New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorneys
Former prosecutors with 30+ years of criminal trial experience
Trial isn’t always necessary, but 30+ years of experience securing dismissals in court urge us to take that posture toward every criminal case. This approach expands your legal options and gives you confidence in navigating the criminal court process in New Jersey.
732-333-3011 We’ll review your case at no charge to you.
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Experienced Defense Attorneys for Complex Criminal Cases
It’s not about the years; it’s about the mileage.
As experienced criminal defense attorneys, we know it’s not about the years you’ve been a defense attorney but what you have accomplished within those years. Our 30+ years of experience were not spent mostly behind a desk but in the courtrooms of New Jersey handling 1,000+ complex criminal cases.
We also have criminal law experience as former prosecutors. This perspective gives us insight into both sides of the law and forces us to consider first how to dismiss your charges, not which ones you should plead guilty to. This experience has allowed us to help countless clients, but don’t just take our word for it: read our 50+ 5-star reviews on Google.
Here’s How Our Criminal Lawyers Help Defend Against Charges:
We’ll help dismiss your criminal charges by conducting our own thorough investigation that disrupts the prosecution’s case. These investigations uncover compelling evidence, including witness testimony that contradicts the prosecution’s version of events.
As former prosecutors, we know what’s needed to convict you and we also understand your rights. With this mindset, we protect you from unlawfully obtained evidence, file motions to dismiss indictments, and skillfully influence the court’s decision in your favor.
We exhaust all options to get your charges dismissed before going through the plea-bargaining process.
Clark Criminal Defense Lawyers offers you the benefit of having experienced criminal attorneys, including a Board-Certified Criminal Trial Attorney, committed to the area of criminal defense. We’ve successfully handled cases for clients charged with DWI, assault, drug possession, and a host of other felony and misdemeanor offenses. We’ve also handled high-stakes homicide and aggravated sexual assault cases.
We’ve succeeded in criminal trials, plea negotiations, and upholding our clients’ constitutional rights.
Reviews • David
Excellent service in coordinating my property damage restitution matter. Mr. Clark was always available when I needed him, returned all my calls in an expeditious manner, and pursued my case with a vigor that brought about an optimal conclusion. I would use his services again, and would recommend him to anyone. Thanks Ryan.
Reviews • A. Azevedo
I recommend them to everyone, they are the best! And will actually fight for you and know people to talk to. I would recommend them for anything and everything.
Reviews •
[Ryan Clark] is a very knowledgeable and respectable lawyer hands down. I was recommended to him by one of my coworkers who knows him very well and honestly it was the best choice I ever made. I thank him and my coworker for his excellent recommendation.
Get to Know Our NJ Criminal Defense Attorneys
Offering real experience you can trust
Our criminal lawyers are here to listen to your story and offer a solution. With decades of combined experience, you’ll find yourself in good hands with your rights protected. These lawyers aren’t just the faces of the firm either; they will be the ones personally handling your case.
Charles F. Clark, Jr.
An experienced and accomplished criminal defense attorney, Charles F. Clark, Jr. is the founding partner of Clark & Noonan, LLC. Throughout his 12 years as a former prosecutor and over a decade as a criminal defense attorney, Attorney Charles F. Clark, Jr. recognizes that his greatest asset is trial experience. He doesn’t fear plea negotiations breaking down because he has the confidence to take any case to trial.
Michael S. Noonan
Attorney Noonan is a skilled personal injury lawyer who has recovered millions for his clients. His accomplishments have been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers Association and Superlawyers Magazine.
Our Criminal Lawyers Are Here To Protect Your Rights
The criminal justice process is intimidating. But you don’t have to go through the New Jersey criminal system alone. We provide immediate and accurate answers regarding the criminal penalties for your charges, your defense strategy, how to respond to the police or the prosecutor’s office, and your next steps.
As former prosecutors, our criminal attorneys have a comprehensive understanding of New Jersey criminal law and how the system works. We also know that the prosecution has the burden of proving your guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” This means that if their evidence is weak, we can exploit those weaknesses and fight for a dismissal of your charges.
Are You a Parent of a Child Charged With a Juvenile Crime?
The criminal penalties and process work differently in the New Jersey juvenile court system. Therefore, contact our juvenile criminal defense lawyers today to discuss your options. Our criminal lawyers have tried 100+ juvenile delinquency trials.
We Provide a Strong Defense for a Variety of Criminal Defense Cases
At Clark Criminal Defense Lawyers, LLC, we do not limit ourselves to the cases we accept. For this reason, we take cases for numerous criminal offenses to ensure that no matter the crime, you have someone standing by you every step of the way.
