Criminal charges

Defending Against Domestic Violence Charges

April 4, 2022 by Gregg Wisotsky, Esq. Leave a Comment

Dealing With Domestic Violence Charges

Domestic violence is a serious offense. Millions of lives are affected by these charges. While the violence damages families, an unjust accusation can also have substantial ramifications.

Domestic Violence in the United States

According to the National Coalition of Domestic Violence, over 1 million women have been victims of physical assault by an intimate partner per year. While this might seem like an issue affecting women, men can also be the victims of domestic abuse. At the other end of the crime, individuals are sometimes wrongly accused of committing domestic violence. For them, defending against these charges is essential to protecting their freedom and reputation. If you have been accused or charged with domestic violence, here are some things that you should know.

Understand Your Legal Rights

You need to understand your rights to ensure that you receive a fair trial. For a domestic violence case, you have the right to:

Call witnesses to testify
Present your own evidence
Cross-examine the prosecutor’s witnesses
Evaluate all of the evidence against you

A Morristown criminal defense lawyer with experience trying domestic violence cases could be an asset in determining how to proceed.

Secure the Evidence

Evidence is the cornerstone of any court case. Never rely on the accuser to supply you with evidence in your favor. It is a good idea to supply your own evidence that can help to show what really happened.

After the charges are made, it may help to identify witnesses and get an official statement from them. Make sure to secure any videos or pictures of the incident. Physical evidence can help disprove any charges. Don’t forget about those text messages. In many cases, texts can help back up your own claims.

Give Your Own Statement

Once the police arrive on the scene, they have to follow specific procedures, including taking down statements from all parties. In some instances, the police do not approach the accused for their own statement. It’s important to be sure that your side of the story is written down for the record. In a calm voice, explain how the incident took place. Remember that your statement could be a valuable piece of evidence in court, which is also true of the responding officer’s testimony, so it’s in your best interest to remain calm.

Hire an Experienced Domestic Violence Lawyer

While you have the right to represent yourself in court, that is rarely a good idea. Domestic violence cases are filled with emotions, so it may be a good idea to take a step back. A Morristown criminal defense lawyer understands the law and can help defend you against these serious accusations.

Discuss Your Case With a Lawyer

When you meet with the attorney, explain the entire incident. Allow them to plan for gathering evidence, finding witnesses to testify, and negotiating with the prosecutor. Your attorney is legally obligated to defend you to the best of their ability, so you can trust them to handle the proceedings.

Get a Bail Bond

If you have been arrested, you might need a bail bond to get out of jail. With that, you are released from custody. The amount will depend on whether you are a flight risk and the severity of the crime. Many people cannot afford to pay the bond. In that situation, an experienced bail bond company can help with the process. You pay a percentage of the bond, and the company will cover the rest of the amount. By paying the bond, you are guaranteeing that you will attend all of the court proceedings, or there could be a warrant out for your arrest.

Abide By All Court Orders

After paying bail, you will receive a set of instructions from the court that must be followed. The date for your first court appearance will be included in that paperwork. Make sure to attend the court dates, or you could face some serious legal troubles and potentially forfeit any bond money paid.

Be Punctual for Court Dates

You should always show up on time for court. If you have been charged with domestic violence, your appearance is critical. By being punctual and well-dressed, you show respect for the court and the legal process. In court, act calmly before, during, and after the hearing. Do not appear bored by the proceedings or get angry if things are said that you don’t agree with.

Understand Limits of Your Attorney

Unfortunately, there are limitations for your defense attorney. No lawyer can promise to win your case. While some cases are easier to prove, others have many variables that may not be in your favor.

With solid evidence on your side, you have a better chance to be acquitted of the charges. No matter how the case is going, your lawyer should give you the facts, and they should discuss possible outcomes and potential strategies with you.

Defenses to a Domestic Violence Charge

Evidence can help to prove your innocence. Along with that, you need a strong defense on your side. There are several defenses that your attorney may use in the courtroom. They may use evidence to show that someone else was responsible for the crime. This evidence can prove that the defendant was not near the crime scene or had an alibi.

While domestic violence accusations are serious, some people will make these allegations out of spite. Unfortunately, this happens in contentious child custody cases. A partner may also claim domestic violence as a way to manipulate a situation. A defense attorney may look for inconsistencies in the accuser’s story by comparing it to witness accounts, medical records, and police records.

In many domestic violence cases, the defendant acted to protect themselves or their children. A self-defense strategy can work if there is a reasonably perceived threat and if the defendant was not considered the initial aggressor.

While it is rare, some individuals voluntarily consent to participate in violent actions. That consent can function as a defense against a domestic violence accusation.

The prosecution has the burden of proof in a criminal trial. If it can’t be shown that the defendant is guilty beyond all reasonable doubt, then the prosecution hasn’t met that burden. The legal system protects both the victim and the wrongly accused. If there is no conclusive evidence pointing to guilt, the jury must acquit the defendant.

Find an Attorney for Your Case

With these tips, you can be ready to face your domestic violence case. Remember that these cases are very complicated, and an experienced attorney will be a valuable asset as you navigate this process.

