Union County Criminal Defense Attorney

How a Union County Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You

William Proetta has a long track record of representing individuals who have been charged with crimes in New Jersey. We are committed to providing top-notch customer service and giving each of our clients the personalized attention they deserve. When you choose our firm to handle your criminal case, we will:

• Give you insight into the process and what to expect – We will explain your rights in an easy-to-understand way, offer you honest legal advice, and help you navigate the legal process.
• Gather evidence – We will quickly collect and preserve evidence to support your case, from witness statements to expert testimony.
• Build a strong defense – We will consider a variety of possible defenses to the charges brought against you and strategize with you to determine the best course of action.
• Represent you in court – Your attorney will be your personal representative during legal proceedings. We will do everything in our power to present the strongest possible defense with the goal of getting your charges reduced or dismissed.
• Negotiate sentencing – If a plea deal is in your best interests, our team will negotiate sentencing options with the prosecutor and the judge in your case. If possible, we will present alternative sentencing options before the court that could enable you to avoid jail time, such as house arrest, community service, and therapy.

A seasoned Union County criminal defense attorney at William Proetta Criminal Law will fight vigorously for the best outcome for you. Don’t hesitate to learn more about how our firm can help you if you’ve been charged with a crime. Contact us now for a free review of your case.

Penalties for a Criminal Conviction in Union County

Being convicted of a crime in Union County can carry severe penalties. The sentence depends on the offense, the degree of the charge and the person’s record. New Jersey divides offenses into petty disorderly persons and disorderly persons offenses (roughly comparable to misdemeanors), which are heard in municipal court, and indictable crimes of the first through fourth degree (the state’s equivalent of felonies), which are heard in Union County Superior Court. The maximum ranges are set by N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6 and N.J.S.A. 2C:43-8, and the fines by N.J.S.A. 2C:43-3:

• Petty disorderly persons offenses – Up to 30 days of imprisonment and up to $500 in fines
• Disorderly persons offenses – Up to six months of imprisonment and up to $1,000 in fines
• Fourth-degree crimes – Up to 18 months of imprisonment and up to $10,000 in fines
• Third-degree crimes – Three to five years of imprisonment and up to $15,000 in fines
• Second-degree crimes – Five to 10 years of imprisonment and up to $150,000 in fines
• First-degree crimes – 10 to 20 years of imprisonment and up to $200,000 in fines

Some charges carry additional rules on top of these ranges. First- and second-degree violent crimes, such as robbery and second-degree aggravated assault, require serving 85% of the prison term before parole under the No Early Release Act. Many gun possession charges carry a mandatory period of parole ineligibility under the Graves Act. Certain drug, sex and homicide offenses have their own sentencing schemes. For a full breakdown, see our guide to New Jersey degrees of crimes.

How a Criminal Record Can Affect You in the Long Term

While serving out a prison sentence or having to pay a large fine can be burdensome, the consequences of a criminal conviction don’t end once you have served out your sentence. Whether you are convicted of a disorderly persons offence or an indictable crime, some of the most common consequences of having a criminal record include:

• Difficulty obtaining employment
• Inability to obtain certain types of loans, including auto loans, student loans, business loans, and mortgages
• Difficulty securing housing (since many landlords run criminal background checks on applicants)
• Having to register as a sex offender if you were convicted of a specific sex crime
• Troubles with child custody

These are just a few of the possible long-term consequences you could face if you are convicted of a crime in New Jersey. That’s why it is crucial to speak with a Union County criminal defense attorney as soon as you have been arrested. The sooner you hire a lawyer to represent you, the better off you are.

What Happens After an Arrest in Union County

After an arrest, police either issue a complaint-summons, which lets you go home with a court date, or apply for a complaint-warrant. On a complaint-warrant, you are held at the county jail while Pretrial Services prepares a risk assessment, and the court must decide on release within 48 hours of commitment under N.J.S.A. 2A:162-16, unless the prosecutor moves to detain you and the case goes to a detention hearing. Our pretrial release and detention guide explains that process.

An indictable charge does not always stay in Superior Court. Before indictment, the prosecutor can downgrade it to a disorderly persons offense and send it back to the municipal court where the arrest happened, or the case can move on to a grand jury, arraignment and pretrial conferences. Our New Jersey criminal court roadmap walks through each stage of a case.

Union County Criminal Defense FAQs

Get Advice from a Union County Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Contact William Proetta Criminal Law to discuss your case. William Proetta has more than 15 years of criminal trial experience in New Jersey courts, including Union County Superior Court and the municipal courts across the county. Call (908) 838-0150 for a free, confidential consultation, 24/7, or contact us online. Se habla español.