If you have been charged with a crime in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, you are likely facing a period of intense stress and uncertainty. The steps you take now to protect your rights are critical. You need a defense attorney who not only possesses exceptional skill but also has direct, practical experience within the local Bergen County court system.

My name is Brett M. Rosen, I am Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Criminal Trial Attorney, and my firm is dedicated to defending individuals facing criminal charges in the Saddle Brook Municipal Court and the Bergen County Justice Center in Hackensack. We understand that good people make mistakes, and we are committed to building a powerful, strategic defense designed to protect your freedom, your record, and your future.

Why Choose Brett M. Rosen for Your Saddle Brook Case?

When your future is at stake, your choice of legal representation is paramount. Our firm provides:

• An Elite, Certified Specialist: The designation of “Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Criminal Trial Attorney” is held by only a small fraction of lawyers in New Jersey. It is a mark of proven experience, extensive trial work, and a reputation recognized by judges and peers.

• Deep Local Knowledge: We have significant experience in the Saddle Brook Municipal Court. We understand the local procedures, prosecutors, and judges, which is a crucial advantage in navigating your case.

• A Proactive Defense Strategy: We don’t wait for the prosecution to build its case. We immediately begin our own investigation, identify weaknesses in the state’s evidence, and work to get your charges reduced or dismissed.

Defending Your Rights in the Saddle Brook Municipal Court

The Saddle Brook Municipal Court, located at 63 Market Street, handles a specific range of cases. While not considered felonies, the disorderly persons offenses heard here can still result in a criminal record, fines, and even jail time.

Below are common charges, their potential penalties, and defenses we may employ.

Simple Assault (N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1a)

A charge resulting from a fight or physical altercation.

• Potential Penalties: As a disorderly persons offense, a conviction can lead to up to 6 months in the Bergen County Jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and a permanent criminal record.

• Potential Defenses: We will investigate all avenues, including self-defense, defense of others, or proving that the altercation was a mutual fight. In many cases, we can demonstrate you were misidentified or that the facts do not support the charge.

Shoplifting (Disorderly Persons Offense – N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11)

This charge applies to the theft of merchandise valued at less than $200.

• Potential Penalties: Up to 6 months in jail, fines, restitution to the store, and a mandatory 10 days of community service for a first offense.

• Potential Defenses: A key element the state must prove is your intent to steal. We can often argue a lack of intent (e.g., accidental concealment due to distraction). Other defenses include mistaken identity or challenging the actions and reports of store security.

Harassment (N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4)

A charge stemming from communications or actions made with the purpose to harass another.

• Potential Penalties: As a petty disorderly persons offense, this carries up to 30 days in jail and a fine. It can also have serious implications in domestic violence and restraining order matters.

• Potential Defenses: The defense often centers on the purpose of the communication. We can argue that your actions lacked the specific intent to harass or that the communication itself was not reasonably likely to cause alarm.

Possession of CDS (Disorderly Persons Offense)

Simple possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) in a small quantity.

• Potential Penalties: Fines up to $1,000, up to 6 months in jail, and a potential driver’s license suspension.

• Potential Defenses: The strongest defense is often a challenge to the search and seizure. If police violated your Fourth Amendment rights, the evidence may be suppressed and the case dismissed. Other defenses include challenging the chain of custody or proving a lack of possession.

Detailed FAQ for Saddle Brook Criminal Charges

Q: Where is the Saddle Brook Municipal Court located? A: The court is located at the Saddle Brook Municipal Complex at 63 Market Street, Saddle Brook, NJ 07663. It is crucial to arrive early for your appearance to account for parking and security.

Q: What is a “downgrade” and why is it beneficial? A: A downgrade is a negotiation where your attorney convinces the prosecutor to amend a criminal disorderly persons offense to a non-criminal municipal ordinance violation. This is a huge victory because it results in no criminal record, typically just a fine.

Q: Can I get my charge dismissed through a program like Conditional Dismissal? A: Yes, for many first-time offenders. The Conditional Dismissal program is a diversionary path for those charged with certain disorderly persons offenses. Upon completion of a short probationary period (usually one year), the original charge is completely dismissed, preserving your clean record. We can determine your eligibility and file the application on your behalf.

Q: My charge is more serious than what’s listed here. What happens now? A: If you are charged with an indictable crime (a felony), your case will be transferred from the Saddle Brook Municipal Court to the Bergen County Superior Court (Justice Center) in Hackensack. Our firm has extensive experience handling serious felony cases at the county level and is prepared to defend you there.

Contact a Certified Criminal Attorney for Your Saddle Brook Case

Do not make the mistake of underestimating a charge in the Saddle Brook Municipal Court. A criminal conviction can follow you for the rest of your life. You need a proven expert in your corner.

As a Certified Criminal Trial Attorney by the Supreme Court of New Jersey, Brett M. Rosen has the credentials and experience to protect your rights. Contact our firm today for a confidential consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help. 201-693-0476.

Disclaimer: This website contains general information for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. You should not act or refrain from acting based on this information without seeking professional legal counsel specific to your case. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. This may be considered Attorney Advertising.