With strict New Jersey gun laws, an experienced local attorney can help dismiss or reduce charges to avoid heavy penalties. Whether you’re facing charges for unlawful possession, possession of a firearm during a crime, or any other offense, we’ll give you options.
Weapons CrimesHandling all cases related to drug crimes in New Jersey, we take cases for drug possession, drug trafficking, and possession of drug paraphernalia. We’ll fight to suppress illegally obtained evidence or expose police misconduct.
Drug CrimesDUI & DWI charges involving drugs or alcohol result in varying penalties depending on your case. We’ll give you options if you’re charged with your first DWI offense, a DWI in a school zone, refusing a breathalyzer or blood test, or driving with a suspended license for a previous DWI charge.
DUI & DWISexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, or other sex crimes require an attorney who knows the evidence needed to clear your name. Avoid registering as a sex offender, parole supervision for life, and other consequences.
Sex CrimesViolent crimes encompass numerous offenses, including assault and aggravated assault, robberyand armed robbery, battery, murder, manslaughter, resisting arrest, and other sex and gun crimes. Violent crimes bring about serious charges that could result in a costly conviction depending on the crime committed. We can provide a free case evaluation to assess the details of your charges and provide options for any one of these offenses.
Violent CrimesYou Always Have Options With Clark & Noonan, LLC
No case is hopeless, and you always have options no matter what criminal charges you face. On top of the 1,000+ cases we’ve handled, we have tried 100+ felony jury trials. We’ll sit down with you to discuss your case and present all the options at your disposal. You may be eligible for pre-trial programs to reduce charges, or we may be able to dismiss illegally obtained evidence and fight to dismiss your charges in court, depending on your situation.
Penalties for a Criminal Conviction in New Jersey
The penalties you’re up against will vary depending on the criminal offense. Furthermore, each offense will present a different set of options for you to navigate your case.
- First-Degree Criminal Offense – 10 to 20 years in prison; fines up to $200,000. Up to 30 years for specific crimes like first-degree murder. Other crimes include armed robbery, drug distribution, and other violent crimes.
- Second-Degree Criminal Offense – Five to 10 years in prison; fines up to $150,000. Crimes include aggravated assault, drug distribution, manslaughter, robbery, and property theft, among other offenses.
- Third-Degree Criminal Offense – Three to five years in prison; fines up to $15,000. Crimes include drug possession in small amounts, burglary, and illegal firearm possession.
- Fourth-Degree Criminal Offense – 18 months in jail; fines up to $10,000. Crimes include shoplifting merchandise valued between $200 to $500, marijuana possession, and other minor offenses.
- Disorderly Person Offense – Six months in prison; fines up to $1,000.
- Petty Disorderly Person Offense – 30 days in jail; fines up to $500.
Parole & Warrants in New Jersey
Our criminal defense attorneys can also provide options for those with outstanding warrants in New Jersey or those who ran into issues with their parole. Often, a proactive approach can be a beneficial solution to avoiding further criminal penalties.
Options for Parole Violations in NJ
Parole brings strict requirements that result in further legal trouble if they are violated. However, parole requirements may have been violated accidentally, or there was a simple misunderstanding with your parole officer.
In this case, our defense attorneys can clear up any issues and provide a solution to prevent further infractions on your record.
Options for Warrants in NJ
Sometimes, you may not even know a warrant is out for your arrest, which leads to police showing up at work or home to arrest you. However, if you know that you have a warrant in New Jersey, being proactive can prevent issues down the road.
Our criminal lawyers will help you arrange your surrender and booking with the police to avoid being arrested anywhere at any time.
New Jersey Criminal Defense Process
Without experienced representation, going through the New Jersey criminal process is intimidating. We’ll pull back the curtain and reveal how the criminal process works and inform you about your options along the way.
We have decades of trial experience guiding clients through the criminal justice process in New Jersey and will first exhaust all our options to dismiss your charges.
- Guilty
- Not Guilty
Arrest
If law enforcement has probable cause to believe you committed a crime, they will place you under arrest. You will be entered into the system and possibly questioned after your arrest. At this point, you have the right to speak with a criminal attorney before questioning to avoid incriminating yourself.
Sentencing
After your guilty plea, the judge will punish you based on the crime you committed.
This sentence may involve one or a combination of the following:
- Fines
- Jail time
- Probation
- Treatment programs
- House arrest
Our criminal defense attorneys can present a case to the court to receive a reduced sentence resulting in lower fines or possible probation.
The Cost of Criminal Conviction
If you end up convicted of a crime, you may suffer additional consequences even after your sentence is over. These include:
- Difficulty securing employment
- Child custody issues
- Difficulty finding housing
When facing life-altering criminal charges, you can’t run the risk of a mediocre defense.
