If you have been arrested or charged with a criminal offense by the Union Township Police Department or are facing charges arising from an incident within Union Township, New Jersey, you need strong, knowledgeable legal representation immediately. A criminal charge, whether a disorderly persons offense or a serious indictable crime (felony), can have severe consequences, including potential jail or prison time, substantial fines, a lasting criminal record, and damage to your personal and professional life.

Brett M. Rosen, Esq. is a respected New Jersey criminal defense lawyer with experience representing clients charged with offenses in Union Township. As an attorney Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Criminal Trial Attorney – a credential earned by demonstrating significant experience, knowledge, and skill in criminal law – Mr. Rosen provides aggressive, strategic defense tailored to the unique circumstances of each case handled within the Union County court system. He is committed to protecting the rights of individuals facing charges in Union Township.

908-312-0368 & brett@nynjcriminalcivilesq.com

Why Choose Brett M. Rosen for Your Union Township Criminal Case? 

• Deep Union Township & Union County Experience: Mr. Rosen frequently handles cases originating in Union Township, appearing regularly in both the Union Township Municipal Court and the Union County Superior Court in Elizabeth (where indictable charges from Union Township are prosecuted). He understands the local court dynamics, prosecutors, and procedures.
• Certified Criminal Trial Expertise: His NJ Supreme Court certification assures clients of his recognized skill and knowledge in handling complex criminal trials.
• Comprehensive Defense: Represents clients across the full spectrum of criminal matters arising in Union Township, from minor violations to the most serious felonies.
• Proven Advocacy: Known for meticulous preparation and aggressive defense aimed at achieving the best possible outcome – dismissal, acquittal, downgrade, or minimized penalties.
• Client-Focused Representation: Takes the time to understand your situation, explain your options clearly, and keep you informed throughout the process.

Types of Criminal Cases Handled Arising from Union Township

Brett M. Rosen provides skilled defense for a wide range of criminal charges filed in Union Township, including:

• Drug Offenses: Possession of CDS (Cocaine, Heroin, Prescription Drugs, etc.), Marijuana Possession/Distribution, Drug Paraphernalia
• Assault & Threat Crimes: Simple Assault, Aggravated Assault, Terroristic Threats, Harassment
• Theft Crimes: Shoplifting, Theft by Unlawful Taking, Burglary, Robbery
• Weapons Offenses: Unlawful Possession of Handguns, Rifles, Shotguns, Certain Persons Offenses, Graves Act cases
• Domestic Violence Related Criminal Charges: Defending against predicate criminal acts like assault, harassment, stalking, criminal mischief, contempt.
• DWI/DUI & Serious Traffic Offenses: Including Driving While Suspended, Leaving the Scene of an Accident.
• Disorderly Conduct & Related Offenses: Obstruction, Resisting Arrest, Criminal Mischief, Trespassing.
• Juvenile Offenses
• Expungements of prior Union Township arrests or convictions.

Understanding New Jersey Criminal Penalties (Applied in Union Township Cases)

Criminal offenses in New Jersey are graded by severity, determining potential penalties. Cases originating in Union Township are subject to these statewide sentencing ranges:

Examples of Penalties for Charges Often Seen from Union Township:

• Simple Assault (DP): Handled in Union Township Municipal Court; up to 6 months county jail, $1,000 fine, criminal record.
• Shoplifting ($50 value) (DP): Handled in Union Township Municipal Court; up to 6 months in county jail, $1,000 fine, criminal record.
• Possession of Heroin (Third Degree): Handled in Union County Superior Court; 3-5 years state prison exposure (probation or Drug Court may be possible for some), $15,000 fine.
• Aggravated Assault (Significant Bodily Injury) (Third Degree): Handled in Union County Superior Court; 3-5 years state prison exposure (NERA – 85% rule may apply), $15,000 fine.

Note: Actual sentences are determined by the judge after weighing aggravating and mitigating factors (N.J.S.A. 2C:44-1). Mandatory minimums like the Graves Act (gun cases) or NERA (violent crimes) can significantly impact sentencing.

