Being charged with a crime in Voorhees is a difficult predicament but not one that cannot be fought. Being charged with a crime does not mean one is guilty.
Our criminal defense lawyers have years of experience helping our clients in various criminal cases and aggressively advocating for their rights. There is virtually no criminal charge that our team cannot help with. No matter the charges in your case, it is vital that you request legal representation before speaking with the police. If the police arrested you in Voorhees, our criminal defense lawyers can help you build the strongest defense possible.
Contact the Lombardo Law Group, LLC today at (609) 445-4300 for a free case evaluation.
Types of Cases that Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Handle in Voorhees, NJ
Individuals can be arrested and charged for numerous criminal offenses in Voorhees, NJ. While some crimes are relatively minor and only require paying a citation, others are much more serious. Those convicted of these crimes can be punished with several years in prison, followed by an extended period of probation. Our criminal defense lawyers can help ensure your rights are protected regardless of the crime you were charged with.
Drug Cases
Drug-related crimes are among the most common causes of arrests in Voorhees. Criminal charges and sentences can range depending on the type of drug being sold, what the defendant was doing when arrested for drug possession, and how much of the drug they were in possession of. Penalties can add up in certain drug offense cases as a defendant can be charged in state court in Voorhees and charged by the federal government if the defendant’s drug offenses violated federal law. The following are common charges for drug crimes in Voorhees:
- Drug possession
- Sale of narcotics
- Possession with the intent to distribute
- Drug manufacturing
- Transportation drugs
- Drug cultivation
- Intent to sell narcotics
- Drug smuggling and importation across national borders
- Prescription fraud
Many of these charges are not mutually exclusive, meaning you can be charged with multiple drug offenses in one arrest. This can significantly increase the length of a defendant’s sentence. However, as marijuana has become legal in New Jersey, there is a chance that you could be charged with a crime that is now legal behavior. Our criminal defense attorneys can review your case to determine the best ways to fight your charges.
Driving While Intoxicated Cases
Another common type of case that our team can assist you with is DWI cases. If police officers stop an individual suspected of DWI and fail a breathalyzer test, they will be arrested and charged. Suppose you refused a breathalyzer test because you strongly suspected you were over the 0.08% alcohol level. In that case, you will likely face additional charges, including suspension or loss of your license and even prison. At the verst least, drivers convicted of DWI will face significant fines before regaining their driving privileges.
Assault Cases
Assault crimes can come in varying degrees but usually result in serious penalties. Simple assaults occur frequently and can be punished with a wide variety of sentences, like fines, anger management classes, community service, and other orders the court and state deem necessary. Aggravated assaults include life-threatening harm being done to the victim or a deadly weapon being used in the commission of the assault. The other form of assault New Jersey recognizes is vehicular assault, which occurs when someone intentionally tries to hit another person with the vehicle. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you build the strongest defense possible, no matter what form of assault you have been charged with.
Domestic Violence Cases
Domestic violence cases are often the most challenging in Voorhees as the parties involved usually know each other intimately. Domestic violence can be more than just physical violence but can include psychological torture, threats of violence, and financial abuse. The cases have the terrible power to destroy homes and families for a lifetime, and cases can come down to just the parties’ testimony to support their cases.
Illegal Weapons Cases
Illegal weapons charges can carry significant penalties, often including several years in prison, even for first offenses. There are numerous gun crimes that a defendant could be arrested for. Like drug offenses, defendants can be charged in both state and federal court, potentially serving one prison sentence after the other has been served.
Being charged with a gun crime can seriously affect nearly every aspect of your life for the foreseeable future, which is why you should not face these charges without the help of our experienced criminal defense attorneys. The following are gun charges that our team can help you fight in Voorhees:
- Possession without a license
- Possession of a gun by a felon
- Transporting guns (gunrunning)
- Illegal guns sales
- Concealment without a license
- Open carrying
- Negligent discharge of a firearm
- Possession of an unlicensed firearm
- Armed robbery
- Firearm with an altered or missing serial number
Even first-time offenders can face serious consequences for a gun crime. If the defendant has prior convictions, they could be in serious jeopardy of a lengthy prison sentence. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight your charges and determine if your charges can be reduced if not dismissed.
Speaking with Law Enforcement After Being Arrested in Voorhees, NJ
Some people believe that with the right combination of words, they will somehow talk themselves out of being arrested for a crime. This is rarely the case, however. In most cases, the police will use what you have to say against you in court, potentially charging you with further crimes. Even if you think what you are saying is completely innocent, you do not know how police will use that evidence to incriminate you. This is why you should exercise your Miranda right to have an attorney present for questioning.
