New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyers
Key Takeaways
- Being arrested for a New Jersey crime is a frightening experience, and it can be overwhelming.
- If you are arrested, pay attention to what the police officers are doing and what they say.
- Do not engage in any further confrontations with police to avoid additional criminal charges.
- Avoid speaking to anyone about your arrest, including arresting officers and your family or friends.
- The intricacies of the New Jersey legal system may involve complexities, but working with a skilled criminal defense lawyer can help you to receive the best possible outcome of your case, whether a dismissal or a plea deal.
At Lackey & Miller, LLC, our team of Cherry Hill criminal defense attorneys have a wealth of experience, particularly as former prosecutors, giving us valuable insights into the criminal justice system. Our criminal trial attorneys have prosecuted cases at both the County Prosecutor’s office and the state Attorney General’s office, providing us with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in criminal defense matters. Whether you are facing accusations of a violent crime, white-collar crime, a drug offense, theft, cybercrime, traffic violation, or any other conduct prohibited under New Jersey law, our attorneys can provide you with strong and steadfast counsel.
What to Do After Your New Jersey Arrest
Navigating the intricacies of the legal system can be overwhelming and your Miranda rights are crucial to safeguarding your interests. If you are arrested, keep the following in mind.
- Avoid arguing with police officers or resisting arrest because this can lead to additional criminal charges
- Minimize or avoid conversations with police because they can use anything you say to strengthen their case against you.
- Pay close attention to the events of your arrest, including police searches, police conduct, and what law enforcement says to you.
- Contact a New Jersey criminal defense attorney ASAP.
- Do not discuss your case with anyone, including family and friends (They may be called as witnesses.).
If you ever find yourself under arrest or in custody, it is imperative to stay calm, assert your right to an attorney immediately, and refrain from answering any questions until a representative from the law office you call arrives.
Firm Advocates for Clients Accused of All Types of Criminal Offenses
In Camden County, Burlington County, Gloucester County, Atlantic County and throughout New Jersey, our firm defends clients in cases involving various types of alleged offenses, including:
Drug Crimes
Most drug crime prosecutions commence with searches of motor vehicles or residences, which can give rise to Fourth Amendment considerations and the questionable collection of evidence. As former prosecutors with extensive experience in handling drug crime cases, we thoroughly understand the complexities surrounding these search and seizure related issues. Our top priority is to challenge baseless charges that rely on evidence obtained through illegal searches to safeguard your rights. We also understand that many alternatives to incarceration are available and will fight during negotiations to make sure all those options are offered to our clients.
Fraud and White-Collar Crimes
In today’s digital age, government agents, analysts, and sophisticated software are constantly monitoring transactions in search of potential fraud/white-collar crime cases. Whether the specific case involves taxes, insurance claims, banking activity, or any other alleged illegal financial or theft activity, our team of experienced New Jersey criminal lawyers have the knowledge and extensive experience to effectively counter any unfounded allegations. At our firm, we understand the complexities of fraud cases and are well-versed in the methods used by prosecutors. With our comprehensive knowledge and diligent approach, we meticulously examine the details of your case, challenge the evidence presented, and tirelessly advocate for your rights.
Violent Crimes
Allegations of violent crimes necessitate the utmost seriousness and attention. Considering the possibility of extended periods of incarceration, it is vital to retain a lawyer with a demonstrated history of achieving favorable outcomes in high-stakes cases involving allegations of violent offenses. These cases frequently require the State to rely on expert testimony ranging from DNA analysis and cellphone forensics to ballistics and medical examiner reports.
Our attorneys have extensive experience in handling these complex cases and can scrutinize the reports provided by expert witnesses and are well-prepared to challenge their testimony in the courtroom.
Weapons Charges
Becoming entangled in New Jersey’s strict and complicated gun laws can result in significant consequences. Regardless of the specific weapon charges, our firm is well-equipped to provide guidance and support in fighting them. We understand the complexities and severity of weapons offenses. A person charged with a second-degree possessory handgun offense could potentially be imprisoned for five to ten years. However, there are numerous justifications, defenses and exceptions to gun offenses, and our experienced attorneys are highly knowledgeable in identifying and leveraging them to protect your legal rights.
