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William Proetta Criminal Law

3840 Park Ave, Suite 202 A

Edison, NJ 08820

Phone: (732) 659-9600

Middlesex County Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are facing criminal charges in Middlesex County, you know that your freedom and future may be in jeopardy. A conviction means not only the potential for prison time and fines, but also a criminal record that can make it difficult to secure housing, employment, or educational opportunities in the future. You shouldn’t have to face the criminal justice system alone. A Middlesex County criminal defense lawyer can help you fight for your rights during this trying time.

At William Proetta Criminal Law, our defense lawyers are dedicated to representing individuals facing criminal charges throughout Middlesex County. We have a long track record of handling cases in the local court system and have developed in-depth knowledge of how county prosecutors and local law enforcement operate. Our attorneys have successfully defended clients in cases ranging from DWI to murder.

The criminal defense attorney you choose may be the most important decision you make in your case. Reach out to William Proetta Criminal Law today for a free case evaluation with a trusted Middlesex County criminal defense lawyer.

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How Can Our Middlesex County Defense Attorneys Help You?

The attorneys of William Proetta Criminal Law have extensive experience representing clients facing criminal matters involving:

  • Assault and threat crimesThis includes aggravated assault, kidnapping, and arson, or more serious crimes like homicide.
  • Domestic violenceThis typically involves offenses like stalking, harassment, terroristic threats, or assault or sexual assault committed by someone upon a victim whom they share an intimate or household relationship with.
  • Drug offensesThis includes possession, distribution, manufacturing, and trafficking of illicit substances, or unlawful procurement or possession of prescription drugs.
  • Weapons offensesThis includes possessing weapons without the required licenses or permits, unlawful possession of weapons (including by people disqualified from possessing weapons), possession of weapons for unlawful purposes, or unlawful use of a weapon.
  • Sex crimesThis can include sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, lewdness, endangering the welfare of a child, or prostitution.
  • Theft and fraudWe represent people who are facing charges of shoplifting, robbery and armed robbery, carjacking or grand theft auto, identity theft or fraud, and bank and credit card fraud.
  • Juvenile criminal chargesThis includes conduct of a minor that, if committed by an adult, would constitute a criminal offense. New Jersey maintains a separate juvenile criminal justice system focused on rehabilitating young people rather than imposing punishment for unlawful conduct.
  • DWI and DUI chargesWe represent people charged with a first-time DUI, as well as underage DUI and second or subsequent DUIs.
  • Traffic violationsWe save people time and money by handling cases involving speeding or other moving violations, as well as more serious violations such as racing or reckless driving.
  • ExpungementsAn expungement permits eligible individuals to have certain arrest or conviction records sealed from public view. An expungement also entitles an individual, under most circumstances, to legally deny the existence of an arrest or conviction.

Our Practice Areas

Why You Need a Middlesex County Criminal Defense Attorney in Your Corner

There is no substitute for working with a defense attorney who is local to the jurisdiction where you are facing charges. At William Proetta Criminal Law, our Middlesex County criminal defense attorneys can walk you through what to expect every step of the way. You can count on our seasoned defense team to:

  • Independently investigate the underlying facts and circumstances of your charges so that we do not need to rely solely on evidence turned over by the prosecution
  • Thoroughly review your case to identify all potential defense strategies that may be available to you
  • File motions to exclude evidence that may have been unlawfully obtained by investigators or that is unreliable or irrelevant to the facts of your case
  • Test the prosecution’s case by moving to reduce or dismiss your charges
  • File applications on your behalf for your admission into diversionary programs, if eligible, that can allow you to avoid the consequences of a conviction
  • Negotiate with prosecutors to seek a plea deal, where appropriate, that would avoid the most serious penalties of your charges
  • Advocate on your behalf in court and at trial when you choose to contest your charges and assert your innocence

New Jersey Has Harsh Penalties for Criminal Convictions

In New Jersey, penalties for a criminal conviction vary depending on the grading of an offense. Offenses are typically graded into one of two categories: disorderly persons offenses, sometimes called misdemeanors, and indictable crimes, also known as felonies. Sentencing ranges for a criminal conviction in New Jersey include:

  • Petty disorderly persons offense – Up to 30 days in jail, plus a maximum fine of $500
  • Disorderly persons offense – Up to six months in jail, plus a maximum fine of $1,000
  • Fourth-degree crime – Up to 18 months in prison, plus a maximum fine of $10,000
  • Third-degree crime – Three to five years in prison, plus a maximum fine of $15,000
  • Second-degree crime – Five to 10 years in prison, plus a maximum fine of $150,000
  • First-degree crime – Typically 10 to 20 years in prison, although certain offenses like murder can have maximum terms as long as life imprisonment, plus fines of up to $200,000

In addition to incarceration and fines, courts can impose penalties such as probation, community service, requirements to pay court costs or restitution to victims, obligations to attend behavioral or substance abuse treatment, or sex offender registration requirements.

