There are few experiences more terrifying than being processed through the criminal justice system in Burlington. While fairness is often paid lip service in criminal proceedings, having a good legal defense is the best way to ensure that the process remains fair.
If you have been arrested and charged with a crime in Burlington, our criminal defense attorneys can help. Our firm has several years of experience defending clients in numerous types of criminal cases. Criminal charges are categorized differently in New Jersey, but we can offer guidance on the charges you are facing.
For a free case review with our criminal defense lawyers, contact the Lombardo Law Group, LLC today at (609) 445-4300.
Definitions of Crimes in Burlington Township
In Burlington Township and throughout New Jersey, criminal offenses are classified into two categories: “disorderly person offenses” and “indictable crimes.” Regardless of your charges, our criminal defense attorneys can ensure your rights are protected throughout your case. Disorderly person offenses are less serious crimes that attract minor punishments such as fines and other non-imprisonment methods. While jail time is possible if found guilty of a disorderly person offense, many cases can be resolved by attending counseling or classes.
Indictable crimes, on the other hand, are comprised of severe criminal charges such as robbery, murder, drug possession, and large-scale thefts. The severity of the crime determines the degree of the indictable crime, which ranges from first to fourth.
Disorderly Persons Offenses
Although less severe than indictable crimes, disorderly person offenses can still have significant consequences, such as hefty fines. These offenses are classified into two groups: petty disorderly person offenses and disorderly person offenses. Petty disorderly person offenses are the least severe offenses in Winslow and may not require an arrest. Sometimes, a defendant may be issued a summons to appear in court instead. Examples of petty disorderly person offenses include disorderly conduct and harassment. Despite being minor, these offenses can still result in up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of $500.
Compared to other states, disorderly person offenses are equivalent to misdemeanors in New Jersey. These offenses include several types of drug charges and petty shoplifting. If found guilty of a disorderly person offense, the accused could be sentenced to up to six months in jail and might be ordered to pay up to $1,000 in fines.
Indictable Crimes
In Burlington, the most severe offenses one can be charged with are indictable crimes. These crimes are classified into four degrees based on their severity, with first-degree offenses being the most severe and fourth degree the least. Offenses like murder, armed robbery, sexual assault, and other violent crimes fall under the first-degree category. If found guilty, one could face imprisonment for a minimum of 10 years but up to 20 years or life imprisonment. Those convicted will likely be ordered to pay fines that could be in the hundreds of thousands.
Second-degree crimes are severe offenses that can result in a prison sentence of five to ten years and fines of up to $150,000. Offenses like burglary, aggravated arson, and vehicular manslaughter fall under this category. Third-degree crimes are punishable with between three and five years in prison. Common third-degree crimes include assault, carjacking, and arson, and can result in fines totaling $15,000. Fourth-degree crimes might be the least severe, but they can still be punished with a maximum of 18 months in prison and fines up to $10,000.
Types of Cases Our Attorneys Can Help You Defend Against in Burlington
There are few experiences more harrowing than being arrested and charged with a crime. However, many criminal cases are not clear-cut situations, and defendants often face charges that the facts might not support. Without a proper criminal defense, some defendants might not know they are facing penalties that should not be applied in their case. Fortunately, our team has years of experience helping clients defend their rights in the types of cases listed below:
Drug Cases
Our firm often handles drug cases in Burlington. Illegal possession is arguably the most common drug charge, which includes possessing illegal drugs like cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, as well as unauthorized pharmaceuticals. Additionally, a person can be charged with manufacturing and distribution if found with a specific quantity of drugs or if it is packaged in a way that indicates an intent to sell.
However, many defendants are over-charged in drug-related cases. With the help of an experienced defense attorney, it could be possible to have the charges reduced if the state’s evidence does not support the charges against you.
Weapons Cases
In Burlington, weapons cases are taken very seriously and carry severe consequences. While carrying concealed weapons like knives and other dangerous weapons are also punishable, the most severe offenses involve illegal possession of firearms. Individuals must have a valid permit to carry a firearm in New Jersey and cannot possess one at all if convicted of a felony. If caught without a permit, regardless of who the weapon belongs to, you can be charged with illegal possession of a weapon.
The danger to your freedom can come from both the state and the federal government in illegal firearms cases. This is because illegal possession of a firearm is also a federal crime, and nothing in the law prevents the state and federal government from prosecuting you separately for the same crime. This can result in extensive prison stays as sentences are often served consecutively if convicted in both courts.
Assault Cases
Assault charges can have severe repercussions for individuals, depending on the details of the case. New Jersey law categorizes assault based on the presence of serious bodily injury or the perpetrator’s intent to cause significant harm in the case. If there is no evidence of serious bodily injury or intent to cause harm, it will likely result in a simple assault charge. However, if the altercation results in permanent damage or the perpetrator uses a weapon, they will likely be charged with aggravated assault, which is a serious indictable crime.
If your assault case involved a family member, significant other, or other close household relation, you might be facing domestic abuse charges in addition to assault charges. These cases are often the most challenging for all parties involved since the relationships are personal. However, these cases are also the most challenging to piece the truth together in, which makes having the right criminal defense crucial.
Our Burlington Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help
Call our criminal defense attorneys at the Lombardo Law Group, LLC at (609) 445-4300 for a free case assessment.
