Criminal charges in Bergen County put everything on the line, including your freedom, reputation, career, and future. With so much at stake, it is critical to have a Teaneck, New Jersey criminal defense lawyer who knows how to successfully navigate the complexities of the state’s criminal justice system and protect your rights.
The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall has defended thousands of clients against criminal charges ranging from disorderly persons offenses to first-degree felonies throughout Bergen County. Our award-winning Teaneck criminal defense attorneys have successfully handled cases in courts throughout New Jersey, achieving favorable outcomes for clients through strategic defense, thorough investigation, and aggressive advocacy.
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Bergen County, you need quality legal representation with the muscle to get the best result. Contact The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall for a free consultation with a reputable local criminal defense lawyer who will fight to protect your rights and freedom.
Why Choose Our Teaneck Criminal Defense Lawyer Firm?
Our team of twenty lawyers focuses solely on defending individuals charged with violations of the NJ Code of Criminal Justice. We bring unmatched experience, insider knowledge, and proven courtroom success to every client’s case:
- Experienced: Over 200 years of collective experience handling aggravated assault, weapon, drug, homicide, theft, fraud, and serious traffic violations like DWI. We have certified criminal trial lawyers on staff when litigation is required.
- Understanding the Other Side: Former County Prosecutors in over 20 towns, who have served at the highest levels, such as Director of Major Crimes, Special Victims Unit (a.k.a. Sex Crimes), Domestic Violence, Juvenile, and even as the head of an entire Trial Division.
- Proven Results: Our award-winning NJ criminal defense lawyers possess decades of experience trying criminal cases to verdict before juries.
We understand that being arrested or charged with a crime creates tremendous stress and uncertainty for you and your family. Our attorneys provide compassionate guidance while delivering aggressive defense strategies designed to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Cases Our Teaneck, NJ Criminal Defense Lawyers Represent
We defend clients against the full spectrum of criminal charges prosecuted in Teaneck Municipal Court and Bergen County Superior Court. Our attorneys handle cases ranging from minor disorderly persons offenses to the most serious indictable crimes:
- Drug possession and distribution charges
- Assault and domestic violence
- Weapons offenses
- Theft and shoplifting
- Burglary and robbery
- Sexual assault and sex crimes
- DWI and traffic violations
- Fraud and white-collar crimes
- Juvenile offenses
- Homicide and manslaughter
- Restraining order violations
- Harassment and stalking
- Probation violations
- Federal crimes
No matter what charges you face, our legal team has the knowledge and courtroom experience to build a powerful defense. We have successfully defended clients against allegations at every level of severity, from municipal court matters to complex Superior Court indictments.
The Criminal Defense Process in New Jersey
We help you understand what to expect when facing criminal charges so that you can make informed decisions about your defense. The New Jersey criminal justice system follows specific procedures that vary depending on whether you are charged with disorderly persons offenses or indictable crimes.
Investigation and Arrest
The Teaneck police may arrest you at the scene of an alleged crime or issue a summons requiring you to appear in court. Law enforcement must inform you of your Miranda rights if they intend to question you while you are in custody. You have the constitutional right to remain silent and request a criminal defense attorney before answering any questions.
Bail or Detention Hearing
New Jersey eliminated monetary bail in 2017 and implemented a risk-based pretrial release system under the Criminal Justice Reform Act. After your arrest for an indictable offense, prosecutors have 48 hours to decide whether to file a motion for pretrial detention:
- Timing: The detention hearing must occur within three business days of your first appearance if prosecutors file a detention motion.
- Purpose: The hearing determines whether you will be released pending trial or detained in county jail based on risk assessment.
- Process: The court considers factors including the nature of the charges, your criminal history, ties to the community, and potential danger to public safety.
- Judge’s Decision: The judge can order your release with or without conditions or order pretrial detention if prosecutors prove by clear and convincing evidence that no conditions can reasonably assure your appearance and public safety.
Our Teaneck criminal defense lawyers appear at detention hearings to advocate for your release and minimize restrictive conditions. We present evidence of your community ties, employment, family responsibilities, and lack of flight risk to persuade the court that detention is unnecessary.
