Criminal Defense Attorney in Union City, New Jersey

In 2018 there were 226,427 arrests made in New Jersey, according to the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Department. In the United States, the accused is innocent until proven guilty, and every accused person has the right to representation and a fair trial.

At Hudson Law Firm, we provide attentive, effective legal services to our clients. Edward puts himself in your shoes to gain a better understanding of your situation and to work to achieve your best interests.

With over a decade of legal experience providing strong legal representation to major businesses, Edward is ready to apply his knowledge of the legal system to your advantage. We’re proud to represent clients in Union City, New Jersey, and the surrounding areas in the state.

Criminal Charges in New Jersey

The severity of the crime will determine the severity of the criminal charges – and the sentencing for the crime.

Misdemeanor

In New Jersey, misdemeanors are less serious offenses. In the courts, they’re classified as disorderly persons offenses. A disorderly persons offense may be a simple assault, theft (such as shoplifting of less than $200,) a low-level domestic violence charge, or another crime.

The sentence for misdemeanors is typically less than six months in jail and up to a $1,000 fine, but will vary depending on the nature of the criminal charges. If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or disorderly persons offense, a defense attorney can help you understand what you will face next and build the best case for your situation.

Felony

A felony is a serious crime, and in the New Jersey court system it’s classified as an indictable offense. There are four degrees of felonies (indictable crimes) in New Jersey. First-degree crimes are the most serious, and fourth-degree crimes are the least serious.

The sentence for felonies is typically more than one year in prison. A less serious felony may result in a sentence of more than six months.

Fourth-degree crimes include minor white collar crimes such as forgery, criminal mischief, cyber harassment, certain drug crimes, and others.

Third-degree crimes include aggravated criminal sexual contact, including sexual assault and rape, motor vehicle theft, arson, certain drug crimes, and others.

Second-degree crimes include aggravated arson, vehicular homicide, armed burglary, and others.

First-degree crimes include aggravated sexual assault, armed robbery, aggravated manslaughter, and others.

The most serious crimes are first-degree plus crimes. The sentences for these crimes are more than 20 years long. These crimes include sexual assault of a child under 13, specific murder crimes, kidnapping, and others.

New Jersey Criminal Court Process

The criminal court process in New Jersey will vary depending on the crime itself and on the defendant’s plea. First, a complaint will be filed with the court. Then the accused must make a first appearance. After that, the county prosecutor must determine whether the case has merit and should be pursued further.

In a felony case, the accused faces a trial and must either agree to a plea deal or face a judge. It’s also important to note that in New Jersey, a judge – not a jury – delivers a sentence.

The Appeals Process

If a defendant is convicted of a crime, they have the option to appeal their case to the Appellate Division of the Superior Court. This division reviews cases to make sure that the judge made a fair and equitable decision.

Additionally, it’s possible for a defense attorney (or the defendant) to file a motion. They may also request that the defendant’s sentencing be modified or for a change that provides other relief.