Being charged with a crime in Union County, New Jersey – whether in Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Linden, Westfield, Cranford, Rahway, Summit, or any surrounding community – is a serious matter that demands immediate, skilled legal representation. A criminal conviction can lead to severe penalties, including jail or prison time, substantial fines, a lasting criminal record, and damage to your reputation and future opportunities. Brett M. Rosen, Esq. is a dedicated and experienced criminal defense attorney providing aggressive and knowledgeable representation to individuals facing all types of criminal charges throughout Union County. As an attorney Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Criminal Trial Attorney, a distinction held by only a small percentage of lawyers in the state, Mr. Rosen possesses demonstrated expertise in handling complex criminal matters.

908-312-0368 & brett@nynjcriminalcivilesq.com

Why Choose Brett M. Rosen for Your Union County Case? 

• Union County Experience: Mr. Rosen regularly represents clients in both the Union County Superior Court in Elizabeth and the various Municipal Courts throughout Union County. He understands the local court procedures, personnel, and specific approaches often taken by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office and municipal prosecutors.
• Certified Criminal Trial Attorney: This Supreme Court certification signifies a high level of experience, knowledge, and skill specifically in criminal trial practice.
• Comprehensive Criminal Defense: Handles the full spectrum of charges, from minor disorderly persons offenses to the most serious first-degree indictable crimes.
• Aggressive Advocacy: Committed to protecting your rights at every stage – from investigation and arrest through motions, negotiations, trial, and sentencing.
• Client-Focused: Provides personalized attention, ensuring you understand the charges, your options, and the legal process.

Types of Criminal Cases Handled in Union County

Brett M. Rosen defends clients against a wide range of criminal charges arising in Union County, including but not limited to:

• Drug Crimes: Possession, Distribution (CDS), Intent to Distribute, Prescription Fraud
• Assault & Threat Crimes: Simple Assault, Aggravated Assault, Terroristic Threats, Harassment
• Theft Offenses: Shoplifting, Burglary, Robbery, Theft by Deception, Auto Theft
• Weapons Offenses: Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Handguns, Rifles), Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons, Graves Act offenses
• Domestic Violence Related Criminal Charges: Underlying predicate acts (like assault, harassment) and Contempt of Restraining Orders.
• DWI/DUI: Driving While Intoxicated/Under the Influence (often handled alongside criminal charges).
• Disorderly Persons Offenses: Including Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Mischief, Trespassing.
• Juvenile Offenses
• White Collar Crimes
• Expungements

Understanding New Jersey Criminal Penalties (Applied in Union County Courts)

New Jersey categorizes offenses by degree, each carrying potential penalties:

Examples of Penalties for Common Charges Seen in Union County:

• Simple Assault (DP): Up to 6 months county jail, $1,000 fine.
• Possession of Cocaine (Third Degree): 3-5 years state prison (though potential for probation/diversionary programs for some first offenders), $15,000 fine.
• Shoplifting ($200-$500 value) (Fourth Degree): Up to 18 months state prison, $10,000 fine.
• Aggravated Assault (Serious Bodily Injury) (Second Degree): 5-10 years state prison (subject to NERA – 85% parole ineligibility), $150,000 fine.
• Unlawful Possession of a Handgun (Second Degree): 5-10 years state prison (subject to Graves Act – mandatory minimum parole ineligibility, often 42 months).

Note: Actual sentences depend on specific facts, prior record, and the judge’s weighing of aggravating and mitigating factors (N.J.S.A. 2C:44-1). Mandatory minimum sentences (Graves Act, NERA) apply to certain offenses.

Potential Defenses in New Jersey Criminal Cases

A thorough defense explores all possibilities. Common defenses applicable in Union County cases include:

• Illegal Search and Seizure: Challenging the legality of how police obtained evidence (violating Fourth Amendment rights).
• Miranda Rights Violations: Seeking suppression of statements taken without proper warnings.
• Mistaken Identity: Arguing the wrong person was identified as the perpetrator.
• Alibi: Presenting evidence the defendant was elsewhere when the crime occurred.
• Lack of Intent (Mens Rea): Arguing the defendant did not have the required criminal mindset for the specific crime charged.
• Insufficient Evidence: Arguing the prosecution cannot prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Challenging Witness Credibility: Using cross-examination and other evidence to show a witness is unreliable or biased (impeachment).
• Procedural Errors: Identifying mistakes made by law enforcement or the prosecution during the investigation or court process.
• Justification Defenses: Arguing the conduct was legally justified (e.g., Self-Defense, Defense of Others).

Navigating the Union County Court System

Criminal charges originating from arrests in Union Township, Elizabeth, Plainfield, Linden, or any other Union County municipality follow a specific path:

• Disorderly Persons (DP/PDP) Offenses: Handled start-to-finish in the Municipal Court of the town where the offense allegedly occurred.
• Indictable Offenses (1st-4th Degree Crimes): Has an initial appearance at Central Judicial Processing (CJP), but are then transferred to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office and handled at the Union County Superior Court, Criminal Division, located at 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ.

Brett M. Rosen has significant experience representing clients in both the municipal courts throughout Union County and the Superior Court in Elizabeth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Union County Criminal Charges

Q: What’s the difference between an indictable offense and a disorderly persons offense in Union County? A: Indictable offenses (1st-4th degree) are New Jersey’s equivalent of felonies. They are handled at the Union County Superior Court in Elizabeth, carry potential state prison time (over 6 months), and involve grand jury indictment. Disorderly Persons offenses (DP/PDP) are akin to misdemeanors, handled in local municipal courts (like Union Township Municipal Court), and carry maximum county jail time of 6 months (DP) or 30 days (PDP).

Q: Do I need a lawyer if I’m only charged with a disorderly persons offense in a Union County municipal court? A: Yes, it is highly recommended. While less severe than indictable crimes, a DP/PDP conviction still results in a criminal record, potential jail time, fines, and other consequences. An attorney can often negotiate a downgrade to a non-criminal ordinance violation or fight for an acquittal, protecting your record.

Q: What does a criminal defense lawyer actually do for my Union County case? A: Your lawyer protects your rights, analyzes all evidence (police reports, videos, witness statements), identifies defenses, files legal motions (e.g., to suppress evidence), negotiates with the prosecutor for potential dismissal or reduction of charges, represents you in all court appearances (municipal or superior), and defends you at trial if necessary.

Q: Where is the Union County Superior Court for criminal cases located? A: The Union County Superior Court, Criminal Division, which handles all indictable offenses arising in Union County, is located at the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207.

Q: How does my prior record affect a new charge in Union County? A: A prior criminal record is a significant aggravating factor judges consider at sentencing (N.J.S.A. 2C:44-1a(6)), potentially leading to a harsher sentence within the legal range. It can also impact eligibility for diversionary programs like PTI and affect plea negotiations. Certain prior convictions can also elevate the degree of subsequent offenses (e.g., Certain Persons weapons charges).

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

If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with any criminal offense in Union County, NJ, do not wait to seek legal counsel. Protect your rights and your future. Contact Brett M. Rosen, Esq., for a confidential consultation to discuss your case and begin building your defense.

908-312-0368

Disclaimer: This information is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Criminal laws and procedures are complex and specific outcomes depend heavily on the unique facts of each case. If you are facing criminal charges in Union County 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.