1st Degree Home Invasion Dismissed

On August 28, 2025, Bayonne police officers responded to the victim’s home on a report of a female that had been stabbed. Upon arrival they met with the victim who was in distress and bleeding from a laceration on her thigh. Police called the ambulance to respond and render aid.

A subsequent investigation resulted in our client, J.A. being charged with 1st degree home invasion 2C:18-2.1. The police alleged that J.A. had forcibly broken down the door of the victim’s home and attacked her inside which resulted in the victim’s injuries and laceration. Initially, the victim claimed she had been stabbed my J.A. but we were able to successfully contest her allegation with the prosecutor. Based on the allegations, our client, J.A., faced a mandatory period of incarceration between 10 – 20 years in New Jersey state prison, of which 85% of the time must be served without parole. William A. Proetta, Esq. was able to challenge the evidence alleged against J.A. and convince the State to dismiss the first degree home invasion charges. Ultimately, a deal was struck where J.A. was entered into Pre-Trial Intervention for 12 months for criminal mischief.

State v. J.A.