Beware of the Long-Term Consequences of Having a Criminal Record

People often find that they continue to face consequences from their convictions despite having paid their debts to society. Many convicted individuals with criminal records have significant difficulty obtaining:

  • Housing
  • Employment
  • Education
  • Financial opportunities

Some landlords, employers, or educational programs prefer not to accept or hire individuals with criminal histories, concerned that they pose a risk of reoffending. This can make it difficult for someone with a criminal record to reintegrate into society and lead a law-abiding life after finishing their sentence.

Convictions and criminal records can also have other long-term consequences, such as disqualifying an individual from purchasing or possessing firearms or rendering a person ineligible for certain government benefits or employment in industries like law enforcement or the judiciary.

Finally, people who have been convicted of certain sex offenses may be required to sign up for New Jersey’s Sex Offender Internet Registry. This places them on a publicly accessible database of individuals who have been convicted of sex crimes. Depending on the severity of their offense, notification of their sex offender status may also be provided to parties such as schools, community organizations, or even members of the general public. Registering as a sex offender can come with a stigma that can make it difficult to obtain housing or employment or to participate in civic or social life.

How to Protect Your Rights During and After an Arrest in Middlesex County

When you are arrested in Middlesex County, you should remember these important tips to help protect your rights in the criminal justice system:

  • Do not resist an arrest or attempt to flee from police – Even if you know you have not committed any crimes, physically attempting to prevent your own arrest constitutes a crime unto itself, even if you are innocent of the crime you are being arrested for.
  • Always exercise your right to remain silent when in police custody – You should firmly but politely decline to answer any questions and inform the officers that you wish to remain silent.
  • You should also exercise your right to legal counsel at the first available opportunity – Inform the officers that you wish to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. Once you have invoked your right to counsel, police are not supposed to question or interrogate you until you have had the opportunity to consult with an attorney.
  • Stay off social media. Throughout the duration of your case, do not share information about what’s happening on social media. Keep your conversations about your case between you and your attorney.

Talk to a Middlesex County Criminal Defense Lawyer Now

If you have been charged with a crime in Middlesex County, you need to act quickly to preserve your legal rights. Contact William Proetta Criminal Law today for a free, confidential consultation with a Middlesex County criminal defense lawyer.

Testimonials
Our Clients
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A Lawyer Who Truly Cares

Will is an amazing attorney and one who truly cares about his clients! Even before we hired him, he spent a lot of time explaining the process; during the months we worked with him, he continued to patiently answer our calls and questions. He exhausted all the options before resorting to the option we didn’t want to take. And even then, he continued to fight for an alternative–which eventually worked out. He truly went above and beyond in trying to get the best outcome for the case!

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Our Clients
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Absolutely Highly Recommended!

Will Proetta represented me in a simple assault case earlier this year. I talked to a few other lawyers before calling Will, but his knowledge of the law and his ability to rattle off excellent defense strategies made his law firm the very clear choice. I had no doubt that I was putting my future in the hands of someone who really knew what he was talking about

I’m a fairly paranoid person, and I called Will frequently to discuss my matter. He always listened to my ramblings with open ears, and he was very understanding of the situation that I was in. It was clear that he actually cared about the outcome of my case, I wasn’t just another paycheck.

On the day of my preliminary hearing, Will walked into the prosecutors office and within ten minutes, my case was dismissed. I have no idea what was discussed behind the closed doors, but apparently Will made it clear that there was no case against me, and the prosecutor really had no choice but to agree. I had no idea that it could be so simple, but at least I understood why Will was so confident on the phone when we discussed my charges.

I really appreciate Will as a person and a lawyer, and I would HIGHLY recommend him to anyone with a serious legal matter on his or her hands. Additionally, I would also tell whomever is hiring Will to take a deep breath and relax. If there is a way to beat your case, Will is going to know about it, and he’s not afraid to put in the work that it takes to have your charges dismissed.

Travis R.
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Testimonials
Our Clients
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Excellent Job, Good Advices and Timely Support, Very Professional!

Has maintained timely contact and advices on any change or movement of the case.

Has showed up on time every court date with good preparation and actively interacted with court personals to gain favorite position during the process. Has provide good advices and solution on situation and problems encountered.

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