If you’ve been arrested or are facing criminal charges in Clark, New Jersey, it’s a serious situation that can understandably cause immense stress and uncertainty. Whether you’re dealing with a disorderly persons offense, a DWI/DUI, or a more severe indictable crime, a conviction can have profound and lasting consequences on your freedom, reputation, employment prospects, and overall future. It is absolutely critical to secure the representation of a highly skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Brett M. Rosen, Esq., Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Criminal Trial Attorney, offers aggressive, knowledgeable, and dedicated legal defense to individuals confronting a wide spectrum of criminal accusations in Clark and throughout Union County. With a comprehensive understanding of New Jersey’s complex criminal justice system and extensive experience navigating the local court landscape, Mr. Rosen is staunchly committed to safeguarding your constitutional rights and relentlessly pursuing the most favorable outcome for your case.

Navigating Criminal Charges in Clark, New Jersey

Criminal cases that originate within the Township of Clark are generally processed through one of two primary court venues:

• Clark Municipal Court: Located at 315 Westfield Ave, Clark, NJ 07066. This court typically adjudicates less severe criminal matters, specifically disorderly persons offenses and petty disorderly persons offenses. It also handles all traffic violations, including DWI/DUI cases, and alleged violations of local township ordinances. You can generally reach the court at (732) 381-5395.
• Union County Superior Court: Situated at 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207. This court has jurisdiction over all more serious criminal offenses, known as indictable crimes (which are comparable to felonies in other states), that occur in Clark and the entirety of Union County.

Understanding the specific court your case will be assigned to and its unique procedures is a fundamental first step in constructing an effective legal defense.

Common Criminal Charges We Defend in Clark

Brett M. Rosen, Esq. provides experienced legal counsel and defense for a variety of criminal charges commonly faced by individuals in Clark, including but not limited to:

• DWI/DUI (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50): Driving While Intoxicated (alcohol) or Driving Under the Influence (drugs) is a very serious traffic offense in New Jersey, carrying mandatory penalties such as driver’s license suspension, substantial fines and surcharges, required attendance at the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC), potential installation of an ignition interlock device, and even jail time, particularly for repeat offenses.
• Drug Offenses (e.g., N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10 – Possession; N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2 – Paraphernalia): These can include charges for possession of controlled dangerous substances (CDS) like marijuana (if quantities exceed legal personal use limits or involve unlicensed sales), cocaine, heroin, or unlawfully obtained prescription medications, as well as possession of drug paraphernalia. The severity of the charges and potential penalties are heavily dependent on the type and quantity of the drug.
• Theft Offenses (e.g., Shoplifting N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11, Theft by Unlawful Taking): These offenses can be graded as disorderly persons offenses for items of lesser monetary value or escalate to serious indictable crimes for higher value thefts. Convictions can result in fines, restitution to victims, and potential incarceration.
• Assault (e.g., Simple Assault N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1a): Simple assault, typically classified as a disorderly persons offense, involves causing or attempting to cause bodily injury to another person. More severe forms of assault, such as Aggravated Assault, are indictable crimes handled in the Superior Court.
• Domestic Violence Related Offenses (e.g., Harassment N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4, Simple Assault, Terroristic Threats): These charges often arise from conflicts within families or domestic relationships. In addition to potential criminal penalties, such allegations can also serve as a basis for the issuance of Temporary (TRO) or Final Restraining Orders (FRO), which carry significant legal implications.
• Disorderly Conduct (N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2) & Resisting Arrest (N.J.S.A. 2C:29-2): Disorderly conduct involves improper public behavior or the use of offensive language that causes public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm. Resisting arrest can range from a disorderly persons offense to an indictable crime, particularly if force is employed against a law enforcement officer.