Traffic Violations
The sight of red and blue flashing lights in your rearview mirror is something no driver welcomes, yet it is an experience most of us will inevitably encounter at some point. Being pulled over and issued a traffic ticket for a violation can lead to significant costs and considerable aggravation, particularly for people who do not have a perfect driving record.
We are dedicated to providing a strong defense to drivers accused of various traffic offenses, including driving with a suspended driver’s license, reckless driving, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident, speeding, and other related offenses. Our goal is to help you avoid unjust fines, prevent license suspension, mitigate insurance rate hikes, and in instances of more serious offenses, keep you out of jail.
Municipal Violations
Non-indictable offenses, such as petty disorderly or disorderly persons offenses are usually handled in municipal court. Do not be fooled into believing that the jurisdiction of the municipal court implies these matters should be treated lightly. A conviction in municipal court can leave a lasting mark on your criminal record, potentially affecting job prospects and license applications, and may lead to substantial fines or even county jail. If you fail to appear in municipal court, a judge can issue a warrant for your arrest and set bail. Do not neglect these offenses and contact a criminal defense attorney for advice.
Juvenile Court
If your child or a minor that you care for has been charged with a crime, a disorderly person’s offense, or a municipal violation, it is crucial to approach the situation with the same level of seriousness as if it were an adult facing charges. The consequences can be extremely detrimental and have the potential to impact the minor’s critical job, license, and college applications. Juvenile matters are typically handled confidentially in the Family Court, presided over by a Family Court Judge. However, although rare, the minor can be waived to adult criminal court and face the same penalties as if an adult committed the offense.
Why You Should Hire an Experienced NJ Criminal Defense Attorney
Regardless of the alleged offense, an accusation that you have violated the law should be taken seriously. At Lackey & Miller, LLC, we believe in the power of a robust defense and refuse to accept that quickly pleading guilty is the only viable option in the face of compelling evidence.
As criminal defense attorneys, we leverage our extensive prosecutorial experience to find potential defenses that others might overlook. Our goal is to advocate for you, seeking resolutions that place you in the best position to move forward. Your rights and future are our priority, and we are dedicated to providing you with a steadfast defense that fights for justice and fairness every step of the way.
Speak With a New Jersey Defense Attorney Regarding Your Criminal Charge
Lackey & Miller, LLC, is a South Jersey-based criminal defense law firm with more than 20 years of experience. Our legal team is focused on defending against allegations and charges and is fully equipped to provide you with a defensive strategy designed to secure an ideal outcome in your case, including dismissals, plea bargains, and other resolutions.
Our legal team provides aggressive and strategic defense counsel to New Jersey residents in a wide range of criminal defense cases, including:
- Drunk driving (DWI)
- Aggravated assault
- Sex crimes
- Drug possession
- Guns
- Computer crimes
- Domestic violence
- Shoplifting
- Many other criminal law defense practices
To schedule your initial consultation with our law office, please call 856-399-0089 or contact us online. Our attorneys will examine the specifics of your legal situation, suggest legal advice, and work with you to assemble a defense case.
The law office of Lackey & Miller, LLC is located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. However, we serve the entire state of New Jersey, including, but not limited to Burlington County, Atlantic County, Cumberland County, Gloucester County, and Camden County. No matter where you are in the state, we can provide you support. Schedule free a consultation with our team today.
Frequent Answered Questions
Most states use the terms “misdemeanor” and “felony” to classify crimes. New Jersey aligns with the same idea, but uses different names.
The most serious offenses, such as murder, rape, and robbery are called “crimes” in New Jersey. Less serious crimes, such as low level theft, harassment, and simple assault are called “disorderly person offenses”. These, however, can come with severe penalties.
While disorderly person offenses are not as serious as other types of crimes, a person convicted of one can receive up to six months of jail time and a fine of up to $1,000.
If an employer or other party runs a background check on you, several types of information will show up. Aside from employment, education, and address history, criminal events will also appear in the report. This includes crimes that have not been pardoned, expungement of crimes, pending criminal cases, arrests that led to convictions, and sex registry details, to name a few.
Written By Jeremy Lackey
Jeremy Lackey is a seasoned criminal attorney who served as an Assistant Prosecutor for the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and as a Deputy Attorney General for New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, Division of Criminal Justice, before co-founding the firm Lackey & Miller, LLC.