Choosing the right attorney is critical to obtaining a favorable outcome in criminal matters. The criminal defense attorneys of The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall believe that no other firm in the State of New Jersey is better suited to defend people who are facing criminal charges. We represent those who have been accused of wrongdoing in Cape May County and in surrounding communities as well.
Our team benefits from our collective 200+ years of legal experience. Our record of success on behalf of our clients is both widely known and widely respected. We solely practice criminal law, which means that we spend our days protecting the rights of those who have been charged with indictable crimes and disorderly persons offenses. We regularly represent clients in both Atlantic/Cape May County Superior Court and Municipal Courts and have a record for obtaining outcomes that favor those individuals whom our team represents.
Our firm proudly proffers our Cape May County clients many unique benefits, including:
- 12 attorneys who only handle criminal matters and are ready to assist new clients who are in need of representation
- Offices located in 18 convenient locations throughout the State
- Criminal trial attorneys on staff who have been certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey
- The experience of trying a multitude of cases to verdict in front of juries
- Several lawyers with experience prosecuting cases at the County and Municipal levels
Those who have been charged with disorderly persons offenses or crimes in Cape May County should seek legal counsel as soon as possible. The assertive New Jersey criminal defense attorneys at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall possess a unique understanding of criminal law and procedure, and if you are accused of violating the law, we can help you take necessary measures to protect your rights and interests.
Our lawyers are ready to answer your call at any time at any of our office locations. Once you have alerted our team to your need for knowledgeable legal counsel, we can immediately begin the process of formulating your defense.
KNOWLEDGEABLE LEGAL PROFESSIONALS EXECUTING INFORMED DEFENSE STRATEGIES IN NEW JERSEY COURTS
In New Jersey, crimes that are classified as indictable offenses (which function much like “felonies” in other jurisdictions) are categorized via a first-through-fourth degree hierarchy. First-degree crimes are the most egregious, while fourth-degree crimes are the least. Criminal offenses that are less severe than indictable crimes are deemed disorderly persons offenses (which function much like “misdemeanors” do in other jurisdictions).
The Cape May County Superior Court presides over first-through-fourth degree crimes, while the Cape May County Municipal Courts manage disorderly persons offenses and petty disorderly persons offenses. By contrast, federal offenses are neither tried in superior nor municipal New Jersey courts. These offenses are tried within the federal court system.
WHEN DO INDIVIDUALS FIND THEMSELVES IN NEED OF A NEW JERSEY CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER?
Criminal cases begin when someone is charged with violating state criminal law. Typically, charges will arise after a police officer arrests an individual and a prosecutor files a criminal complaint against them. Less frequently, a person will be indicted before a grand jury; the grand jury will determine whether there is enough evidence to charge the person with a crime, and if there is, the individual in question will be charged.
Most people do not contact an attorney to represent their interests until after they’ve been arrested. This is understandable, as most arrests for impaired driving, traffic infractions, unlawful drug activities, violence, theft, etc. occur in the moments after an alleged offense has taken place. However, some individuals – including many white-collar defendants – are made aware that they’re under investigation for criminal activity before they’re ever charged. These individuals may realize their need for representation in advance of a formal arrest.
During criminal trials, the prosecution bears the burden of proving their case. In other words, they must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, each element of the charged offense. The defendant is not required to offer evidence or establish their innocence, but in many cases, it is beneficial to assert a strong, strategic criminal defense.
Power dynamics in a prosecution scenario always “feel” more favorable for prosecutors than defendants. Yet, it is important to remember that it is prosecutors – not defendants – who must prove each element of a charge beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a high standard of proof to meet successfully. Therefore, if you have been charged with criminal wrongdoing and are feeling hopeless and tempted to simply plead guilty, it’s important to remember that asserting a strong defense strategy with the assistance of a knowledgeable legal professional can potentially lead to a favorable outcome.
CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS ADVOCATING FOR DEFENDANTS IN CAPE MAY COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT
If the prosecution offers evidence that the jury finds compelling enough to convict a defendant, this reality can result in significant penalties. Some crimes carry life sentences, but other than those offenses, there are limitations as to what punishments the courts can impose. Yet, even though there are limits to the sentences that criminal defendants in New Jersey may be subjected to, these sentences are not insignificant. Most individuals who are convicted of indictable crimes face both fines and time in prison in addition to penalties ranging from mandatory substance abuse counseling to suspension of a driver’s license.
