Summit, New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer

Facing criminal charges in Summit, New Jersey is a daunting experience. Your freedom, reputation, and future are at stake. A criminal defense attorney can help you with your Summit, NJ criminal charges. When considering legal representation for criminal charges in Summit, NJ, Brett M. Rosen is an excellent choice. Here’s why:

Comprehensive Criminal Defense Services in Summit

We handle a wide range of criminal cases in Summit, including:

• Drug Offenses: Possession, distribution, trafficking, paraphernalia, prescription drug fraud.
  • Paraphernalia charges carry up to 6 months in the Union County Jail. 
• Assault and Battery: Simple assault, aggravated assault, domestic violence.
  • Simple Assault charge carries up to 6 months in Jail and up to a $1,000 fine. 
• Theft Crimes: Shoplifting, robbery, burglary, fraud, embezzlement.
  • Shoplifting charge (if items were under $200) carries up to 6 months in the Union County Jail. 
• DWI/DUI: Driving while intoxicated, driving under the influence, refusal to submit to a breathalyzer.
• Traffic Offenses: Speeding, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license.
  • Reckless driving ticket carries 5 points.
• White-Collar Crimes: Embezzlement, fraud, insider trading, money laundering.
• Sex Crimes: Sexual assault, indecent exposure, child pornography.
• Juvenile Offenses: Underage drinking, vandalism, theft.

Our Approach to Your Defense

When you hire Brett M. Rosen, Esq., as your criminal defense attorney in Summit, NJ, you can expect:

1. Thorough Investigation: We’ll meticulously examine the evidence, police reports, witness statements, and any other relevant information to build a strong defense.
2. Strategic Planning: We’ll develop a comprehensive strategy tailored to your case, whether that involves negotiating a plea deal, fighting for dismissal, or taking your case to trial.
3. Aggressive Representation: We’ll relentlessly advocate for you in court, challenging the prosecution’s evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and presenting a compelling defense.
4. Mitigation: We’ll work to minimize the potential penalties, exploring alternatives like diversion programs, probation, or community service.

Common Criminal Defense Strategies

Depending on the specifics of your case, we may employ various defense strategies, including:

• Lack of Evidence: Challenging the sufficiency of the evidence against you.
  • Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution has the burden of proving every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence is weak, inconsistent, or lacking, your attorney can argue that it’s not enough for a conviction.
  • Witness Credibility: If the prosecution relies on witness testimony, your attorney can challenge the credibility of those witnesses by highlighting inconsistencies, biases, or motives to lie.
• Illegal Search and Seizure: Arguing that evidence was obtained unlawfully. Evidence obtained through an illegal search or seizure can be suppressed, meaning it cannot be used against you in court. This often involves challenging the legality of a traffic stop, a search warrant, or consent to search.
• Self-Defense: Asserting that you acted to protect yourself or another person. If you used force to protect yourself from imminent harm, you might be able to argue self-defense. The force used must have been proportionate to the threat you faced.
  • Defense of Others: Similar to self-defense, you can use force to protect another person if you reasonably believed they were in imminent danger.
• Alibi: Proving that you were not present at the scene of the crime.
• Mistaken Identity: Demonstrating that you were wrongfully accused.
• Coercion or Duress: Arguing that you were forced or pressured to commit the crime. If you were forced to commit the crime under threat of serious harm or death, you might have a duress defense.
• Mental Incapacity: Claiming you were not responsible for your actions due to a mental illness or impairment. In rare cases, if you can prove that you were legally insane at the time of the crime, you might not be held criminally responsible for your actions.
• Chain of Custody Issues: The prosecution must demonstrate a proper chain of custody for any physical evidence, showing that it was handled correctly and not tampered with. Any breaks in the chain of custody can cast doubt on the evidence’s reliability.
• False Accusations: In some cases, the entire accusation might be false or motivated by malice. Your attorney can investigate the accuser’s motives and present evidence to support your innocence.
• Miranda Rights Violations: If your Miranda rights were not properly read to you before questioning, any statements you made might be inadmissible.

Frequently Asked Questions of Criminal Charges in Summit, NJ (FAQs)

• What should I do if I’m arrested in Summit, New Jersey?
  
  • Remain silent, ask for a lawyer, and do not answer any questions without legal counsel present.
• How much does it cost to hire a criminal defense attorney?
  
  • Fees vary depending on the complexity of the case. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your options.
• Can I get a criminal charge expunged from my record?
  
  • Yes, in some cases. New Jersey has expungement laws, but eligibility depends on the type of offense and your criminal history.
• What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
  
  • Misdemeanors are less serious offenses punishable by up to a year in jail, while felonies carry more severe penalties, including longer prison sentences.
• What is the phone number for Summit Municipal Court?
  
  • The Summit Municipal Court in New Jersey is currently open to the public, but virtual court sessions are being held. If you need assistance, call 908-665-1454 or use the drop box in the vestibule for payments and correspondence. The court handles various matters, including traffic violations, disorderly offenses, and health code violations. For more information, visit the official website. 

Additional FAQs

What are the most common criminal charges in Summit, NJ?

• Common charges include DUI/DWI, drug possession, assault, theft, disorderly conduct, and traffic violations.

What is a plea bargain?

• A plea bargain is an agreement between you and the prosecutor where you plead guilty to a lesser charge or receive a reduced sentence in exchange for avoiding a trial.

Where do criminal cases in Summit get handled?

• Most cases are handled by the Summit Municipal Court, but more serious charges (felonies) go to the Union County Superior Court.

What are some common defenses against criminal charges in Summit?

• Defenses vary depending on the charge. They can include insufficient evidence, illegal search and seizure, self-defense, lack of intent, alibi, and constitutional rights violations.

Should I hire a lawyer for a criminal charge in Summit?

• It’s highly recommended to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. They can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

Protect Your Rights, Secure Your Future – Contact Us Today

If you’re facing criminal charges in Summit, NJ, don’t delay in seeking legal help. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of a successful outcome. Contact Brett M. Rosen, Esq. today for a free consultation. He can assess your case, advise you of your options, and provide the skilled legal representation you need to fight the charges and protect your future.

Call Brett M. Rosen, Esq. at 908-312-0368 or brett@nynjcriminalcivilesq.com for a free, confidential consultation.