Potential Penalties for New Jersey Criminal Offenses 

The penalties upon conviction for a criminal offense in New Jersey are significant and are primarily determined by the grading of the offense:

• Indictable Crimes (Often referred to as “felonies”; prosecuted at Union County Superior Court):
  • First-Degree Crime: Punishable by 10 to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison and fines of up to $200,000.
  • Second-Degree Crime: Punishable by 5 to 10 years in prison (with a presumption of incarceration, even for first-time offenders) and fines of up to $150,000.
  • Third-Degree Crime: Punishable by 3 to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $15,000 (though certain drug offenses may have higher fine limits).
  • Fourth-Degree Crime: Punishable by up to 18 months in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
• Disorderly Persons Offenses & Petty Disorderly Persons Offenses (Often referred to as “misdemeanors”; handled at Clark Municipal Court):
  • Disorderly Persons Offense: Potential penalties include up to 6 months in the Union County Jail and fines of up to $1,000.
  • Petty Disorderly Persons Offense: Potential penalties include up to 30 days in the Union County Jail and fines of up to $500.

Beyond direct fines and potential incarceration, a criminal conviction can also lead to:

• A permanent criminal record, which can create significant obstacles in securing employment, housing, educational opportunities, and professional licenses.
• Mandatory driver’s license suspension (especially for DWI convictions and many drug-related offenses).
• Loss of certain civil liberties, such as the right to own or possess firearms.
• Forfeiture of personal property or assets linked to criminal activity.
• Mandatory enrollment in counseling, anger management, or drug/alcohol rehabilitation programs.
• Severe immigration consequences for non-U.S. citizens, potentially leading to deportation, inadmissibility to the U.S., or denial of citizenship/green card applications.

Defense Strategies

A robust defense against criminal accusations necessitates a thorough investigation of all facts and a comprehensive understanding of New Jersey law. Brett M. Rosen, Esq. meticulously develops defense strategies tailored to the unique circumstances of each case, which may involve:

• Challenging Unlawful Stops, Searches, and Seizures: If law enforcement personnel violated your Fourth Amendment constitutional rights against unreasonable searches and seizures, any evidence obtained as a result of such illegality may be suppressed and deemed inadmissible in court.
• Contesting the Sufficiency of the Evidence: The prosecution is constitutionally required to prove every element of the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Mr. Rosen rigorously scrutinizes the State’s evidence to identify any weaknesses, inconsistencies, or lack of proof.
• Challenging Witness Credibility and Testimony: Through effective and pointed cross-examination, Mr. Rosen aims to expose any biases, inconsistencies in statements, or issues with the memory or perception of witnesses.
• Asserting Affirmative Defenses: When the facts support it, recognized legal defenses such as self-defense (particularly in assault cases), defense of others, mistake of fact, duress, or necessity can be compellingly argued.
• Scrutinizing Police Procedures and Reports: Ensuring that all actions taken by law enforcement were conducted lawfully and that official reports are accurate and complete.
• Challenging the Admissibility of Statements or Confessions: If statements were elicited in violation of your Miranda rights or were otherwise coerced, involuntary, or taken under duress, their admissibility can be challenged.
• Negotiating for Dismissals or Favorable Downgrades: Engaging in skilled negotiations with the Clark municipal prosecutor or the Union County prosecutor to seek an outright dismissal of charges, a downgrade to a less serious offense (such as a non-criminal municipal ordinance violation, which avoids a criminal record), or entry into a diversionary program.
• Utilizing Diversionary Programs: For eligible first-time offenders, programs like Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) for indictable offenses or Conditional Discharge for certain disorderly persons drug offenses can result in the dismissal of charges upon successful completion, thereby allowing an individual to avoid a criminal conviction.
• Meticulous Trial Preparation and Zealous Representation: Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Criminal Trial Attorney, Mr. Rosen possesses the trial skills and courtroom experience necessary to vigorously defend his clients if a case proceeds to trial.

Why Choose Brett M. Rosen, Esq. for Your Clark Criminal Case?

