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Home Union County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Union County Criminal Defense Attorney

Reviewed by William A. Proetta, Esq. · Updated

Being arrested for a crime in Union County can be a stressful and frightening experience, particularly if you’ve never navigated the criminal justice system before. The legal process can be extremely confusing. If you don’t present a strong defense in court, you could end up serving a harsh sentence. That’s why you need a seasoned Union County criminal defense lawyer to handle your case.

At William Proetta Criminal Law, we understand how a criminal conviction can impact your life. In addition to severe penalties like jail time and steep fines, a criminal conviction goes on your permanent record and can follow you around for the rest of your life. If you are convicted of a crime in New Jersey, you might have difficulty securing employment, finding a place to live, or obtaining the financial aid you need to pursue a higher education.

When your freedom and future are on the line, our legal team will fight tooth and nail for the best possible outcome for you. Contact William Proetta Criminal Law today for a free and confidential consultation.

Union County Courts We Regularly Appear In

Indictable crimes in Union County are prosecuted in Superior Court at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Disorderly persons offenses, traffic tickets and DWI charges are heard in the municipal court of the town where the charge was issued. Select your court below for its address, session days, court code and local defense resources.

Union County Court Information

Find Your Union County Court

Indictable charges go to Superior Court in Elizabeth. Everything else is heard in the municipal court of the town where it happened.

Indictable charges

Union County Superior Court

Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth Prosecuted by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office Superior Court Guide Union County

Berkeley Heights

360 Elkwood Avenue, New Providence Selected Thursdays 9 a.m. (virtual) Court code 2001 Berkeley Heights Municipal Court Union County

Clark

315 Westfield Avenue Wednesdays 9 a.m. (virtual) Court code 2002 Clark Municipal Court Union County

Cranford

8 Springfield Avenue Wed 5:30 p.m.; DWI 2nd Tue 10 a.m. Court code 2003 Cranford Municipal Court Union County

Elizabeth

1 Police Plaza Criminal weekdays; traffic Mon & Wed Court code 2004 Elizabeth Municipal Court Union County

Fanwood

75 North Martine Avenue Three Thursdays a month Court code 2005 Fanwood Municipal Court Union County

Garwood

75 North Martine Avenue, Fanwood Thursdays at the Fanwood courtroom Court code 2006 Garwood Municipal Court Union County

Hillside

1409 Liberty Avenue Wednesdays & Thursdays Court code 2007 Hillside Municipal Court Union County

Kenilworth

567 Boulevard 1st & 3rd Wednesday mornings Court code 2008 Kenilworth Municipal Court Union County

Linden

301 North Wood Avenue Mon – Wed 9 a.m. & 5 p.m.; Fri 9 a.m. Court code 2009 Linden Municipal Court Union County

Mountainside

1385 Route 22 East Thursdays 9 a.m. Court code 2010 Mountainside Municipal Court Union County

New Providence

360 Elkwood Avenue Wednesdays, twice a month Court code 2011 New Providence Municipal Court Union County

Plainfield

325 Watchung Avenue Monday – Thursday (Zoom) Court code 2012 Plainfield Municipal Court Union County

Rahway

One City Hall Plaza Mon & Thu; DWI 4th Monday 9 a.m. Court code 2013 Rahway Municipal Court Union County

Roselle

210 Chestnut Street Mon 11 a.m. & 5 p.m.; Tue 11 a.m. Court code 2014 Roselle Municipal Court Union County

Roselle Park

110 East Westfield Avenue Thursdays 8:45 a.m. Court code 2015 Roselle Park Municipal Court Union County

Scotch Plains

430 Park Avenue Wednesdays 9 a.m. (Zoom) Court code 2016 Scotch Plains Municipal Court Union County

Springfield

100 Mountain Avenue 1st/3rd Mon 2 p.m.; 2nd/4th Wed 9 a.m. Court code 2017 Springfield Municipal Court Union County

Summit

360 Elkwood Avenue, New Providence Wednesdays 9 a.m. Court code 2018 Summit Municipal Court Union County

Union Township

981 Caldwell Avenue Mon – Thu 9 a.m.; Mon, Tue & Thu 6 p.m. Court code 2019 Union Township Municipal Court Union County

Westfield

425 East Broad Street Tuesdays & Thursdays Court code 2020 Westfield Municipal Court

Session days change, so your summons or latest court notice controls. Use the court code to look up or pay an eligible ticket on NJMCdirect.

