1. Marshall Criminal Defense & DWI Lawyers
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 12 attorneys, 200+ combined years of experience, and former prosecutors on staff
Practice Areas: DWI/DUI, drug crimes, burglary, domestic violence, assault, theft, sex crimes, federal crimes
Background: At Marshall Criminal Defense & DWI Lawyers in Jersey City, N.J., there is a team of twelve New Jersey criminal defense attorneys with a combined 200 years of experience defending NJ residents against DWI/DUI charges, drug crimes, burglary, domestic violence, and all types of criminal charges. As one of the largest and most experienced criminal defense law firms in New Jersey, the experienced and aggressive team of award-winning Jersey City criminal defense lawyers have spent decades working on the other side of the NJ criminal justice system, as prosecutors and public defenders in local courtrooms across the state. The firm is known for creative and strategic approaches to criminal defense and has the resources to challenge every case fully.
Location: Jersey City, New Jersey (serves Hudson County and all of New Jersey)
Contact: (877) 534-7338 | https://www.newjerseycriminallawattorney.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. William Proetta Criminal Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with strategic representation and deep familiarity with Hudson County courts
Practice Areas: Drug possession, shoplifting, criminal mischief, simple assault, harassment, disorderly conduct, DUI/DWI, domestic violence
Background: William Proetta Criminal Law is a Hudson County law firm that represents clients for criminal, DWI, and traffic charges including drug possession, shoplifting, criminal mischief, simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct. The firm provides experienced and knowledgeable legal representation to people facing criminal charges in Jersey City. Jersey City judges follow the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, which says that all persons convicted of offenses in New Jersey must be sentenced according to codified sentencing guidelines. The firm’s Jersey City criminal defense attorneys are ready to protect freedoms by developing the strongest possible defense.
Location: 242 10th Street, Suite 103, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Contact: (201) 992-5891 | https://www.newjerseycriminallawfirm.com/
Consultation: Free legal consultation available
3. Camili & Capo, P.A.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with track record of successful representation across diverse criminal cases
Practice Areas: DUI/DWI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, violent crimes, expungements
Background: The team at Camili & Capo, P.A. is ready to fight for clients charged with crimes in Jersey City. They are committed to providing those charged with crimes in Jersey City with quality legal representation. The skilled and experienced team has a track record of representing clients charged with different crimes successfully. Clients can rely on vast experience and in-depth knowledge of the law to craft an effective defense. When receiving a plea deal from the prosecution, it is always a good idea to speak with an experienced criminal lawyer in Jersey City, NJ before accepting it. While the offer may seem tempting, it may not be advantageous. An experienced attorney will review the circumstances of the case and the evidence that the prosecution has and negotiate with the prosecution on behalf of clients.
Location: Jersey City, New Jersey
Contact: (973) 834-8457 | https://www.camililaw.com/
Consultation: Consultation available
4. Bhatt Law Group
Focus Area: Criminal defense with decades of experience in Jersey City and Hudson County
Practice Areas: Drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, violent crimes, federal crimes, white collar crimes
Background: Bhatt Law Group has represented hundreds of clients who were charged with a wide range of crimes in Jersey City. The criminal defense attorneys have several decades of experience between them all. They can offer support and professional legal representation as clients face criminal charges, no matter how minor or severe they may be. Facing criminal charges can wreak havoc on life. At Bhatt Law Group, the team of dedicated and aggressive attorneys stands ready to fight. With extensive experience in various criminal matters, the lawyers are committed to achieving positive outcomes for clients. Each member of the team brings a wealth of knowledge, a relentless drive for justice, and a genuine passion for helping those in need.
Location: Jersey City, New Jersey (serves Hudson County)
Contact: (201) 798-8000 | https://www.bhattlawgroup.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Law Office of Eric M. Mark
Focus Area: Criminal defense with aggressive representation and alternative sentencing options for first-time offenders
Practice Areas: Drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, violent crimes, DUI/DWI
Background: Attorney Eric M. Mark always aggressively pursues positive outcomes for clients’ cases. Sometimes achieving positive outcomes requires negotiating the terms of a plea bargain. And sometimes achieving positive outcomes requires challenging every single shred of evidence and battling it out before the judge and jury. The legal options available will be dependent upon the details of the case and any prior history. Some first time offenders in the State of New Jersey will be eligible for alternative methods of sentencing, which will allow them to avoid prison time and maintain a clean record once their alternative sentencing obligations have been fulfilled. With Eric Mark as your Jersey City criminal lawyer, you can rest assured every detail of your case will be examined thoroughly and defended accurately.
Location: Jersey City, New Jersey (serves Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabethtown, Hackensack, Hoboken, Irvington, East Orange, Union City and throughout Northern New Jersey)
Contact: (201) 713-2227 | https://ericmarklaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in New Jersey
Indictable Offenses (Felonies)
New Jersey classifies serious crimes as “indictable offenses” rather than felonies, organized into four degrees:
First-Degree Crime: Includes murder, kidnapping, and armed robbery. Penalty is 10-20 years in state prison (life for murder) and up to $200,000 fine.
