Have you recently been arrested for or charged with a criminal offense? Your entire future could be in jeopardy. Although you are supposed to be innocent until proven guilty, the justice system is flawed. It is crucial to get an aggressive and experienced Raritan Township criminal defense lawyer at Criminal Defense Lawyer Jenna Casper Bloom on your side.
Our criminal lawyers prioritize our client’s best interests and will work tirelessly to obtain a plea agreement and prepare a powerful defense strategy should your cases go to trial. Contact our legal team for a confidential consultation today to learn more about how the justice system works, the penalties you could be facing, and which defenses are most likely to result in an acquittal or other favorable outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Jenna Casper Bloom Offers High-Quality, Aggressive Legal Representation
When you are online looking for a criminal lawyer to represent you at trial or negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecutor, you will find thousands and thousands of law firms and solo attorneys all claiming to be the best. However, do not be fooled by catchy slogans or a sleek website design.
Your future is on the line. You need a proven criminal defense attorney who is not afraid to defend you in court. Criminal Defense Lawyer Jenna Casper Bloom will analyze the evidence in your case to determine which defenses are most suitable, identify misconduct by law enforcement or prosecutors, and devote our time and resources to your defense.
Common Types of Criminal Cases We Handle
Experienced criminal attorneys are prepared to take on nearly any type of case. Our team at Criminal Defense Lawyer Jenna Casper Bloom has spent years crafting our defense and investigative skills so we can provide the most powerful defense possible. Here are some of the most common types of cases our criminal defense lawyers handle:
DWIs/DUIs
If your blood or breath alcohol concentration levels (BAC) reach .08% or more, or if there is evidence to suggest you may be impaired by drugs or alcohol, you could face driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI) charges. BAC levels for holders of commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) cannot exceed .04% without risking a DUI charge. However, you could also be convicted of drunk driving if you were asleep or not actively driving the vehicle if law enforcement can prove you were operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, marijuana, or prescription medications.
Your criminal attorney will be looking for opportunities to challenge the elements of the offense wherever possible so the jury has no choice but to hand down a “not guilty” verdict. However, if you are a first-time offender, you may be able to enter a pretrial diversion program as an alternative.
Drug Crimes
One of the most common types of cases our criminal defense lawyers handle is drug crimes. There are multiple types of drug charges you can face in New Jersey. Some examples include:
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Drug possession
- Drug distribution or sale
- Drug manufacturing or cultivation
These charges can apply if you are accused of selling, creating, or possessing any type of controlled substance. Controlled substances are categorized into “schedules”:
- Schedule l – These are the most dangerous types of controlled substances because they have zero accepted medical use and are highly addictive. Some examples could include heroin, MDMA, acid, and LSD.
- Schedule ll – Schedule ll controlled substances are less dangerous than Schedule l controlled substances and may have minimal accepted medical use, despite the fact that they are considered highly addictive. Some examples could include Dilaudid, Morphine, Methadone, cocaine, methamphetamines, OxyContin, Codeine, and Fentanyl.
- Schedule lll – Schedule lll controlled substances have some accepted medical use and are moderately addictive. Examples include testosterone, Suboxone, Ketamine, anabolic steroids, and Tylenol with Codeine.
- Schedule V – These controlled substances are used regularly for medicinal use and are minimally addictive. Some examples of Schedule V controlled substances could include Diazepam, Clonazepam, Ambien, and Xanax.
- Schedule lV – Schedule lV controlled substances are not addictive and widely used medically. Some examples include opium, Dihydrocodeine, and Ethylmorphine.
It should also be noted that even though marijuana has been legalized for recreational and medical use in NJ, if you are in possession of marijuana in a prohibited location or violate the regulations for the amount of marijuana or cannabis products you can possess, you could still face criminal charges.
Theft Crimes
A reputable criminal defense lawyer at Criminal Defense Lawyer Jenna Casper Bloom can help you defend yourself if you have been charged with any type of theft crime. These offenses can be found under New Jersey’s criminal code and could include any offense that involves theft by deception, unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, or theft of movable property. Some examples of these offenses could include:
- Grand theft
- Forgery
- Theft of services
- Burglary
- Robbery
- Extortion
- Shoplifting
- Larceny
- Grand theft auto
Sex Offenses
Sex offenses are some of the most serious crimes you can be charged with in New Jersey. Our criminal defense attorneys are prepared to help you rebuild your reputation and protect your future if you have been charged with any of the following types of sex crimes:
- Rape
- Sexual assault
- Statutory rape
- Solicitation
- Prostitution
- Lewd and lascivious conduct
- Criminal sexual contact
- Luring
- Endangering the welfare of a child
- Production or distribution of child pornography
- Kidnapping or false imprisonment
- Criminal restraint
Assault Crimes
Assault crimes are some of the most serious charges you could face due to the harsh criminal penalties and collateral consequences. Assault and aggravated assault can be charged as a second, third, or fourth-degree crime, while simple assault is considered a disorderly person’s offense which carries less severe penalties.
You could also be charged with assault by auto or vessel if you were operating a watercraft or motor vehicle and caused severe bodily injury to another. Your criminal defense attorney will closely evaluate the circumstances of your case to determine how to get your assault
charges reduced, so the penalties you face are not as severe.