Union County Superior Court and Indictable Charges

Indictable crimes in Union County, from fourth degree through first degree, are prosecuted by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office in the Criminal Division of Superior Court at the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth. Our Union County Superior Court guide covers the court’s phone numbers and hours, each stage of a criminal case from first appearance to trial, PTI and Recovery Court, the court’s current case backlog, and where people arrested in Union County are held.

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Common Types of Criminal Cases We Handle

Our Union County criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience successfully handling a range of cases, from petty disorderly persons offenses to indictable crimes.

  • Assault and threat crimes – There are many different types of assault in New Jersey, including simple assault, aggravated assault, sexual assault, and assault with an automobile. Some types of assault are disorderly persons offenses, while others are indictable crimes (also known as felonies). If you have been charged with assault, our Union County defense lawyers can help you fight the charges.
  • Domestic violence – Domestic violence is a pattern of physical, emotional, sexual, and/or verbal abuse that occurs between members of the same household, spouses, partners, significant others, those with a child in common, and individuals in dating relationships. The penalties for domestic violence charges are harsh, so you will need a seasoned attorney on your side.
  • Drug offenses – Drug offenses include possession, distribution, possession of drug paraphernalia, drug trafficking, and more. While some drug charges are disorderly persons offenses, many are indictable crimes, particularly when they involve Schedule I drugs such as heroin, LSD, and even certain amounts of marijuana. Our drug crime defense lawyers will work hard to achieve the best possible results no matter what type of charges you are facing.
  • Weapons offenses – New Jersey’s penalties for weapons-related offenses are among the harshest in the country. If you have been charged with a weapons offense like possessing a handgun without a permit, possessing an illegal gun, or possessing a gun for an unlawful purpose, you could be facing years in prison.
  • Sex crimes – Common sex crimes in New Jersey include sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, statutory rape, possession of child pornography, lewdness and public indecency, and failure to register as a sex offender. Sex crimes can have long-lasting consequences, especially if you are required to register as a sex offender.
  • Theft and fraud – If you have been charged with theft or fraud-related crimes, you will need an experienced lawyer to craft a smart defense on your behalf. Common types of theft and fraud crimes include credit card fraud, bank fraud, forgery, consumer fraud, tax fraud, and many more.
  • Juvenile criminal charges – While juveniles tend to face less severe consequences than adults charged with crimes, a young person convicted in juvenile court can carry the consequences of their crime into adulthood. Our attorneys will work diligently to help your child fight the charges against them. If we cannot get the charges dismissed, we will fight for a lenient sentence that avoids time in detention.
  • DWI and DUI charges – If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, our attorneys can offer you the legal advice you need. Having a DUI on your record can result in jail time, fines, loss of your license, and even loss of your livelihood. By retaining one of our dedicated DUI defense attorneys at William Proetta Criminal Law, you may be able to avoid some of the harsh penalties that accompany a conviction.
  • Traffic violations – Traffic violations including speeding, tailgating, and failure to obey traffic laws might not seem serious at first, but you could lose your license and face heavy fines. Our defense lawyers will fight to help you avoid some of the more costly consequences of a traffic violation.
  • Expungements – In New Jersey, you can have your criminal record expunged after a certain amount of time has passed if you meet specific conditions. The conditions vary depending on the type of crime, and there are some crimes that cannot be expunged, such as homicide, sexual assault, and kidnapping. However, many felonies and most disorderly persons offenses can be expunged after five years have passed since the end of your sentence. Our attorneys help those who have been convicted of crimes in the past seek expungements so they can move on with their lives.

No matter what type of crime you have been charged with, having a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in your corner can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case.