Potential Defenses in Union Township Criminal Cases

A strong defense challenges the prosecution’s case. Depending on the facts of your Union Township arrest, potential defenses may include:

• Illegal Search and Seizure: Evidence obtained by Union Township police through an unconstitutional search may be suppressed.
• Miranda Rights Violation: Statements taken without proper warnings may be inadmissible.
• Lack of Probable Cause: Insufficient legal reason for the arrest.
• Insufficient Evidence: The prosecutor cannot prove all elements of the charged crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Mistaken Identity: You were wrongly identified as the person who committed the crime.
• Alibi: You have proof you were elsewhere when the crime occurred.
• Lack of Intent: You did not possess the required criminal mindset (mens rea) for the offense.
• Challenging Witness Credibility: Showing inconsistencies, bias, or motives for witnesses to lie or be mistaken (impeachment).
• Procedural Errors: Mistakes made during the investigation, arrest, or court process.
• Justification: Your actions were legally justified (e.g., Self-Defense).

Navigating the Courts for Union Township Charges

• Union Township Municipal Court (981 Caldwell Ave, Union, NJ 07083): Handles all non-indictable matters including DP/PDP offenses, traffic/DWI, and township ordinance violations alleged to have occurred within Union Township.
• Union County Superior Court (2 Broad St, Elizabeth, NJ 07207): Handles all indictable offenses (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th degree crimes) initiated by Union Township police or arising within the township.

Brett M. Rosen provides experienced representation in both court venues for charges originating in Union Township.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Union Township Criminal Charges

Q: I was only charged with a disorderly persons offense in Union Township Municipal Court. Do I still need a lawyer? A: Yes, strongly recommended. Even a DP/PDP conviction results in a criminal record, potential jail time (up to 6 months for DP), fines, and other consequences. An experienced attorney familiar with Union Township Municipal Court can often negotiate a downgrade to a non-criminal ordinance violation or fight for a dismissal, protecting your record.

Q: Where will my case be heard if I was arrested in Union Township for a felony like burglary? A: Indictable offenses (felonies) arising in Union Township are handled at the Union County Superior Court, Criminal Division, located in Elizabeth, NJ.

Q: What is the first step after being charged with a crime in Union Township? A: Contact an experienced Union Township criminal defense attorney like Brett M. Rosen immediately. Do not speak to the police without counsel present. Your attorney will guide you through the initial court appearances and begin building your defense.

Q: How can Brett M. Rosen help me if I was arrested by Union Township Police? A: He will protect your rights, investigate the charges, analyze the evidence gathered by Union Township PD, identify defenses, negotiate with the Union Township municipal prosecutor or Union County assistant prosecutor, file necessary motions, and represent you forcefully in court (either Union Township Municipal or Union County Superior).

Q: Does having a prior conviction affect my new Union Township charge? A: Yes, significantly. It can be used as an aggravating factor at sentencing, potentially impact plea negotiations, affect eligibility for diversionary programs, and potentially enhance penalties for certain repeat offenses.

Contact Union Township Criminal Defense Attorney Brett M. Rosen, Esq. Today!

If you are facing any criminal charge originating from Union Township, NJ, don’t delay. The sooner you have skilled legal representation, the better protected your rights will be. Contact Brett M. Rosen, Esq., a Certified Criminal Trial Attorney with extensive experience in the Union County court system, for a free and confidential consultation about your Union Township case.

908-312-0368

Disclaimer: This information is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Criminal laws, procedures, and potential penalties are complex and vary based on the specific facts of each case and current New Jersey statutes. If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Union Township or anywhere in New Jersey, you must consult with a qualified New Jersey criminal defense attorney, like Brett M. Rosen, Esq., immediately. Do not rely solely on this information. Contacting Brett M. Rosen, Esq. does not create an attorney-client relationship unless a formal agreement is signed. Results are not guaranteed.