Charged With a Criminal Offense, DWI or Serious Traffic Offense at Fort Dix?
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (“Fort Dix”) is a military base that spans about ten square miles and is larger than many municipalities in Burlington County New Jersey. The Fort Dix Federal Police are responsible for patrolling public and military roadways, maintaining security at gates and public safety throughout the base. Our Burlington County criminal lawyers make up one of New Jersey’s largest defense firms so it naturally follows that we have occasion to defend many charges issued at the base annually.
If you were charged with a criminal offense, DWI or other violation at Fort Dix, it is imperative that you appreciate the fact that you are not going to appear in a municipal court like is the case elsewhere. Your case will be heard in a U.S. District Court, presided over by a U.S. Magistrate, and the prosecutor shall be an Assistant United States Attorney. This certainly is not a setting for an inexperienced attorney or, worse yet, for someone to appear without representation. You will need the very best lawyer you can find if you want to avoid serious consequences. Our team can offer you:
- Over 200 years of combined experience defending criminal and other charges (e.g. marijuana possession and more serious violations) at the District Court at Fort Dix NJ
- Former prosecutors that have served as Director of the Drug Task Force, Major Crimes, Special Operations, Juvenile, Guns Task Force, an entire Trial Division and other key positions
- Certified criminal trial attorneys
- Ten lawyers that specialize exclusively in defense
Call our Mount Holly Office at 609-491-2110 for a free initial consultation anytime 24/7. An attorney is ready to assist you immediately.
Fort Dix Criminal Charges
The Federal District Court at Fort Dix is located at 5410 Delaware Avenue, Fort Dix, New Jersey 08640. This is where all criminal charges and traffic offenses, including DWI, that are issued at the base are heard. The judge who currently presides of these proceedings is Honorable Anthony Mautone. A wide range of offenses are heard in the court every year, including:
- Handgun & Weapon Charges. It is illegal to enter base with a firearm. Many individuals forget that rifles, shotguns and handguns are prohibited on federal property and attempt to gain entry while in possession of a weapon. This is a major problem because a criminal charge for possession of a firearm at Fort Dix can result in years in Federal Prison. This is the case even though you may hold a valid permit or license in your home state such as in the case of a truck making a delivery who happens to have his/her revolver or pistol in their vehicle. Whatever the scenario that resulted in your being charged with possession of a handgun or other weapon on the base, you definitely need an attorney who is experienced in this realm like our team.
- Possession of Cocaine, Prescription Drugs, Marijuana, Heroin, Steroids & Other Controlled Dangerous Substances. Drug use arises for many reasons and Fort Dix isn’t immune from this behavior. As a result, numerous individuals are stopped and found to be in possession of drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, Xanax and even heroin, on the base annually. What is crucial to keep in mind, however, is that extremely harsh federal laws apply when this is the case. You certainly need the most talented lawyer you can find to minimize the penalties that may be imposed by the court.
- Disorderly Conduct. The offense of disorderly conduct is often described as a “catchall” because it can arguably be applied is so many contexts. This is a primary reason why you see it filed my military police officers on the base.
- Trespass. The main gate for the base is located at Route 68, however, motorcyclists, individuals riding quads and even motorists have also been known to obtain unauthorized entry from other access points. Individuals are almost always issued a charge for criminal trespass.
- Resisting Arrest. Our firm has dealt with numerous incidents of resisting arrest over the years arising at the base. The classic scenario for this offense is a disagreement regarding entry that escalates to an arrest with allegations of resistance. There are also those situations where a motor vehicle stop (e.g. DWI) or other encounter results in the issuance of a complaint for resisting arrest at Fort Dix.
Highly Skilled Defense Lawyers for those Charged at Fort Dix
A criminal or motor vehicle offense is definitely much more complex if it issued on federal property like Fort Dix. The federal courts come into play along with a framework of law that tends to be much more severe than its New Jersey counterpart. There honestly is no substitute for an attorney who is savvy in this environment, especially someone who knows both the players and how things work. That is exactly what the attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall are capable of providing. To speak to a lawyer on staff anytime 24/7 without obligation, call us at 609-491-2110. Someone is available to answer your questions and provide direction immediately.
