Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer Elizabeth for the People

If you’re facing criminal charges in Elizabeth, NJ, you may have more questions than answers. You may wonder about how to defend yourself in court, and may worry about the prospect of facing jail time. Individuals who face criminal charges often feel alone as the legal process unfolds. Fortunately, there are resources available to individuals to protect them during this difficult process.

The consequences of being convicted of a criminal charge in New Jersey can be serious. Criminal charges can bring with them a permanent record, which can affect your ability to be employed in the future, to attend college, to receive financial aid, to own a firearm, to vote and other consquences. You may face jail time, probation, or other legal consequences. In order to protect yourself, you need a criminal defense lawyer who can review all the facts of your case, interview witnesses, and help you mount a strong legal defense against the charges filed against you. A criminal defense lawyer understands the intricacies of the law and may be able to establish a defense for your case. Additionally, your lawyer can take a close look at the facts of your arrest to ensure the police abided by the Constitutions of the United States and the State of New Jersey. When officers fail to follow proper procedures, your chances of going free increase dramatically. Facing criminal charges can be a stressful and frightening experience for individuals and their families. The good news is that you are innocent until proven guilty, and a skilled criminal defense lawyer can build a strong case for you in court. The Law Office of Eric M. Mark has skilled criminal defense attorneys, who can help you build a sound defense and help protect your reputation, your future employability, and your freedom.

Before You Talk to Police, Ask for a Criminal Lawyer 

The police use a variety of tactics following an arrest in order to get a confession or other evidence of guilt. It is important to remember that anything you say to police following your arrest can and will be used against you in court. Fortunately, the law affords individuals protections against self-incrimination. The Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects individuals from implicating themselves in a crime. This is often called “taking the fifth.” Despite these protections, law enforcement officers are specially trained to interview arrested individuals and will work diligently to get individuals to speak. It is important to remember that you do not have to answer any questions posed to you by police, even if you have been arrested. The best course of action you can take to protect yourself from self-incrimination is to ask for the representation of a lawyer. A lawyer can protect you from police interrogation tactics and ensure that police follow proper procedures during the interrogation process—better yet, a smart lawyer likely will avoid the interrogation completely.

Police often use a variety of tactics in order to coerce individuals to confess to crimes. In order to get a confession, police may isolate arrested individuals, accuse them of crimes they may or may not have committed, promise to release them if they cooperate, or minimize the consequences of the crimes. Police are allowed to lie to individuals during this questioning process. Police may or may not have the information they claim to have against a suspect, and they may or may not adequately describe the sentencing and consequences of a given crime. Because the interrogation procedure is always stressful, sometimes individuals confess to crimes they may not have committed just to get the process to stop. When you are arrested, police are required to read you your Miranda Rights. Among the rights listed in this statement are the right you have to remain silent and the right to request a lawyer. If you find yourself facing police interrogation, your best bet is to ask for a criminal attorney before proceeding. The Law Office of Eric M. Mark has skilled criminal lawyers in Elizabeth, NJ who can help protect you from unreasonable police interrogation tactics.

Accused of Theft or Shoplifting in Elizabeth, NJ? 

If you’ve been accused of theft or shoplifting in Elizabeth, NJ, it is important to understand your rights and the possible consequences you may face. Of course, an experienced criminal lawyer will best be able to understand the unique factors of your case, and the information here is at best a guideline of the consequences you may face if you have been accused of theft in New Jersey. Jail time is determined based on the value of the property stolen and the circumstances in which an item is stolen.

• Disorderly persons Theft is for items valued at less than $200. The maximum penalty is up to six months in jail.
• Fourth Degree Theft is for theft of items valued between $200 and $500. The prison term can be up to 18 months for this crime.
• Third Degree Theft is for items valued between $500 and $75,000. Firearms, motor vehicles, boats, airplanes, or animals are included in Third Degree Theft regardless of the value. Controlled substances are also included in this category. The prison time for this crime is 3 to 5 years.
• Second Degree Theft is for property valued at greater than $75,000. The prison time for second-degree theft is between 5 and 10 years.

Shoplifting is a type of theft. The penalties are determined based on the value of the goods stolen, as listed above. Merchants are also allowed to sue parents of minors who steal from their stores. For first time offenders, pre-trial diversionary programs such as PTI (Pre-Trial Intervention) or Conditional Dismissal might be good options to avoid convictions. If you’ve been accused of theft in Elizabeth, NJ, you need a criminal lawyer who can ensure that you take advantage of all defenses and community resources available. The Law Office of Eric M. Mark works diligently to help individuals fight their charges, or reduce sentencing through certain New Jersey programs.

Protecting Your Future and Freedom

The consequences of criminal charges, including theft and gun possession, can be serious. You can face long jail sentences, heavy fines, and have a criminal record that can follow you for the rest of your life. With so much at stake, you need a criminal defense attorney who can fight for your rights and freedoms. A good lawyer can review the circumstances leading up to your arrest, evaluate the validity of evidence being used against you, and help you acquire the legal strategy and witnesses to protect your rights. The Law Office of Eric M. Mark has criminal defense lawyers in Elizabeth, NJ who will fight for your freedom. Remember: you are innocent until proven guilty. It is up to the prosecution to prove this. A skilled criminal defense lawyer can help protect you.