Our criminal attorneys will prepare a strong defense and present a compelling argument in trial. We have sought the dismissal of various criminal charges for our past clients and will fight to uphold your rights.
Pre-Trial
After a criminal charge, you’ll be taken into custody, depending on your charges. At this point, a prosecutor will be assigned to your case. You may be summoned to the court later or arraigned to secure your release.
Then your case will move into the discovery phase, and a pre-trial hearing will occur. Here, the court will review the evidence and determine whether your case will go to trial. We’ll present arguments and motions to reduce or dismiss your charges during this stage.
Plea Agreement
At this phase, we’ll negotiate with the prosecution to find an acceptable resolution if you wish to avoid trial. However, our New Jersey defense attorneys are more than willing to go to trial to fight for dismissal if an agreement can’t be met. If you decide to negotiate with the prosecution on a plea agreement, we can avoid trial altogether and plead guilty to a lesser crime.
Judge or Jury Trial
The prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt during the trial. In other words, they have the burden of proof. If there is not enough compelling evidence that proves your guilt, your case will be dismissed. As former prosecutors, we know that evidence against you can take many forms.
Possible evidence against you includes:
- Police reports
- Relevant lab results
- Witness testimony
Our criminal lawyers will present a case that counters, rejects, or discredits the prosecution’s claims. We may have the option to dispute the evidence obtained, whether it was acquired illegally, and other characteristics of the crime.
Verdict
After all the evidence is evaluated, the judge and jury will make a determination.
Possible verdicts in your criminal case:
- Not-Guilty Verdict – A not-guilty verdict will result in the case being closed and you being able to go free.
- Guilty Verdict – A guilty verdict will result in a sentencing hearing.
A guilty verdict is not a hopeless situation. We will work to evaluate the need and possibility of an appeal to overturn the trial decision. A trial could be overturned due to legal mistakes and a violation of your rights.
New Jersey Criminal Defense Resources & FAQs
If you or a member of your family have been accused or charged with a crime in New Jersey, you are most likely scared and confused. You may ask yourself: Should I speak to the police? Do I need a lawyer? Should I accept a plea bargain or go to jail?
Our defense attorneys aim to answer all your questions so you don’t go into the criminal process blind.
Should I Speak with the Police?
Although it is best to comply with law enforcement and be cooperative, you do not need to answer any questions. You should know that anything you say to the police can be used against you in a court of law. For that reason, you should remain silent or otherwise run the risk of incriminating yourself.
Should I Accept a Plea Bargain or Go to Trial?
If you are offered a plea bargain, you may be able to plead guilty to a lesser criminal offense rather than risking a higher conviction during trial. It’s essential to work closely with your criminal defense attorney to have them examine your case and offer sound guidance on your next steps. We will provide you with all the possible outcomes of your case and take a trial posture to fight to have your charges dismissed, if necessary.
Do I Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer for My Case?
If you were charged with a crime, you might consider representing yourself or choosing a public defender. Both options fail to provide the best possible outcome.
Downside of Using a Public Defender
Public defenders are often busy and can’t dedicate their undivided attention to your case. By working with a private criminal defense attorney, you receive total dedication to your case.
The criminal attorneys at Clark & Noonan, LLC have experience defending the accused for numerous types of crimes ranging from indictable offenses to disorderly persons offenses. Their background as former prosecutors provide unmatched insight that will no doubt increase the likelihood of achieving a desirable outcome.
What Happens if I Miss My Court Date in New Jersey?
Failing to appear in criminal court in New Jersey is a serious offense that could result in losing your right to bail, suspension of driving privileges, and additional penalties.
Valid Reasons for Not Appearing in Court
You may have the option to dispute this offense if you:
- Didn’t receive a notice of the hearing
- Had another court hearing during that time
- Had another valid reason
We can discuss whether your reason was valid not to appear in court.
What Do I Do if I Have a Warrant in New Jersey?
Contact a criminal defense attorney if you have a warrant out for your arrest. We can help you proactively prevent an unexpected arrest if you’re aware of your warrant. We will help with your surrendering and booking with the police. We advise that you do not resist your arrest if the police come to serve your warrant.
Areas Our Criminal Defense Law Firm Serves
With a combined 30 years of criminal law experience, we have proudly been able to serve the following areas in New Jersey:
- Monmouth
- Middlesex
- Union
- Essex
- Hudson
- Ocean
If you are accused of a crime in Monmouth County, Wall Township, or any other nearby areas in New Jersey, contact our office today.
