Scotch Plains injury firm since 1984, also handling workers' comp, criminal defense and immigration, with free consultations.
Personal InjuryWorkers' CompensationCriminal Defense+2
Union County · Criminal Defense
Criminal Defense firms in Union County, NJ
2 firms in Union County list criminal defense as a practice area.
Criminal Defense in Union County
The firms below have offices in Scotch Plains. Criminal defense lawyers represent people charged with offenses ranging from traffic and municipal court matters to serious indictable crimes. They review the evidence, challenge police procedure and negotiate or try the case.
Fees
Most defense lawyers charge a flat fee for a defined stage of the case, such as through municipal court or through indictment. Trials are often billed separately.
What criminal defense covers
- DWI
- Municipal court
- Drug charges
- Serious crimes
Questions to ask before you hire
- 1. Have you appeared in this court before?
- 2. Does your fee cover a trial if one is needed?
- 3. How do you charge for this kind of matter, and can I see the fee agreement in writing?
- 4. Who will handle my case day to day, and who do I call with questions?
- 5. How many matters like mine have you handled in New Jersey?
Firms
Schiller, Pittenger & Galvin, P.C.
Scotch Plains, NJ
Scotch Plains firm handling injury, criminal defense, estates, employment and real estate, alongside auto dealer law.
Personal InjuryCriminal DefenseEstate Planning+4
Criminal Defense guides
All guidesFirst DWI in New Jersey: penalties, interlock and what happens next
In New Jersey, a first DWI is a motor vehicle offense handled in municipal court, not a crime, but the penalties are real: fines of $250 to $500, 12 to 48 hours at an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center, a $1,000 yearly insurance surcharge for three years, and possible jail of up to 30 days. Since the 2019 law took effect, most first offenders install an ignition interlock device instead of facing a long license suspension. Refusing a breath test carries similar penalties.
5 min read
Charged with shoplifting in New Jersey: penalties and options
In New Jersey, shoplifting is graded by the full retail value of the merchandise under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11. Under $200 is a disorderly persons offense heard in municipal court; $200 and up is an indictable crime handled in Superior Court. Many first-time defendants may be eligible for diversion like conditional dismissal or PTI, and stores can separately demand civil payment whether or not you are convicted.
5 min read
Drug possession charges in New Jersey after cannabis legalization
Since February 2021, adults in New Jersey can legally possess up to six ounces of marijuana, and possessing that amount is no longer any kind of offense. Possessing other controlled dangerous substances like cocaine, heroin or pills without a prescription is still generally a third degree crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10. First-time defendants may qualify for diversion like conditional discharge or PTI, and past marijuana cases were largely vacated.
5 min read