Second-Degree Crime: Includes manslaughter, sexual assault, and burglary. Penalty is 5-10 years in state prison and up to $150,000 fine. There is a presumption of incarceration.
Third-Degree Crime: Includes theft over $500, certain drug offenses, and terroristic threats. Penalty is 3-5 years in state prison and up to $15,000 fine. There is a presumption of non-incarceration for first-time offenders.
Fourth-Degree Crime: Includes stalking, forgery, and certain drug offenses. Penalty is up to 18 months in state prison and up to $10,000 fine.
Disorderly Persons Offenses (Misdemeanors)
Disorderly Persons Offense: Includes simple assault, shoplifting under $200, and possession of small amounts of marijuana. Maximum 6 months in county jail and $1,000 fine.
Petty Disorderly Persons Offense: Includes harassment and certain minor offenses. Maximum 30 days in county jail and $500 fine.
Bail Reform
New Jersey implemented significant bail reform in 2017. Monetary bail is no longer commonly required. Instead, a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) is used to determine whether a defendant should be released, released with conditions, or detained. This was done with consideration for the economic status of many of those that are arrested. However, there are instances when a monetary bail may be set.
Expungement
New Jersey allows expungement of certain criminal records:
Waiting Periods: 6 years for indictable offenses (reduced to 5 years in some cases), 5 years for disorderly persons offenses, 6 months for dismissals and acquittals.
Clean Slate Law: New Jersey enacted a “Clean Slate” law allowing automatic expungement of certain offenses after 10 years.
Ineligible Offenses: Murder, kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery, and other serious violent crimes cannot be expunged.
DUI Laws
New Jersey DUI applies to operating with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .01% under 21). First offense carries up to 30 days jail, $250-$500 fine, 3-month license suspension, and 12-48 hours at Intoxicated Driver Resource Center. DUI in New Jersey is not a criminal offense but a traffic violation; however, it still appears on driving records and carries serious consequences. New Jersey has implied consent; refusal results in 7-month to 1-year license suspension and separate penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Jersey City?
Criminal cases in Jersey City are heard in the Hudson County courts. Jersey City Municipal Court handles disorderly persons offenses, petty disorderly persons offenses, and traffic violations that occur within Jersey City limits. Hudson County Superior Court handles indictable offenses (equivalent to felonies in other states) and is located at the Administration Building in Jersey City. Hudson County is part of the Vicinage 1 of the New Jersey Superior Court. The U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey handles federal criminal cases. Having a Jersey City criminal defense attorney familiar with these court systems, judges, and prosecutors provides an advantage in navigating your case.
What is the difference between an indictable offense and a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey?
New Jersey does not use the terms “felony” and “misdemeanor.” Instead, serious crimes are called “indictable offenses” (similar to felonies) and less serious crimes are called “disorderly persons offenses” (similar to misdemeanors). Indictable offenses are prosecuted by the county prosecutor and heard in Superior Court after a grand jury indictment. They are classified by degree (first through fourth), with first-degree being the most serious. Disorderly persons offenses are prosecuted by municipal prosecutors and heard in Municipal Court without a grand jury. The distinction affects not only potential penalties but also the court process, right to a jury trial, and long-term consequences.
How does New Jersey’s bail reform affect my case?
New Jersey implemented significant bail reform in 2017, largely eliminating monetary bail. Instead of requiring defendants to pay cash bail, a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) is used to evaluate the risk of flight and danger to the community. Based on this assessment, defendants may be released on their own recognizance, released with conditions (such as GPS monitoring, curfew, or check-ins), or detained without bail if they pose a significant risk. This system is designed to ensure that release is not based on wealth. A Jersey City criminal defense attorney can advocate for favorable release conditions at the detention hearing.
What diversion programs are available in Hudson County?
Hudson County offers several diversion programs that allow eligible defendants to avoid conviction. Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) is available for first-time offenders charged with indictable offenses and requires completion of a supervision period and conditions. Conditional Discharge is available for first-time drug offenders charged with simple possession. Drug Court is available for defendants with substance abuse issues and involves intensive treatment and supervision. Veterans Diversion Program is available for veterans with service-related issues. Successful completion of these programs results in dismissal of charges. A Jersey City criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and apply for these programs.
Can I get my New Jersey criminal record expunged?
New Jersey allows expungement of many criminal records after waiting periods. For indictable offenses, the waiting period is generally 6 years (reduced to 5 years in some cases). For disorderly persons offenses, the waiting period is 5 years. Dismissals and acquittals can be expunged after 6 months. New Jersey’s “Clean Slate” law also allows automatic expungement of certain offenses after 10 years. However, certain serious offenses cannot be expunged, including murder, kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery, and crimes involving endangerment of children. The petition must be filed in the Superior Court. A Jersey City criminal defense attorney can evaluate your eligibility and file a petition to expunge your record.