story behind the case and advocate for a resolution that allows you to rebuild with dignity.
Politely assert your right to counsel before answering questions. Even brief conversations can be misunderstood or used to fill gaps in an investigation. An attorney can assess the situation, plan a controlled response, and protect your rights without unnecessary risk. Exercising your rights is a lawful and wise step, not an admission of wrongdoing. If a meeting is appropriate, your attorney can attend, set boundaries, and ensure the discussion stays within agreed topics. In other cases, it may be better to decline an interview and share information through counsel. Each case is unique, so get legal advice tailored to your circumstances before speaking with law enforcement.
Do not delete or alter any data. Contact an attorney immediately and provide any paperwork, such as a warrant or receipt. Your lawyer will review the legal basis for the seizure, consider challenges to the scope of the search, and advise on preserving additional evidence that may help your defense. Prompt action protects your rights and options. We also evaluate whether to seek limits on the extraction, request copies, or pursue suppression if the search exceeded lawful bounds. Proper handling of digital evidence is vital in sex offense cases, where context and metadata often matter. A measured, lawful response can shape outcomes significantly.
Consent in New Jersey focuses on a voluntary, informed agreement. Factors such as age, intoxication, coercion, or power dynamics can affect whether consent is legally recognized. In many cases, texts, messages, and witness accounts help clarify context, but they do not always resolve the issue. Prosecutors must prove the elements beyond a reasonable doubt. Defense strategy examines communications, timing, and credibility from every angle. Seemingly small details—a location tag, an earlier conversation, or a timeline inconsistency—can carry weight. Your attorney can help identify materials that support your account and present them effectively while challenging statements or inferences that do not hold up.
Not every charge triggers Megan’s Law registration. Whether registration applies depends on the specific offense, the outcome of the case, and any risk tiering if required. Some resolutions avoid registration entirely. Early analysis helps you understand potential exposure and how to address it strategically. Defense efforts may focus on charge selection, elements that trigger registration, and mitigation that influences plea or sentencing decisions. If registration is a risk, planning for tiering and compliance can reduce long-term impact. Your attorney will discuss how Megan’s Law could apply to your case and options to minimize or avoid those requirements.
Timelines vary widely. Factors include investigation length, discovery volume, motion practice, and court scheduling. Some Edgewater matters resolve in a few months, while complex cases can take longer. Patience and preparation are important, as rushing can limit options or overlook helpful evidence. We create a schedule with milestones for discovery review, investigations, motions, and decision points. Regular updates keep you informed and reduce stress. A paced, thorough approach often leads to better outcomes than hurried decisions made without complete information. Your case timeline will reflect its unique facts and strategic needs.
Yes, social media and messaging apps can help by clarifying timelines, intent, and context. Screenshots alone may be insufficient; preserving original data and metadata strengthens authenticity. Avoid altering or deleting content and share materials with your attorney, not with third parties. Your legal team can evaluate what supports your defense and how to present it effectively. In some cases, a targeted set of messages or location data significantly undermines the State’s theory. Handled properly, digital communications can be a powerful tool. Handled poorly, they can raise needless questions, so proceed carefully with legal guidance.
At the first appearance, the court confirms charges, addresses counsel, and discusses release conditions. In New Jersey, risk assessments may inform conditions such as no-contact orders or monitoring. You will not argue the entire case that day, but the hearing sets the tone and schedule. Having counsel in place helps protect your interests, present appropriate conditions, and avoid statements that could be used later. We prepare you beforehand, explain what to expect, and follow up with a plan for discovery, motions, and negotiations. The goal is to leave that first hearing with clarity and momentum.
It can be possible depending on the charge, facts, and your history. Outcomes range from dismissal to probationary terms, treatment-based resolutions, or other alternatives. Strong mitigation, credible defenses, and targeted motion practice can influence whether incarceration is sought and for how long. We evaluate risks honestly and pursue strategies that align with your goals and the law. If jail is a possibility, we also develop sentencing plans that emphasize stability, support, and rehabilitation. Your options are shaped by the evidence and the advocacy on your behalf. Early, thorough preparation improves those options.
No. Direct contact can backfire, create new allegations, or be viewed as intimidation. It may also generate messages that are taken out of context. Instead, let your attorney handle communications. This protects you and avoids misunderstandings that could complicate the case. If there is a no-contact order, any outreach could violate the order and lead to new problems. We can address concerns through appropriate legal channels and, where helpful, present clarifying information to the State. Patience and a measured approach serve you better than attempting to resolve a sensitive matter on your own.
Costs depend on the complexity of the case, volume of discovery, motion practice, and whether the matter proceeds to trial. After an initial consultation, we outline a clear fee structure and the scope of work. We discuss options that match your needs and priorities. Transparency is important. We explain expected steps, potential add-on expenses like investigators or experts, and how strategic choices can affect cost. Our goal is to provide value through preparation, communication, and results-focused advocacy. You will know what to expect and can make informed decisions about the level of representation that fits your situation.