The other Miranda right you should take advantage of is your right to remain silent. You have that right for a reason—to prevent you from providing more evidence against yourself than the state already has. Our criminal defense attorneys are ready to stand between you and the police to ensure your rights are protected.
What Offenses Can You Be Charged with in Voorhees, NJ?
Some other states may refer to different types of criminal offenses as “misdemeanors” or “felonies.” New Jersey, on the other hand, classifies offenses as either “indictable crimes” or “disorderly persons offenses.” Disorderly persons offenses are generally less severe than indictable crimes. Still, all criminal offenses carry serious penalties. If you have been charged with any of the following, then you should begin building your defense with help from our criminal defense lawyers:
Petty Disorderly Persons Offenses
Petty disorderly persons offenses are the lowest level of offenses that defendants can face in New Jersey. Some examples of such offenses include disorderly conduct and harassment. If you are convicted of a petty disorderly persons offense, then you may have to spend a maximum of 30 days in jail and pay a potential fine reaching up to $500.
Disorderly Persons Offenses
Meanwhile, there is a wide range of lower-level offenses that constitute standard disorderly persons offenses. For instance, you may be charged with a disorderly persons offense if you commit simple assault or are caught in possession of drug paraphernalia. After being convicted of a disorderly persons offense, you may face up to 6 months of jail time and a maximum fine of $1,000.
Even though a disorderly persons offense may be treated less severely than an indictable crime, you should not dismiss a charge for such an offense. The penalties you may face can produce highly detrimental impacts on your life. Our legal team can help review your case and identify the proper course of action.
Fourth Degree Indictable Crimes
Fourth degree indictable crimes are the least severe class of indictable crime that you may be charged with. Some examples of these offenses include lewdness, forgery, and aggravated assault. If you are convicted of a fourth degree crime, then you may be assessed a maximum prison sentence of 18 months. Furthermore, you may have to pay a fine of up to $10,000.
Third Degree Indictable Crimes
Third degree indictable crimes are treated more seriously than crimes of the fourth degree. For instance, a conviction for a third degree crime can result in a prison sentence from 3 to 5 years. Furthermore, such an offense may carry a maximum fine of $15,000 along with it. Examples of third degree indictable crimes include aggravated assault that causes a significant injury, endangering the welfare of a child, and burglary.
Second Degree Indictable Crimes
Second degree indictable crimes refer to especially serious offenses such as vehicular homicide and aggravated arson. If you are convicted of a second degree crime, then you may face substantial penalties. For instance, such a conviction may cause you to spend from 5 to 10 years in prison. Further, you may have to pay a fine of up to $150,000.
First Degree Indictable Crimes
Lastly, first degree indicatable crimes are the most serious classification of offenses that defendants can be charged with in New Jersey. For example, murder, aggravated sexual assault, and armed robbery will all constitute first degree offenses. Convictions for first degree crimes may result in defendants facing prison sentences from 10 to 20 years. Also, the fines associated with first degree offenses can reach up to $200,000.
How a Criminal Record Can Impact Your Life in Voorhees, NJ
Even after they have paid their debts to society, a criminal record can create challenges for former defendants who are trying to get their lives back on track. If you were convicted of a criminal offense in Voorhees, our legal team may be able to have your record sealed from public view. Accordingly, you may avoid facing any of the following:
Employment Opportunities
A criminal record can significantly impact employment prospects. Many employers conduct background checks. If you have a criminal record, then it may make it more difficult to secure employment, especially in certain industries or for positions requiring a high level of trust or responsibility.
Professional Licenses and Certifications
Some professions require licenses or certifications, and a criminal record can create obstacles in obtaining or renewing these credentials. Unfortunately, convictions for certain offenses may disqualify you from obtaining a license in fields such as healthcare, education, law, or finance.
Housing and Rental Applications
Furthermore, a criminal record may make it difficult to find housing. Landlords and property management companies often conduct background checks when considering rental applications. A criminal record can be a significant barrier, as it may lead to rejection or limited housing options.
Educational Opportunities
Some educational institutions, particularly professional programs or those involving internships or clinical placements, may conduct background checks. Having a criminal record can impact admission decisions or prevent individuals from participating in certain programs or obtaining scholarships or financial aid.
Professional Reputation
Additionally, a criminal record may carry a social stigma that can affect personal relationships and the perception of your character. Reintegrating into society can be difficult because of the biases and judgments associated with a criminal history.
Travel Limitations
Lastly, a criminal record can pose difficulties when traveling internationally. Some countries have strict entry requirements and may deny or delay visas based on a criminal history.
Our Voorhees, NJ Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help
If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, our criminal defense attorneys can help guide you through the judicial process and potentially avoid harsh penalties. For a free case review, call Lombardo Law Group, LLC at (609) 445-4300.