Arraignment
At arraignment, the court formally advises you of the charges against you and your constitutional rights. You enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest to the charges. We typically advise clients to enter not guilty pleas at this stage to preserve all defense options while we investigate the case and negotiate with prosecutors.
Discovery and Investigation
After the arraignment, we obtain all evidence the prosecution plans to use against you through the discovery process. Our firm conducts its own independent investigation to build your defense:
- Police reports and arrest records
- Surveillance video and photographs
- Laboratory reports and forensic evidence
- Expert witness reports
- Body camera and dashcam footage
Our investigation often uncovers evidence that contradicts the prosecution’s theory of the case. We interview witnesses, visit crime scenes, consult with forensic experts, and identify constitutional violations.
Pretrial Motions
At The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, we file strategic motions to dismiss charges for legal deficiencies or to obtain favorable rulings before trial. Common pretrial motions in criminal cases include:
- Motion to Suppress Evidence: Challenges evidence obtained through illegal searches, seizures, or interrogations that violated your Fourth or Fifth Amendment rights.
- Motion to Dismiss: Argues that the charges lack legal sufficiency, the prosecution missed statutory deadlines, or constitutional violations require dismissal.
- Motion for Discovery: Compels the prosecution to provide additional evidence or witness information they failed to disclose.
- Motion in Limine: Seeks to exclude prejudicial evidence, prior convictions, or inflammatory testimony from being presented to the jury.
Successful pretrial motions can result in case dismissal or exclusion of the prosecution’s most damaging evidence. Our attorneys have extensive experience identifying constitutional violations and procedural errors that support favorable pretrial rulings.
Pretrial Conference
The judge, prosecutor, and defense attorney meet to discuss the case, explore possible plea agreements, and address procedural issues. Pretrial conferences often lead to favorable plea offers as prosecutors recognize weaknesses in their cases through our advocacy.
Plea Bargaining
Prosecutors may offer to reduce charges or recommend lighter sentences in exchange for a guilty plea. We negotiate aggressively to secure the most favorable terms possible, but we never pressure you to accept any plea offer against your wishes.
Trial (If No Plea)
If plea negotiations fail to produce an acceptable resolution, our criminal defense lawyers prepare your case for trial. New Jersey guarantees your right to trial by jury for indictable offenses, while municipal court cases are tried before a judge:
- Jury Selection: We question potential jurors to identify and exclude individuals who may harbor bias against you.
- Opening Statements: Our lawyers preview the evidence and outline our defense theory for the jury.
- Presentation of Evidence: The prosecution presents its case first, followed by our defense presentation, including witness testimony and physical evidence.
- Cross-Examination: We challenge the credibility and reliability of prosecution witnesses through strategic questioning.
- Closing Arguments: We synthesize the evidence and persuade the jury that the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Our certified criminal trial attorneys have tried hundreds of cases to verdict. We possess the courtroom skills and strategic thinking necessary to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and win acquittals for our clients.
Sentencing
If convicted, the judge imposes a sentence in accordance with the sentencing guidelines in N.J.S.A. 2C:44-1. The law establishes aggravating and mitigating factors that courts must consider. Our criminal defense attorneys present evidence of mitigating circumstances, character witnesses, and alternative sentencing options to minimize penalties and, when possible, seek non-custodial sentences.
Appeals
You have the right to appeal a conviction or sentence you believe resulted from legal errors during trial. We file appeals to the New Jersey Superior Court Appellate Division, arguing that the trial court made mistakes requiring reversal of your conviction or modification of your sentence.
Speak to an Experienced Teaneck NJ Criminal Defense Lawyer Now
Criminal charges threaten everything you have worked to build throughout your life. The attorneys at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have dedicated their careers to defending individuals accused of crimes in Teaneck and throughout Bergen County.
We know the local prosecutors, judges, and court procedures at Teaneck Municipal Court and Bergen County Superior Court, giving us a strategic advantage in your defense. Our former prosecutors understand how the state builds criminal cases, and we use that insider knowledge to identify weaknesses and develop winning defense strategies.
Whether you face disorderly persons offenses, fourth-degree crimes, or first-degree felonies, our legal team has the experience and courtroom skills to fight for the best possible outcome. Contact The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall for a free consultation with a qualified Teaneck criminal defense attorney who will protect your rights and future.
