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If you find yourself asking whether you need an attorney or not, it’s likely the answer is yes! If you receive a criminal charge or traffic violation, you will be facing penalties such as fines, jail time, community service, etc. A New Jersey attorney like Leon Matchin can defend you in court, potentially getting your charges dropped or at least downgraded so that you avoid the harsher consequences. Learn all about how an attorney can help you through dealing with your charges and court appearances.
How Can a New Jersey Attorney Help?
A Municipal Court attorney like Leon Matchin is qualified to work with you on various cases that are heard at the Municipal Court level. Whether you are facing a criminal charge or a traffic violation, there’s a chance that a lawyer can help you get those charges dropped or downgraded. An experienced lawyer will have worked on similar cases before and should understand which type of defenses are most successful. They can also guide you through the litigation process so that you know what to expect when you step into the courtroom.
Criminal Charges
Criminal charges go on your permanent record. Unfortunately, this can hurt your chances of getting future jobs, applying for college, or joining the military. By hiring an attorney, you have the opportunity to have your criminal charge knocked down to something like a misdemeanor so that it won’t reflect on your permanent record. Here are some common criminal charges for which you should get an attorney’s help:
- Criminal mischief
- Criminal trespass
- Disorderly conduct
- False imprisonment
- Lewdness
- Loitering for CDS
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Lawyer for resisting arrest
- Minor in possession of alcohol
- Under the influence of CDS
If you or a loved one has been charged with any of the above crimes, it’s time to reach out to an attorney.
Traffic Violations
Traffic violations are another area where you will want to work with an attorney. Often, people think after receiving a traffic violation that they will pay their ticket and then go on their way. Unfortunately, some traffic violations come with steep penalties like high fines and jail time. In addition, traffic violations can lead to points on your license, which could eventually cause license suspension. You can fight traffic violations in court, as many potential defenses are successful. Check out this list of common traffic violations:
- Allowing someone to drive your car with a suspended license
- Driving without a license
- If you are driving under the influence
- You’re facing charges of driving with a suspended license
- Improper passing of a school bus
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Possession of CDS in a motor vehicle
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Tailgating
As noted above, these violations can come with severe consequences. For example, improper passing of a school bus comes with fines over $100 and possible jail time of up to 15 days. Drivers are often shocked at the level of penalties associated with traffic violations, especially when these violations take place in a school zone.
Expungement
Expungement is another area of law where you will need an attorney’s help. This is the process of clearing your criminal record. A clear record means that when asked on a job application if you have a criminal record, you can honestly answer “no.” There are certain times when you have to disclose a prior criminal record despite your expungement status, such as when you apply for a job within law enforcement or the judicial system.
The expungement application process can be a bit cumbersome. Different crimes require different waiting periods before you can apply for expungement. An attorney can help you understand when you are eligible and can guide you through the application process.
Preparing for Your New Jersey Attorney Consultation Appointment
The first step in working with an attorney is to schedule a consultation appointment. During this meeting, the lawyer will focus on learning your case, and you will determine if the lawyer is someone you want to work with. Your attorney should be knowledgeable, experienced, professional, and a good listener. Come to your appointment prepared and armed with everything you know about your case. Bring physical evidence, pictures, emails – whatever you have that could help your defense. Also, be open with your attorney. You never know what valuable piece of information you will share that could make or break your case. You should always be 100% honest and transparent with your lawyer.
Whether your case is big or small, criminal or traffic-related, an experienced attorney can help. The first step is doing your research and finding a well-known attorney in your area with good reviews. Next, schedule an initial consultation. This consultation gives you a chance to get to know your attorney and allows your attorney the opportunity to learn about your case. Be honest and open when sharing the details of your case.
Leon Matchin is a Certified Municipal Court Trial Attorney who has been practicing law for years. He has defended many types of cases, from DUIs to tailgating charges. With the help of an experienced New Jersey attorney like Leon Matchin, you can potentially have your charges completely dropped or at least downgraded. Contact Leon by phone at 732-887-2479, or email him at [email protected]. He will set up a free, no-obligation consultation to review your case and go over your options.
