Being accused of a crime is not something anyone wants to experience. Criminal charges can upend your life, leading you to spend time fighting to clear your name in court instead of doing the things you want in life. Moreover, people may unfairly think of you as guilty even though no formal findings of guilt have been made. Indeed, impending criminal proceedings can bring many hardships upon defendants, and that is to say nothing of the penalties should a criminal conviction come to pass.
When so much is on the line, you need competent legal counsel to assist you. That is where we come in. We can examine the evidence surrounding your situation, talk to the prosecutor and judge handling your case, and work hard to advocate for the best possible outcome for your case.
To have a confidential and free review of your case from our criminal defense attorneys, call The Law Offices of John J. Zarych at (609) 616-4956.
Types of Crimes in Camden County, New Jersey
The New Jersey criminal justice system uses a somewhat unique classification of crimes. New Jersey law classifies crimes into levels of seriousness. First, there are petty disorderly person offenses – the lowest level crimes – followed by disorderly person offenses and then fourth, third, second, and first-degree crimes, all of which increase in the level of seriousness associated with them and have harsher penalties.
Petty Disorderly Persons Offenses and Disorderly Persons Offenses
Petty disorderly persons offenses are the lowest level of “crimes” in New Jersey. In fact, they are not even considered true crimes under the law. Examples of petty disorderly persons offenses include disorderly conduct and trespassing.
Petty disorderly persons offenses are not crimes per N.J.S.A. § 2:C1-4(b). This can feel like a good thing, and it is in the sense that you will not have a criminal conviction on your record – although if someone wants to go looking, they can see that you have a disorderly person’s offense on record. There are still some downsides. For example, since you are not getting charged with a crime, you do not have the right to a jury trial that would be your right by law if you are accused of a true crime. For that reason, it is a very good idea to speak with our criminal defense lawyers in these circumstances.
Disorderly persons offenses are a step up from petty disorderly persons offenses. They are dealt with in a similar manner as petty disorderly persons offenses and are explained in the same section.
Disorderly persons offenses include shoplifting amounts of less than $200 and resisting arrest. Because disorderly person offenses involve more serious conduct than petty disorderly persons offenses, the penalties are higher.
Indictable Offenses in Camden County
Indictable offenses – a.k.a. “crimes” – are more serious than disorderly persons offenses. Per N.J.S.A. § 2C: 1-4(a), indictable offenses are defined as any offense that can have a prison term that exceeds six months.
Fourth-Degree
Fourth-degree crimes are the lowest tier of offenses for which you can go to trial. These crimes include things like violating restraining orders and shoplifting things valued at least $200 but less than $500.
Third Degree
Third-degree crimes are a step more serious. These offenses include unlawful possession of most kinds of firearms and possessing certain drugs like cocaine, heroin, and other controlled substances.
Second Degree
Second-degree crimes raise the level of seriousness yet again. Second-degree indictable offenses include unlawfully possessing a machine gun or a handgun, sexual assault, and robbery.
First Degree
First-Degree crimes included the most serious crimes you can be charged with in New Jersey. This includes things like rape, murder, and armed robbery.
Ways Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help You in Camden County, NJ
A lawyer can do so much more than merely advocate for you during your trial. In fact, the sooner you can get in contact with our criminal defense lawyers, the more we can do to help you out with the criminal charges you or a loved one are facing.
Examine Evidence
Our attorneys can start examining the evidence and details of your case as soon as you are retained as a client. We can look over what the prosecution has found, talk to eyewitnesses, and gather information of our own to get a better understanding of the factual situation surrounding your case.
Making Beneficial Deals with Prosecutors
It may be surprising, but it is not at all uncommon for defense attorneys to negotiate with the prosecutor they are going against in a criminal defense matter. The legal system is often more cooperative than people give it credit for. Our lawyers can advocate for you to the prosecutor working on your case by working out deals or even getting the charges against you dropped altogether.
Advocating for You Before Judges
We can also communicate with the court handling your case. In many cases, we do this to ensure that the trial happens on a day that works for all parties involved. Other times, this can be a more significant process where lawyers will bring a “motion” before the court to ask the judge to do something. For example, we can file a motion to suppress evidence if there is reason to believe that the evidence was obtained illegally or is not relevant to your case.
Defend You at Trial
Of course, if your case does go to trial, we can defend you with strong legal arguments and give you the best possible chance of getting a positive outcome in your case.
Chat with Our Camden County, NJ Criminal Defense Attorneys About Your Case
To get a free analysis of your situation from our criminal defense attorneys, reach out to The Law Offices of John J. Zarych at the number (609) 616-4956.
