Facing Criminal Charges in Union County, NJ? Get a Fierce Advocate.

Being arrested or charged with a crime in Union County, New Jersey, is a serious matter that can have life-altering consequences. Whether you’re facing a minor disorderly persons offense or a serious indictable crime, you need an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and fight for your future. Brett M. Rosen, Esq. is a dedicated criminal defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the New Jersey legal system. He provides personalized attention, strategic legal advice, and relentless advocacy to clients facing a wide range of criminal charges. Contact him today for a free consultation at 908-312-0368.

Areas of Practice

• DWI/DUI (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50): Defense against drunk driving charges, including first-time offenses, repeat offenses, and refusal to submit to a breathalyzer. Includes information on potential penalties (license suspension, fines, jail time, ignition interlock device).
• Drug Crimes (N.J.S.A. 2C:35): Defense against charges involving possession, distribution, manufacturing, and trafficking of controlled dangerous substances (CDS), including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and prescription drugs.
• Assault and Violent Crimes (N.J.S.A. 2C:12): Defense against charges such as simple assault, aggravated assault, domestic violence, robbery, and weapons offenses.
• Theft Crimes (N.J.S.A. 2C:20): Defense against charges such as shoplifting, theft by deception, receiving stolen property, and burglary.
• White Collar Crimes (N.J.S.A. 2C:21 et seq.): (This section will be more detailed below)
• Traffic Violations (Title 39): Representation for serious traffic offenses, including reckless driving, driving while suspended, and leaving the scene of an accident.
• Expungements (N.J.S.A. 2C:52): Assisting clients in clearing their criminal records through the expungement process.
• Juvenile Crimes: Representing minors charged with criminal offenses in Family Court.
• Domestic Violence: Represent individuals faced with restraining orders and any criminal charges related to domestic violence.
• Weapons Offenses: Representation for those charged with crimes that have to deal with firearms and other weapons.

White Collar Crime Defense in Union County

White-collar crimes are non-violent, financially motivated offenses often committed by professionals or businesses. These cases are often complex and require a skilled attorney with a deep understanding of financial regulations and criminal law. Brett M. Rosen, Esq. has experience defending clients against a wide range of white-collar charges in Union County.

Types of White Collar Crimes

• Fraud (N.J.S.A. 2C:21): Bank fraud, insurance fraud, healthcare fraud, securities fraud, tax fraud, mortgage fraud, mail and wire fraud (federal).
• Embezzlement (N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3 & 2C:20-4): Misappropriation of funds by someone entrusted with them.
• Money Laundering (N.J.S.A. 2C:21-25): Concealing the origins of illegally obtained money.
• Forgery (N.J.S.A. 2C:21-1): Creating or altering documents with intent to defraud.
• Bribery (N.J.S.A. 2C:27-2): Offering or accepting something of value to influence a decision.
• Computer Crimes (N.J.S.A. 2C:20-23 et seq.): Hacking, data theft, cyber fraud.
• Identity Theft (N.J.S.A. 2C:21-17): Using another person’s identifying information without permission.
• Racketeering/RICO (N.J.S.A. 2C:41-1 et seq. & Federal RICO Act): Pattern of criminal activity connected to an enterprise.

Penalties for White Collar Crimes in New Jersey

The penalties for white-collar crimes in New Jersey vary depending on the specific offense and the value of the property or money involved. Penalties can include significant prison time, substantial fines, restitution, asset forfeiture, and a permanent criminal record.

Common Defenses to White Collar Crime Charges

• Lack of Intent: The prosecution must prove intent to commit the crime.
• Lack of Knowledge: You were unaware that your actions were illegal.
• Entrapment: Law enforcement induced you to commit the crime.
• Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution cannot prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Illegal Search and Seizure: Evidence was obtained in violation of your rights.
• Duress: You were forced to commit the crime under threat.
• Statute of Limitations: The time limit for bringing charges has expired.

The New Jersey Criminal Justice Process in Union County

Being charged with a crime in New Jersey involves several stages. Understanding the process is crucial to protecting your rights, making informed decisions.

• Arrest/Summons: The process begins with either an arrest or the issuance of a summons to appear in court.
• First Appearance/Arraignment: You will be informed of the charges, your rights (including the right to an attorney), and released on certain conditions.
• Pre-Indictment Conference (PIC): In felony cases, a PIC may be held to discuss potential plea bargains before the case is presented to a grand jury.
• Grand Jury (for Indictable Offenses): A grand jury decides whether there is enough evidence to formally charge you with a crime.
• Discovery: The prosecution must provide you with the evidence they have against you. Your attorney will also conduct their own investigation.
• Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or address other legal issues.
• Plea Bargaining: Negotiations between your attorney and the prosecutor to potentially resolve the case without a trial.
• Trial: If a plea agreement is not reached, the case proceeds to trial, where the prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Union County Criminal Defense

• What should I do if I’m arrested in Union County?: Remain silent. Do not answer any questions without an attorney present. Politely request to speak to an attorney and contact Brett M. Rosen, Esq. as soon as possible.

• What is the difference between a disorderly persons offense and an indictable crime?: Disorderly persons offenses (and petty disorderly persons offenses) are less serious offenses heard in Municipal Court. Indictable crimes (felonies) are more serious and are heard in Superior Court.

• What is bail, and how is it determined in Union County?: Bail is a set of conditions, which might include monetary condition, imposed by the court to ensure a defendant’s appearance at future court dates. New Jersey largely eliminated cash bail in 2017, moving to a risk-based system. Factors considered include the seriousness of the offense, the defendant’s criminal history, and the risk of flight.

• Can I get my criminal record expunged in New Jersey?: Yes, under certain circumstances, you may be eligible to have your criminal record expunged. This means the record is sealed and, for most purposes, treated as if it never existed. Eligibility depends on the type of offense, the time elapsed since the conviction, and other factors.

• What happens if I can not afford an attorney?: In criminal cases, the Court will appoint the Public Defender to represent you if you financially qualify.

Contact Brett M. Rosen, Esq. | Union County Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are facing criminal charges in Union County, New Jersey, don’t delay. Contact Brett M. Rosen, Esq. today for a free and confidential consultation. He will aggressively defend your rights and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website by Brett M. Rosen, Esq. is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. No recipients of content from this site, clients or otherwise, should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in the site without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from an attorney licensed in the recipient’s state.

Informational Purposes Only / Not Legal Advice:

The content of this website, including but not limited to articles, blog posts, FAQs, and descriptions of legal services, is intended to provide general information about legal topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice from a qualified attorney. Laws are constantly changing, and the information on this website may not be up-to-date or applicable to your specific situation.