Facing the criminal justice system alone can be extremely challenging and have long-lasting consequences. If you have been arrested in Winslow, you can get help protecting your legal rights.
Our criminal defense attorneys can review your case to determine if you have been correctly charged and look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. After being arrested, it is important to remain silent and ask to speak with our lawyers. We can help with officers attempting to question you.
For a free case consultation with our criminal defense attorneys, call Lombardo Law Group, LLC at (609) 445-4300.
What to Do If You Are Arrested in Winslow
An arrest in Winslow can have significant consequences on a person’s life. Thus, it is important to know what to do in the event you are arrested and charged with a crime. The most important step is to remain silent until you have spoken with our criminal defense attorneys. You should also get the names of the officers involved in your case so that they can be investigated by our firm.
Stay Silent
You have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions if you have been arrested in Winslow. You should not give any statements or admit guilt when dealing with law enforcement officers until after you have spoken with an attorney. If you do speak with law enforcement officers before speaking with an attorney or signing anything, it could be used against you later on in court proceedings or by the judge at trial if this situation goes that far. You are not required to answer the police’s questions while in custody, but many people feel they do not have a choice.
While you should remain polite while in police custody, you are under no obligation to answer questions without an attorney present. If the police want to question you, you should politely notify them that you will only answer questions after speaking with a lawyer.
Identify Your Arresting Officers
If you do not know who arrested you, ask for their badge numbers and names. Record all of this information because it can be used later on if there is any dispute about whether or not an officer had reasonable cause to arrest or search you. Further investigation can be done into your arresting officers to see if they have had issues in the past that might impact your case.
If you did not get the arresting officer’s name, that’s okay. Their name and badge number should be included in the arrest report, which we can help you obtain a copy of.
Speak to Our Attorneys
If you are arrested in Winslow, it is important that you act quickly to protect your rights. The sooner you contact our experienced criminal defense attorneys, the better your position will be to defend yourself against criminal charges.
The first thing you should do if you have been arrested is to speak to our criminal defense attorneys. We can help you understand your rights and options at every stage of the criminal process. This includes representing you during lineups, blood tests, polygraph exams, and other steps during the investigation. We will work hard to help you avoid conviction and ensure that any penalties are fair and appropriate. Further, any contact from the prosecutor or law enforcement can be directed to our office.
How Crimes Are Defined in Winslow
Crimes are categorized slightly differently in New Jersey. Criminal offenses are broken down into two categories, indictable crimes, and disorderly person offenses. Indictable crimes represent serious criminal charges, like murder and robbery, but can include large thefts and drug possession. Indictable crimes are divided into four degrees, depending on the severity of the crime.
Disorderly person offenses represent relatively minor crimes, usually punished with fines and other methods besides imprisonment. While individuals could face jail time if convicted of a disorderly person offense, most cases are resolved if the defendant attends classes or counseling.
Indictable Crimes
Indictable crimes are the most serious a person can be charged with in Winslow. Indictable crimes are separated into four different degrees, with first degree crimes representing the most serious and fourth degree crimes being less serious. First degree crimes include murder, sexual assault, armed robbery, and other violent crimes. If convicted, a person could face between 10 and 20 years in prison and fines reaching into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Second degree crimes are also very serious and can result in lengthy prison sentences. Imprisonment can be between five and ten years if convicted of a second degree crime, and fines can be upwards of $150,000. Examples of second degree crimes include burglary, vehicular manslaughter, and aggravated arson.
Third degree crimes represent relatively less serious crimes than the first two categories but are still dangerous enough to be punished with three to five years imprisonment. Third degree crimes are charged for acts like carjacking, assault, and arson, and can be fined up to $15,000.
Lastly, fourth degree crimes are the least serious that a person could still be imprisoned for. Conviction of a fourth degree crime can include a prison sentence of up to 18 months and fines reaching $10,000.
Disorderly Persons Offenses
Disorderly person offenses are less serious crimes than indictable crimes but can still cause issues in a person’s life, including substantial fines. Disorderly person offenses are separated into two categories: petty disorderly person offenses and disorderly person offenses. Petty disorderly person offenses are the least serious crimes are person can be charged with in Winslow and might not even be arrested for the offense. In some cases, a defendant will receive a summons to appear in court as opposed to being arrested. Examples include harassment and disorderly conduct. However, even petty disorderly person offenses can be punished with up to 30 days in jail and up to $500 in fines.
Disorderly person offenses represent crimes that are typically considered misdemeanors in other states. These crimes include drug possession, simple assault, and shoplifting under a certain amount. Those convicted of a disorderly person offense can be punished with a maximum of six months in jail and potentially pay $1,000 in fines.
Our Winslow Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help
Contact the Lombardo Law Group, LLC today at (609) 445-4300 for a free case evaluation with our criminal defense attorneys.
