Will I Go to Jail for a First-Time Offense in New Jersey?

Not necessarily; the judge follows the sentencing regulations set out in the law to determine if a prison sentence is necessary. For example, most disorderly person offenses carry a penalty of probation or fines for first-time offenders, provided there are aggravating circumstances. However, repeat offenders are likely to get some prison time, particularly where the judge feels failure to do so would constitute an injustice or would endanger public safety. Second-degree and first-degree indictable crimes carry a presumption of imprisonment, which means you must serve some time in prison unless there are mitigating circumstances.

Can You Get Your Criminal Record Expunged in New Jersey?

Yes, if you’re eligible for expungement as required by NJ law. Also, some serious indictable crimes cannot be expunged, such as criminal homicide, kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault, criminal sexual contact of minors, robbery, and perjury, among others. You can get one indictable crime conviction and up to two disorderly person offenses expunged. There’s no limit on how records can be expunged for ordinance violations, drug offenses for minors, arrests not resulting in conviction, and juvenile delinquency offenses, except in crimes that wouldn’t be eligible for expungement if committed by an adult. There are complex requirements and procedures surrounding expungement in New Jersey. We recommend working with a skilled criminal lawyer in West New York, NJ, to avoid conviction or for advice on removing an existing conviction from your record.

West New York Criminal Defense Attorney | Criminal Lawyer West New York, NJ

West New York Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal Lawyer in West New York, NJ, Defending Clients in Hudson County and Throughout NJ

Hiring the right defense lawyer can make all the difference in your case. If you’re being charged with a misdemeanor or felony in Hudson County, let an expert West New York criminal defense attorney from Camili & Capo, PA, defend and protect you.

If you’ve just been arrested for an offense, it’s vital that your lawyer respond quickly to protect you from police interrogation tactics and any unfair actions, such as illegal searches. It’s never too soon to get a defense lawyer involved, no matter how minor or serious the matter involved.

Get Free Advice From An Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer. All You Have To Do Is Call (973) 834-8457 or Fill Out Our Free Case Evaluation Form.

Most importantly, your lawyer should be experienced in the local courts. There are many nuances to winning a case that only a highly skilled lawyer can use, such as learning the judge’s biases or the prosecutor’s tactics. Having been in public prosecution for years, Mr. Camili and his colleagues at Camili & Capo, PA, have the experience and networks necessary to help you get prime defense in Hudson County.

Hire a Criminal Attorney for Indictable Crimes or Disorderly Person Offenses in Hudson County

Unlike most other states, New Jersey doesn’t classify offenses into misdemeanors and felonies. Instead, the state has indictable crimes (felonies), disorderly person offenses (misdemeanors), and petty disorderly person offenses (minor misdemeanors).

The least offense is a petty disorderly person offense that typically carries a penalty of up to 30 days in jail and up to $500 in fines. Examples of such crimes include disorderly conduct, simple assault, and shoplifting, where the value of goods involved is less than $500.

Indictable crimes attract more serious penalties depending on the degree. Fourth-degree crimes carry a possible jail time of up to a year in jail, similar to misdemeanors in other states. However, more serious indictable crimes can attract years of jail time and other penalties. These include drug charges, assault, sexual assault, burglary, robbery, and arson.

Indictable crimes are serious offenses, especially if a grand jury finds that there’s enough evidence to proceed to a trial. Once you pass that point, it becomes harder to avoid jail time. That’s why working with a highly skilled West New York criminal defense attorney who knows their way around local laws and court systems is vital.

★★★★★
Mr. Camili provided excellent service […] I highly recommend his firm.
Hatije Kazaferi
★★★★★
Anyone who is in need of legal representation should contact Camili & Capo. This guy knows what he’s doing!
Enver Mustafoski
★★★★★
His team has always gone above and beyond for me and my clients. I would highly recommend his firm to everyone.
Besfort Ramadani

Criminal Lawyer in West New York, NJ Protecting Clients’ Rights in Hudson County and Throughout NJ

One may wonder why you need a defense lawyer if it’s the prosecution's job to prove their case.

