Legal Question in Criminal Law in New Jersey

I was told I wouldn't be indicted by the police, but I was.

The police told me i was not being charged with an indictable offense. I was charged with entering a locationg that i was not licensed to enter. But at my hearing in municipal court, i was indicted, and now i am facing 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine. What can i do? Can i get the charges dropped because of what the police said? Should I pursue further legal advise?


Asked on 11/15/05, 9:19 am

3 Answers from Attorneys

Ronald Aronds Law Office of Ronald Aronds, LLC

Re: I was told I wouldn't be indicted by the police, but I was.

If you are facing 18 months in state prison and $10,000.00 in fines then this would be a fourth degree indictable offense. This is a superior court case, not municipal court. For any felony, even a lower level one like this, I would strongly recommend you hire an attorney. I am an attorney who has handled many cases similar to yours in various courts in NJ in the past. I would like to discuss your case with you in more detail. Please contact me to discuss your case. There is never any charge for simply talking to me about a case. Thank you.

Sincerely yours, -Ronald Aronds, Esq.-

www.njworkerscompensationlaw.com

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Answered on 11/16/05, 11:31 am
Ana Esteves Law Office of Ana P. Esteves

Re: I was told I wouldn't be indicted by the police, but I was.

What you're saying doesn't sound right. If you were in municipal court, the highest fine you can face is $1,000 and the most time in jail is 6 months. Are you sure you were in municipal court? I suggest you contact an attorney quickly.

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Answered on 11/15/05, 12:26 pm
Lavinia Mears Law Offices of Lavinia Lee Mears

Re: I was told I wouldn't be indicted by the police, but I was.

Unfortunately, the police misinformed you. It is up to the prosecutor to decide whether to downgrade the offense to municipal court or to indict you on the charge. It appears you are facing a charge of either 4th degree criminal trespass or 3rd burglary. 4th degree crimes can result in imprisonment of up to 18 months. 3rd degree crimes can result in imprisonment of 3-5 years. It is highly advisable to have a lawyer. If you qualify, you may be entitled to a public defender. Otherwise you will need to hire a private lawyer. I am an experienced criminal trial lawyer and a former prosecutor. If I can help or if you would like a free initial phone consultation, please call me.

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Answered on 11/15/05, 12:53 pm


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