Criminal charges in New Jersey: Answering your top questions

When charged with a crime, there are multiple things on the line. Unfortunately, a significant number of people in New Jersey suffer the consequences even when they haven’t committed the said crimes. Even when you are guilty, you have the right to have an attorney and defend yourself. Look at the website of any top criminal law firm in the state and discuss your needs. In this post, we are answering the top questions asked by those charged with a crime. 

I am innocent. Do I need a lawyer?

Yes, absolutely. As we talked earlier, wrongful convictions are not rare, and besides the consequences, your job and family life could be at stake. Many things can go wrong in court, and if you don’t have an attorney, there is little you can do against the prosecution, even when you know you haven’t committed the crime. 

I am guilty. Can a criminal lawyer help me?

Don’t merely assume that you have to go to jail, even if you have committed a crime. There are several ways to defend yourself, and when you hire an attorney with expertise in criminal law, they will always examine details and come up with the best strategies. At times, the prosecution may press more charges than you deserve, and without legal understanding, you may end up suffering for wrong things. 

Can I tell my attorney that I committed the crime?

Yes, anything you tell your attorney will be confidential, and they cannot and will not disclose the same to the judge or prosecutors. There is no reason why you should hide things, as that can hurt the case in the long run. 

What will a criminal defense lawyer do for me?

The role of a criminal lawyer includes explaining your rights, possible consequences, and other details. They will also look into the case of the prosecution, including the evidence, and to determine the best way forward, they will investigate independently. They will also find information and evidence from other sources, as the circumstances allow, to strengthen the case. 

How much will a criminal lawyer charge?

The cost of a criminal lawyer depends on several things, but in general, you will pay a retainer fee and an hourly rate. Experienced attorneys tend to charge more, and if you have grave charges or when the nature of the crime is serious, you may have to shell out a tad more for legal services. 

Call a professional criminal defense lawyer in NJ as soon as you are charged.