The legal system requires a balance of prosecution and defense to keep the government from overstepping its bounds.

Your lawyer’s most important job is to cast doubt and poke holes in the prosecution’s case. Since the burden of proof must be “beyond reasonable doubt,” any inconsistencies and inaccuracies revealed in court can help you in a trial. Your lawyer will conduct their own investigation, question witnesses, and guide you on what to say and do throughout.

A good lawyer also ensures fairness, especially when the prosecution is out to get you. They can argue to have some charges dropped or reduced, and sometimes they can ask to have more lenient sentencing. Sometimes, a sharp lawyer can identify ways to get evidence or witness statements thrown out if they can show it’s tainted or inadmissible in court.

If all else fails, your lawyer should be able to negotiate a fair plea deal for you. This ensures you get a reduced sentence in exchange for pleading guilty, which saves the State time and money. However, prosecutors often offer plea deals when they don’t have a strong case, so it takes the expertise and skill of your West New York criminal defense attorney to recognize when it’s best to make a deal rather than pushing for a trial.

Facing Criminal Charges And Have Questions? We Can Help. Just Tell Us What Happened. Call (973) 834-8457 Or Fill Out Our Convenient Free Case Evaluation Form.

Criminal Lawyer in West New York, NJ You Can Trust in Hudson County and Throughout NJ

Unfortunately, some lawyers and law firms don’t give clients the best defense possible. Some have too many cases on their hands, so they can’t take the time to investigate a case and craft a strong defense strategy. Others simply organize plea deals without first checking to ensure no other defenses are available.

In addition to skill and experience, the best defense lawyers are those who are willing to do whatever’s necessary to help their clients. They mount a vigorous defense using all the tools available, such as:

Cross-examining witnesses
Examining all paperwork and evidence presented by the prosecution
Preparing and presenting compelling opening and closing statements
Participating in jury selection to ensure a fair panel
Examining the prosecution’s case based on their knowledge of the law to find weaknesses
Presenting witnesses who can help strengthen the defense

A good lawyer takes time to talk to you about court customs, explain their defense strategy, and discuss the laws that apply to your case. If you’re unhappy with your current attorney and are looking for top-notch lawyers in Hudson County, talk to Camili & Capo criminal lawyer in West New York, NJ.

Get Specialized Criminal Defense Attorneys in Hudson County

Our clients love the personalized attention, dedication, and expertise of Camili & Capo attorneys, but we offer something more. We specialize in criminal cases in Hudson County and throughout New Jersey, allowing us to give highly skilled representation.

Whether you’re facing charges for violent crimes, a white-collar crime, assault, robbery, or disorderly person offenses, we’re ready to help you face the prosecution in court. Our guarantee is that you’ll get the best representation, to the best of our ability, as required by the law.

Contact Camili & Capo, PA, West New York criminal defense attorneys to get experienced lawyers on your care today.

Frequently Asked Questions about Criminal Defense in West New York, NJ

Not necessarily; the judge follows the sentencing regulations set out in the law to determine if a prison sentence is necessary. For example, most disorderly person offenses carry a penalty of probation or fines for first-time offenders, provided there are aggravating circumstances.
However, repeat offenders are likely to get some prison time, particularly where the judge feels failure to do so would constitute an injustice or would endanger public safety. Second-degree and first-degree indictable crimes carry a presumption of imprisonment, which means you must serve some time in prison unless there are mitigating circumstances.
Yes, if you’re eligible for expungement as required by NJ law. Also, some serious indictable crimes cannot be expunged, such as criminal homicide, kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault, criminal sexual contact of minors, robbery, and perjury, among others.
You can get one indictable crime conviction and up to two disorderly person offenses expunged. There’s no limit on how records can be expunged for ordinance violations, drug offenses for minors, arrests not resulting in conviction, and juvenile delinquency offenses, except in crimes that wouldn’t be eligible for expungement if committed by an adult.
There are complex requirements and procedures surrounding expungement in New Jersey. We recommend working with a skilled criminal lawyer in West New York, NJ, to avoid conviction or for advice on removing an existing conviction from your record.