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.