Union County Practice Areas

DWI Charges
Union County DWI Charges
DWI Charges
Attorney William Proetta has extensive training in how DWI cases are investigated and charged. He knows how police and prosecutors treat these cases, and he is well-equipped to fight DWI charges
Assault & Threat Crimes
Union County Assault & Threat Crimes
Assault & Threat Crimes
Our attorneys regularly secure dismissals and reduced charges for people accused of simple assault, aggravated assault, stalking, harassment, and other assault and threat crimes.
Domestic Violence
Union County Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence
A misunderstanding or false accusation should not be allowed to ruin your life. Our N.J. domestic violence lawyers can help you build a strong defense to protect your rights and your reputation
Drug Crimes
Union County Drug Crimes
Drug Crimes
Whether you have been charged with possession, distribution, or any other type of drug crime, our attorneys can help you understand the case against you and fight for the best possible outcome.
Sex Crimes
Union County Sex Crimes
Sex Crimes
Sex crimes carry some of the most serious penalties under the law, as well as a stigma that can haunt you for life. Your best move is to get an experienced sex crimes attorney on your side as soon as possible.
Theft & Fraud Charges
Union County Theft & Fraud Charges
Theft & Fraud Charges
Our team has successfully defended people who were charged with robbery, burglary, motor vehicle theft, credit card fraud, prescription fraud, shoplifting, forgery, identify theft, and other serious offenses.
Weapons Offenses
Union County Weapons Offenses
Weapons Offenses
New Jersey is extremely tough on weapons charges. You need an attorney who has a successful track record in handling these serious cases. Our team can help you fight for the best resolution possible.
Federal Crimes
Federal Crimes
Federal Crimes
Whether you have been arrested or just suspect you are under investigation, you should consult with a federal crimes attorney as soon as possible. Every move you make early on is important to your defense.
Juvenile Offense Attorney
Union County Juvenile Offenses
Juvenile Offense Attorney
No one should have their life ruined by a mistake or poor decision made in their youth. Our experienced New Jersey juvenile crimes attorneys will fight for your freedom and your future.
Misdemeanors
Union County Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors
There’s no such thing as a minor conviction. A conviction on a disorderly persons offense will greatly impact your life. Talk to a skilled defense attorney about your options for fighting the case against you.
Expungement
Union County Expungement
Expungement
A criminal record can follow a person around for years, shutting the door on many potential opportunities. Contact us today to learn if you are eligible to expunge your record and start fresh.
Traffic Violations
Union County Traffic Violations
Traffic Violations
A traffic ticket may seem like a simple issue to resolve, but you should always consult with a trusted attorney to ensure you understand the consequences of how your ticket is handled.
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How Our Union County Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help You

The Union County criminal defense lawyers at William Proetta Criminal Law have 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 extent of a sentence depends on numerous factors, including the type of crime and the degree of the charge. Crimes in New Jersey are categorized as petty disorderly persons and disorderly persons offenses (otherwise known as misdemeanors) or indictable crimes (otherwise known as felonies). The general sentencing guidelines for convictions in New Jersey include:

  • 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 offenses fall outside of the parameters listed above and incur more severe sentences or fines such as certain drug crimes, certain sexual assault crimes, or murder.

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.

Get Advice from a Union County Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Contact the Union County defense lawyers at William Proetta Criminal Law today to discuss your case. We offer a free consultation to all potential clients so that you can understand your rights and learn more about how our attorneys can help protect your freedom and your future.

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Awesome Lawyer!

I’ve used Mr. Proetta for many cases and every time I’ve used him he has dismissed my case or got me no points even when I was facing 6 points. I have used him for driving without a license, speeding, careless driving, no registration, and he’s always got me out of it. I have used other lawyers before, but he definitely has given me the best results. I 100% recommend him for anyone who is in need of a lawyer who will help keep your license or make sure you don’t accumulate points. He’s also easy to get in touch with and will answer you if you have any questions. Not like many other lawyers who get your money and just see you and talk to you the day of your court date. He’s definitely my go to guy!

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Best Attorney!

Hands down the best lawyer in New Jersey. My case was a very ugly one. I was looking at 10years. This lawyer did An Amazing work and got me 2 years probation with a clean record after my probation. Definitely recommending him to everyone I know.

Bethania
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Careless and Speeding

Mr. Proetta was hired for three separate cases. He went above and beyond the predicted results of each case. He was extremely friendly and enthusiastic about each case which made the process very comfortable.

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