Am I going to jail?
This is probably the number one question I am asked and it can be difficult to answer. Generally, if you are charged with a third or fourth degree crime, and it is your first offense, you are not going to jail. Second and first degree offenses usually carry state prison time, however this is not always the case depending on what negotiations can be worked out with the prosecutor. Municipal court offenses and traffic tickets very rarely carry jail time.
How much is this going to cost me?
As each case is different, there is no standard cost for certain cases. However, I work in flat fees so you know the cost of the case before you retain me. The only additional fees may be a cost of an expert, cost of discovery, cost of filing fees with the court or the cost of the trial. There will be no surprise costs from me.
I am charged with a DUI. Am I going to lose my license?
It depends. If this is a first offense and you have a lower BAC reading or charged based on observations, you may not lose your license and instead have to install an interlock device. Additionally, there have been many times when I have been able to work out for my clients that they do not lose their license, even when it is their second offense or they have a higher BAC reading.
But I wasn’t talking on my cell phone – how can I be charged with a cell phone violation?
Unfortunately, in New Jersey, you just have to be touching your phone to be charged with this violation. If you are using it for GPS, to choose a podcast, or parked at a red light – you can be charged with a cell phone violation. Additionally, these require a court appearance and if you are charged with a third violation, you will be subject to points on your record. I recommend when you are in your car, your phone is no where within your reach.
Is this traffic ticket going to affect my insurance?
I have no idea. Insurance companies are private businesses and all have their own set of rules. Generally, if you can resolve your ticket for 2 points or less, it should not affect your insurance. If you get more than 2 points, you can enroll in a defensive driving course to have these points removed from your driving record.
Can you expunge my record?
Probably however this is a case by case basis as it depends on your charges, if you completed your sentence, and what was the time period of when your sentence was completed.
Can you expunge my FRO?
Kinda. While you can dissolve an FRO, the fact that the FRO was granted will always be on your record.
Can you expunge my DWI?
No. While DWIs are serious matters, they are traffic offenses and traffic violations cannot be expunged.
Do you know the prosecutor and Judge?
While I don’t know every prosecutor or Judge in the state, I have been a practicing criminal defense attorney for almost twenty years and know many of them. I frequent many courts throughout the state since most courts are virtual. Most of my appearances are centered in Mercer, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren county.
Why do you cost more/less than other attorneys?
Every attorney sets their own fee. I am a true solo – you will always be interacting with me and I do most of my work out of my home office. As such, I am able to pass on the savings of not having employees or office to my clients. Attorneys that cost less than me tend to have a large staff, engage in mass mailings, and are not local to the area.
What is the difference between a disorderly persons offense and an indictable crime in NJ?
New Jersey does not use the terms “misdemeanor” and “felony” the way other states do. A disorderly persons offense is the equivalent of a misdemeanor and is handled in municipal court. An indictable offense is the equivalent of a felony and is handled in Superior Court. Indictable crimes are graded by degree — fourth, third, second, and first — with first degree being the most serious. The distinction matters because indictable crimes carry potential state prison time and have more significant long-term consequences.
What should I do if I get arrested?
Stay calm and do not resist. The most important thing you can do is exercise your right to remain silent — you are not required to answer questions from police beyond identifying yourself. Politely say that you want to speak with an attorney before answering anything. Then call me as soon as you can. Anything you say can and will be used against you, so the less you say before speaking with a lawyer, the better.
What is a diversionary program and do I qualify?
Diversionary programs — such as Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) or Conditional Discharge — allow first-time offenders to avoid a criminal conviction by completing a period of supervision, community service, or other conditions. If you successfully complete the program, the charges are dismissed and you may be eligible for expungement. Eligibility depends on your charges, criminal history, and the program. Learn more about diversionary programs here.
How long will my case take?
It depends entirely on the nature of the charges and the court. A municipal court matter can sometimes be resolved in one or two appearances. Superior Court cases with indictable offenses tend to take longer — often six months to a year or more — especially if the case goes to trial. I will give you a realistic timeline once I review your specific situation.
Will a criminal charge show up on a background check?
An arrest — even if charges are dropped or you are found not guilty — can appear on a background check. A conviction will almost certainly appear. This is why pursuing an expungement when eligible is so important. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently run background checks, and a criminal record can affect your housing, employment, and professional licenses.
What is a detention hearing in NJ?
Under New Jersey’s bail reform laws, a prosecutor can request that you be held in jail before trial rather than released on bail. A detention hearing is the court proceeding where a judge decides whether you should be detained or released — and under what conditions. Having an experienced attorney at your detention hearing is critical, as the outcome can determine whether you remain in custody throughout your entire case. Learn more about detention hearings.
Can I be charged with domestic violence in NJ even if no one was hurt?
Yes. New Jersey domestic violence charges do not require a physical injury. A threat, harassment, or even a pattern of controlling behavior can result in criminal charges and a restraining order. Domestic violence cases move quickly and the consequences can be severe — including loss of your right to possess firearms. If you are facing a domestic violence allegation, contact me immediately.
Do I really need a lawyer, or can I handle this myself?
You have the right to represent yourself, but I would not recommend it for anything beyond the most minor traffic infraction. Prosecutors and judges handle cases every day — you do not. Even a “simple” charge can have consequences that follow you for years: a criminal record, loss of a professional license, immigration consequences, or loss of firearm rights. A lawyer who knows the local courts and prosecutors can often reach outcomes that are not available to self-represented defendants.
