1. Zegas Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with decades of experience and successful representation in high-profile cases
Practice Areas: Drug crimes, white collar crimes, securities fraud, tax evasion, assault, theft, violent crimes, federal crimes
Background: At Zegas Law, the Newark criminal defense lawyers have successfully represented thousands of clients in criminal matters over decades of practical experience. The law firm and founding attorney, Alan Zegas, have a history of producing favorable results for clients across Essex County. In every case, the primary goals are to obtain a not-guilty verdict or have charges dismissed or disposed of without criminal prosecution. The firm’s proven track record of success includes successfully defending clients in some of the most complex and high-profile cases in recent years. Clients have praised Attorney Zegas for having a brilliant mind, strong institutional knowledge, extraordinary command of the law, being detail oriented, an enormously strategic thinker, fearless, compassionate, and personally accessible on a 24/7 basis.
Location: Newark, New Jersey (serves Essex County and all of New Jersey)
Contact: (973) 379-1999 | https://www.zegaslaw.com/
Consultation: Free and confidential consultation available
2. Joseph D. Rotella, Esq.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with dual certifications and 33 years of experience
Practice Areas: Federal crimes, gun crimes, drug offenses, traffic violations, health care fraud
Background: Joseph D. Rotella is one of only four lawyers in New Jersey to hold certifications from both the New Jersey Supreme Court and the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He has also been selected for inclusion in New Jersey Super Lawyers every year from 2006 to 2015. The Newark law firm handles cases in federal courts, state courts and municipal courts throughout New Jersey, including places like Essex County, Morris County and Passaic County. Attorney Rotella is known for diligence, creativity and trial skills. He can help fight charges whether they involve a federal crime such as health care fraud, a gun crime or drug offense in state court, or a traffic ticket in municipal court. A free initial consultation is offered to help clients decide if he is the right attorney for them.
Location: Newark, New Jersey (serves Essex County, Morris County, and Passaic County)
Contact: (973) 621-0333 | https://www.criminaltriallawyer.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
3. Law Office of David Jay Glassman
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 40+ years experience and former prosecutor background
Practice Areas: Drug crimes, assault, theft, violent crimes, federal crimes, sex crimes
Background: For more than 40 years, Mr. Glassman has practiced in criminal court, earning a reputation as a top-rated criminal defense lawyer. After serving as a Deputy Attorney General in Pennsylvania and a Prosecuting Attorney for Atlantic County, New Jersey, David Jay Glassman brought his skills to the defense side. From the Center Street location close to the Passaic River, the Law Office of David Jay Glassman serves clients in Newark and throughout Essex County. The firm is prepared to protect constitutional rights and defend freedom through aggressive defense advocacy that challenges police procedures and the evidence against the accused. The legal consequences of a conviction can last a lifetime, making the right choice in retaining a proven Newark criminal defense lawyer essential.
Location: 1 Center Street, downtown Newark, New Jersey (just a few blocks east of the Prudential Center and south of NJPAC)
Contact: (856) 596-8778 | https://www.mynewjerseycriminallawyer.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
4. William Proetta Criminal Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with strategic, results-focused approach and thousands of cases handled
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, domestic violence, theft, disorderly persons offenses, indictable offenses
Background: William Proetta Criminal Law offers strategic, results-focused defense for people facing criminal charges in Newark and throughout Essex County. The attorneys have handled thousands of criminal cases across New Jersey, ranging from disorderly persons offenses to complex trials involving indictable offenses. The firm understands New Jersey law and the local court system and has a proven track record of creating strong defenses. Thanks to deep familiarity with Newark Municipal Court and Essex County Superior Court, the attorneys know how local prosecutors operate and how judges typically rule, giving clients a strategic advantage from day one. The firm provides experienced, results-driven representation for clients facing criminal charges in Newark.
Location: 242 10th Street, Suite 103, Jersey City, NJ 07302 (serves Newark and Essex County)
Contact: (201) 740-5804 | https://www.newjerseycriminallawfirm.com/
Consultation: Free and confidential consultation available 24/7
5. Maduabum Law Firm LLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with aggressive representation and commitment to client success
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, murder, sex crimes, domestic violence, weapons charges, traffic offenses
Background: At the Maduabum Law Firm, the criminal defense attorneys in Newark NJ will never give up on clients. The firm offers aggressive representation for clients facing a wide range of charges in Newark. Criminal charges in Newark NJ are a serious matter that should be addressed by a knowledgeable, experienced, and skilled criminal defense attorney that knows the ins and outs of New Jersey criminal law. The firm handles DUIs (driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs), which are one of the most common cases. The attorneys understand the potential consequences of a DUI, including jail time, license suspension, installation of an ignition interlock device, mandatory attendance of an intoxicated driver’s resource center class, and expensive fines.
Location: Newark, New Jersey (serves Essex County and New Jersey statewide)
Contact: (973) 732-1490 | https://maduabumlaw.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.
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.
Effect of Expungement: Expunged records are sealed from public view, and the person can legally deny the arrest or conviction for most purposes.
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. New Jersey has implied consent; refusal results in 7-month to 1-year license suspension and separate penalties. Notably, DUI in New Jersey is not a criminal offense but a traffic violation; however, it still appears on driving records and carries serious consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Newark?
Criminal cases in Newark are heard in different courts depending on the severity of the offense. Newark Municipal Court handles disorderly persons offenses, petty disorderly persons offenses, and traffic violations that occur within Newark city limits. The Essex County Superior Court handles indictable offenses (equivalent to felonies in other states) and is located at the Essex County Courts Building. The U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey handles federal criminal cases. Having a Newark 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 before 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.
What is the No Early Release Act (NERA) in New Jersey?
The No Early Release Act (NERA) is a New Jersey law that limits the availability of parole or early release for those convicted of certain crimes. The law usually requires the defendant to serve at least 85% of a prison sentence before becoming eligible for parole, regardless of behavior. NERA applies to certain violent crimes, including murder, aggravated sexual assault, robbery, carjacking, and certain drug offenses near schools or public property. A Newark criminal defense attorney can advise whether NERA applies to your charges and how it affects potential sentencing.
What are the consequences of an indictable offense conviction in New Jersey?
An indictable offense conviction in New Jersey carries consequences beyond incarceration and fines. You lose the right to possess firearms under federal and New Jersey law. You lose the right to vote while incarcerated (restored upon release). You may be ineligible for certain professional licenses and may face difficulty finding employment and housing. For non-citizens, indictable offense convictions can result in deportation and inadmissibility. New Jersey does allow expungement of certain indictable offenses after the waiting period, but serious violent offenses cannot be expunged. A Newark criminal defense attorney can evaluate strategies to avoid conviction or pursue expungement where eligible.
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 Newark criminal defense attorney can evaluate your eligibility and file a petition to expunge your record.