When you select Brett M. Rosen, Esq. to defend you against criminal charges in Clark, you benefit from:

• Local Knowledge: Familiarity with the Clark Municipal Court and the Union County Superior Court system, including local prosecutors, judges, and court procedures.
• Personalized Approach: He takes the time to understand your unique situation, clearly explain your legal options, and develop a defense strategy specifically tailored to your needs and goals.
• Certified Trial Attorney Credentials: Mr. Rosen’s certification by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Criminal Trial Attorney is a distinction held by a small percentage of attorneys in the state, signifying a high level of skill, experience, and knowledge in criminal law.
• Commitment to Protecting Your Rights: A steadfast dedication to ensuring your constitutional rights are protected at every stage of the legal process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Clark Criminal Defense

Q: I was arrested in Clark, NJ. What should I do first? A: Your most critical first steps are to exercise your right to remain silent and to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney, such as Brett M. Rosen, Esq., immediately. Avoid discussing the specifics of your case with anyone, especially law enforcement, until you have legal counsel.

Q: Do I need a lawyer for a minor charge in Clark Municipal Court? A: It is highly recommended. Even what may seem like a “minor” disorderly persons offense can result in a criminal record, fines, and potential jail time. An experienced attorney can often negotiate a more favorable resolution, such as a downgrade to a non-criminal township ordinance violation (which protects your record), advocate for a dismissal, or guide you through diversionary programs.

Q: What’s the difference between a disorderly persons offense and an indictable crime in New Jersey? A: Disorderly persons offenses (and the less serious petty disorderly persons offenses) are handled in municipal courts, like Clark Municipal Court. They carry maximum penalties of up to 6 months in county jail and a $1,000 fine (or 30 days jail/$500 fine for petty disorderly persons offenses). Indictable crimes are more serious (equivalent to felonies) and are prosecuted in the Union County Superior Court. These are graded from first degree (most serious) to fourth degree and carry potential New Jersey State Prison sentences exceeding six months and significantly higher fines.

Q: Can a criminal charge I received in Clark be expunged from my record? A: Many convictions for disorderly persons offenses and certain indictable crimes in New Jersey are eligible for expungement. This legal process seals the record from public view. Eligibility typically requires a specific waiting period after all parts of your sentence are completed (including payment of fines and completion of probation/parole) and is also dependent on your overall criminal history. An attorney can evaluate your specific circumstances and assist with the expungement process if you are eligible.

Q: What are Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) and Conditional Discharge? A: PTI is a diversionary program generally available to eligible first-time offenders charged with certain third or fourth-degree indictable crimes. Conditional Discharge is a similar program for certain first-time drug-related disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons offenses. If an individual is accepted into and successfully completes the terms of PTI or Conditional Discharge (which typically involves a period of supervision and adherence to specific conditions), the original charges are dismissed, allowing the individual to avoid a criminal conviction. Brett M. Rosen, Esq. can assess your eligibility for these programs.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a criminal defense attorney in Clark? A: The cost of legal representation varies depending on several factors, including the seriousness and complexity of the charges, whether the case is in municipal or superior court, the anticipated amount of investigation and legal work, and whether the case is likely to go to trial. Brett M. Rosen, Esq. offers a confidential consultation to discuss the specifics of your case and provide a clear understanding of his fee structure.

Q: What happens at a first appearance in Clark Municipal Court or Union County Superior Court? A: Your initial court appearance is typically an arraignment. At this hearing, you will be formally informed of the charges against you and asked to enter a plea (usually “not guilty” at this stage if you have an attorney or intend to hire one). For indictable offenses in Superior Court, this first appearance, known as a Central Judicial Processing (CJP) court appearance, may also involve discussions about pre-trial release conditions. Your attorney will appear with you and handle these initial proceedings, including requesting discovery (the evidence the State has against you).

Contact a Clark Criminal Defense Lawyer Today.

If you are facing criminal charges in Clark, New Jersey, the decisions you make now can profoundly shape your future. Do not attempt to navigate the complex legal system alone.

Contact Brett M. Rosen, Esq. today for a confidential consultation to discuss your Clark criminal charges. He will listen to your side of the story, explain your legal options, and begin building a strong defense tailored to your specific situation. 908-312-0368

Disclaimer: This webpage contains general information about New Jersey criminal law and procedure for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information provided is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Attorney Advertising. Brett M. Rosen, Esq. is licensed to practice law in New Jersey and New York. Laws, penalties, and court procedures are subject to change; this information is current as of June 2025 but should not be relied upon as a substitute for direct consultation with a qualified attorney regarding the specifics of your situation. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future case.