As a result of the potentially life-altering nature of a criminal conviction, each criminal defense attorney at our firm works tirelessly to advocate on behalf of each of our clients individually. If you entrust your case to our care, we will do our utmost to mitigate the likelihood that you’ll be subjected to the strict sentences that New Jersey courts impose. Specifically, convictions for indictable crimes in New Jersey generally risk the following maximum penalties (subject to aggravating factors and special circumstances):
- First-degree offenses can result in prison sentences of 10-to-20 years and fines not to exceed $200,000
- Second-degree offenses carry penalties of five-to-10 years in prison and fines of up to $150,000
- Third-degree offenses can result in prison sentences of 3-to-5 years and fines of up to $15,000
- Fourth-degree offenses may be penalized by up to 18 months in prison and fines of up to $10,000
Cape May County reports a higher rate of crimes than many other counties in New Jersey. The most common charges levied against residents and visitors concern property crimes, including theft, burglary, and arson, which occur with frequency in Wildwood, Sea Isle City, Middle and Lower Township, Avalon, and Ocean City. Assault and sexual assault charges often arise in these towns as well.
The trusted Cape May County criminal defense lawyers of The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall are proficient at helping people charged with criminal offenses defend their rights and reputation, and if you are accused of a crime in Cape May County, we will aggressively advocate on your behalf. In addition to the crimes mentioned, we regularly defend people charged with non-violent and violent offenses in the Cape May County Superior Court, including:
- Domestic Violence Offenses
- Drug Crimes
- DUI
- Traffic Tickets
- Murder
CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS REPRESENTING PEOPLE IN THE CAPE MAY COUNTY MUNICIPAL COURTS
Lesser criminal offenses that do not guarantee a defendant a right to a jury trial are classified as disorderly persons offenses in New Jersey. Although these offenses are considered to be less egregious than indictable crimes, a conviction for a disorderly persons offense can lead to a prison sentence, significant fines, additional sentencing terms, and collateral consequences.
There are multiple Municipal Courts throughout Cape May County. Generally, a person charged with a disorderly persons offense will go before the court that sits in the town where the offense allegedly occurred. During a trial for a disorderly persons offense, a judge, rather than a jury, will determine a defendant’s fate. It can be intimidating for some individuals who have been charged with disorderly persons offenses to know that the prejudices and perceptions of a single individual can change their lives forever. Know that we have extensive experience representing clients in front of most judges in Cape May County and surrounding communities and that we know how to craft our clients’ legal strategies accordingly.
At The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, our skilled Cape May County criminal defense attorneys regard all charges seriously and defend disorderly persons offenses as vigorously as we defend first-degree indictable offenses. We frequently represent parties charged with disorderly persons offenses such as public urination, disorderly conduct, shoplifting, resisting arrest, simple assault, and vandalism in Avalon, Wildwood Crest, Sea Isle City, Ocean City, and nearby communities in Municipal Courts within the County.
Further, we defend people charged with additional disorderly persons crimes parties in Cape May County, including:
- DUI
- Minor Drug Offenses
- Petty Theft
- Harassment
OUR LAWYERS’ CREDENTIALS
There are hundreds of attorneys in New Jersey who claim to have experience handling criminal matters, but relatively few arguably possess the skills and knowledge needed to obtain verdicts in their client’s favor. By contrast, the dedicated criminal defense attorneys of the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have incomparable experience handling criminal cases and a track record of successful outcomes. Our decades of combined experience, unique perspectives provided by former prosecutors on staff, and record of trying cases to verdict allow us to advocate on behalf of our clients in truly informed and skillful ways.
But perhaps the greatest asset that our firm has to offer is that our attorneys only practice criminal law. We don’t split our focus between a multitude of practice areas in a multitude of jurisdictions in order to better ensure a steady stream of business. Our attorneys only serve the interests of New Jersey criminal defendants so that we can provide them with undivided attention and a detail-oriented focus.
If you choose to entrust your case to us, we will utilize the breadth and depth of our knowledge and experience to your advantage. While there is no way to guarantee the success of a criminal case, you’ll benefit from the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your legal team is focused on your circumstances, understands New Jersey criminal law inside and out, and prides itself on getting results that favor our clients.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION WITH A CAPE MAY COUNTY CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER
Our firm’s track record speaks for itself. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t engage in detail-oriented research before committing to an attorney-client relationship with a team at any particular firm. We understand what is at stake when our clients entrust the outcome of their criminal matters – which could impact their very freedom – to our care. As a result, we are proud to offer risk-free, confidential consultations at no cost. We believe that everyone deserves to be able to research their options – regardless of their immediate financial circumstances – in a pressure-free environment.
The capable criminal attorneys of The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall dedicate their practice to defending people charged with crimes and disorderly persons offenses in Cape May County and throughout the State. If you or a loved one have been accused of violating the law, we are ready to help you formulate persuasive defensive arguments designed to secure the most favorable outcome possible under the circumstances. To learn more about your rights and about our firm’s approach to criminal defense representation, contact us to schedule a free case evaluation today by calling us at (855) 927-0372 or connecting with our team online.
You are facing a challenging time that could potentially end in life-altering consequences. Don’t entrust your case, your freedom, and your future to just anyone. Call our criminal defense lawyers today to learn more about how our skilled, reputable legal team can assist you and provide you with well-founded peace of mind. We look forward to hearing from you.