Gun and Weapons Charges
Our Raritan Township criminal lawyer has extensive experience handling a wide array of weapons and gun charges. In fact, according to The Graves Act, you can face a mandatory minimum of 42 months in a New Jersey state prison for having a gun in your vehicle’s glove box, even if you do not have a prior criminal record. Some of the other types of gun and weapons charges we represent include:
- Possession of a firearm without a permit
- Possession of any weapon without a permit
- Unlawful use of a weapon
- Possession of a destructive device
- Possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose
- Possession of a weapon or firearm during a drug offense
- Possession of a weapon for any unlawful purpose
- Possession of a firearm by a juvenile
- Failure to surrender a gun or weapon
- Imitation firearm offenses
Weapons charges are typically prosecuted as second, third, or fourth-degree charges, which carry the harshest criminal penalties under New Jersey law. Under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act statute under N.J.S.A. 2C:43-7.2, you may be required to complete as much as 85% of your sentence before you can be released if you are found guilty of a weapons offense.
Domestic Violence
When a domestic violence complaint has been made against you or a restraining order has been issued, it is crucial that you hire knowledgeable Raritan Township criminal attorneys to defend you against these reputation-destroying allegations. Our team can help with:
- Harassment charges
- Assault charges
- Challenging temporary or final restraining orders
- Criminal mischief
- Making terroristic threats
- Stalking
Traffic Offenses
Although traffic offenses may not carry penalties as devastating as some of the other types of criminal charges, the impact on your life could be long-lasting. Our Raritan Township criminal defense lawyers can help you challenge many types of traffic violations and misdemeanor disorderly personal offenses, including:
- Driving an unregistered vehicle
- Driving with an expired license
- Driving with a suspended or revoked license
- Failure to possess your driver’s license
- Unauthorized use of plates
- Operating a vehicle that is in an unsafe condition
- Air pollution
- Seat belt violations
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk
- Streetcar violations
- Having an open alcohol container in a vehicle
If You Are Convicted, You Could Face Devastating Penalties
Our Raritan Township criminal defense attorneys will be working tirelessly to defend you so you can avoid the debilitating penalties associated with many of these criminal offenses. Depending on the type of crime you are charged with, and whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony charge, some of the consequences of a conviction could include:
- Jail or prison time
- Fines and surcharges
- Probation or parole requirements
- Restitution to alleged victims
- License suspension or revocation
Sex Offender Registration
If you are charged with a sex crime and found guilty, you may be required to register as a sex offender. Sex offender registration requirements are strict and could tarnish your reputation for the rest of your life. Having a Raritan Township criminal defense attorney by your side is essential if you hope to protect yourself from this severe consequence.
Do Not Forget About Collateral Consequences
Your Raritan Township criminal defense lawyer will also be working to clear your name so you do not have to face the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction. Criminal consequences are imposed by the state. Collateral consequences describe how your life will be affected by a conviction on your record. Some examples of collateral consequences you should prepare for in the event of a guilty verdict include:
- Child visitation or custody issues
- Loss of firearm rights
- Immigration or citizenship problems
- Housing restrictions
- Being passed over for promotions or job opportunities
- Trouble finding gainful employment
- Loss of relationships with family and friends
- Suspension or revocation of professional licenses
Ways to Defend Yourself Against Criminal Charges
The availability of evidence and the specific circumstances of your case will determine how your Raritan Township criminal attorney crafts your defense strategy. Some of the most common types of defenses we utilize include:
- Challenging constitutional rights violations
- Lack of probable cause
- Police or prosecutorial misconduct
- Innocence
- Lack of sufficient evidence
- Unlawful search and seizure
- Active versus constructive possession
Plea Agreements in Criminal Cases
Where appropriate, your Raritan Township criminal lawyer will work with the prosecutor to get you a plea agreement. Plea bargains are not available in every case. If you do qualify, the state may be willing to work out an agreement where you plead guilty to a lesser offense and exchange for a lighter sentence.
Alternatively, you might also be able to enter a pretrial diversion program. These are available for non-violent, first-time offenders. You may be required to meet certain stipulations to complete the terms of your plea agreement. If you fail to uphold these obligations, you can expect the district attorney to proceed with the criminal charges against you. However, if you uphold your responsibilities, the state will reduce your charges to a lesser offense or even dismiss the charges against you.
Every person’s case is different. Plea agreements can be a great option if the amount of evidence against you is likely to result in a guilty verdict. They are also an excellent option if a conviction would destroy your life or livelihood. Although you may not want to plead guilty to a crime you did not commit, doing so can be the right move if the consequences of a conviction would be life-altering or permanently affect your future.
Get Help From a Raritan Township Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Being accused of a crime can destroy your reputation. If you are convicted, your entire future could be in jeopardy. Protect your livelihood and liberties by enlisting the services of an experienced Raritan Township criminal defense attorney at Criminal Defense Lawyer Jenna Casper Bloom today.
Our firm has years of experience defending the rights of the innocent and challenging constitutional rights violations in the criminal justice system. Assert your right to defend yourself and start working on your defense strategy when you schedule a confidential consultation today. Reach us through our secured contact form or by phone to take advantage of this opportunity.