Gregg A. Wisotsky is ready to help with your domestic violence charge. We can help you through all parts of the court proceedings and establish a defense for your case. If you have been recently arrested, schedule a consultation by calling the office at 973-898-0161. We have eight offices in New Jersey as well as in New York City for your convenience. You can also fill out our secure online contact form.

What Are Some Good Defenses for Theft Charges?

March 7, 2022 by Gregg Wisotsky, Esq. Leave a Comment

What Defense Should You Use When Charged With Theft?

With over 670,000 thefts occurring each year, property crime is one of the most common types of crime. Despite being incredibly common, theft can actually be a little tricky to prosecute. There are several very effective defenses for a theft charge.

You Weren’t Able to Commit the Crime

Ideally, if you did not commit the crime, you would be able to present an alibi to the police and avoid charges in the first place. However, this doesn’t always happen in the real world. If you did not commit the crime, one of the first steps your Morristown criminal defense lawyer may take is looking for proof you couldn’t have committed the crime. Finding evidence that you were not in the right place at the right time can be tricky. Your lawyer may do things like ask your neighbors for any doorbell security footage or contact a toll company for a receipt. Being able to present clear proof you were not able to access the item at the time of the theft can be an excellent defense against theft charges in New Jersey.

Someone Else Committed the Crime

Another common defense for theft charges is to show that someone else could have taken the item. Pointing the finger at someone else isn’t necessarily about trying to do the police’s job for them or attempting to frame an innocent person. Instead, it is about bringing reasonable doubt to the charges. For example, if you and another person were both in the room when an expensive watch was stolen, it’s reasonable to bring up the fact that the other person could’ve done it. Anything that makes the jury realize there is no definitive proof you were the one to commit the crime can be very useful for your case.

You Took the Property Accidentally

To be convicted of theft, the prosecution must show that you purposefully took an item that wasn’t yours with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of the property. Therefore, a valid defense that your lawyer for theft charges may use is that the whole thing was an accident. A common way that someone could accidentally take another person’s property is if they were mixed up. For example, someone who grabbed the wrong coat when leaving a party wouldn’t be guilty of theft. Another way that you may accidentally take property is if you did not have the capacity to form the intent to steal. Those who are intoxicated or mentally impaired may have a defense against theft charges.

You Were Just Borrowing the Item

Another possible defense is the idea that you did not intend to deprive the victim because you were simply borrowing the object. This defense can be a little trickier to prove because it is all about your intentions. It usually works best in situations in which the defendant had reason to believe they could temporarily use the object and promptly brought it back as soon as possible. It may be harder to prove in cases in which the defendant took an object and had no reasonable way of returning the item to its rightful owner.

The Property Is Actually Yours

Legally speaking, you can only steal an item if you did not have the right to possess the item in the first place. It is rare for a person to be charged with theft when they own the property, but this can happen occasionally. The most typical scenario occurs when two people co-own a property or when a person bought an item in an informal sale. In these sorts of disputes, you don’t have to have enough proof of ownership to take the property from the other person. Instead, your defense will just need to show you had a reasonable belief you owned the property because this can prove your lack of intent to steal. An ownership defense can also work if you can show that the previous owner voluntarily abandoned the property. If this person gave up their rights to the property before you took possession of it, you may have a legal claim to the item, preventing you from being convicted of theft.

You Thought You Had Permission

Since you need intent to be convicted of theft, one defense is claiming that you thought you were allowed to take the item. For example, a friend could tell you it’s OK to take their belonging when the item actually belongs to someone else. Or you could get confused about which item a person was telling you that you could take. These sorts of misunderstandings usually get cleared up before official theft charges are filed. However, in cases in which one party is being stubborn, there is a chance a simple misunderstanding can lead to criminal charges. To use this defense, it’s helpful to have evidence, like text messages or a recorded conversation, that shows how you ended up thinking you had permission.

You Don’t Actually Have Possession of the Item

Most theft charges use the fact that you are in possession of the stolen item as proof that you stole the item. However, actually proving that the item you have is the one that’s missing can be somewhat tricky. Many types of property are fairly interchangeable. For example, if you walk out of the store with an apple in your pocket, is it possible to tell if the apple came from the store? Occasionally, people can use this uncertainty to defend against theft charges. This defense works best when the item in question is fairly commonplace, and there is evidence of you owning a similar item before the alleged theft. Your lawyer may be able to prove that you did not have the missing property, and there was no other evidence linking you to the crime.

Your Rights Were Violated During the Arrest or Investigation

In some cases, it’s possible to avoid a guilty verdict even if there is little doubt that you took the object intentionally. Just like any other criminal case, theft charges in New Jersey follow strict guidelines. If your lawyer suspects that your rights were violated, they can have any evidence obtained by the violation thrown out. One of the most common violations is a police officer searching you or your home without proper suspicion of a crime. Other reasons can include issues like a police officer not informing you of your right to remain silent or an officer not letting you know that you can consult with an attorney. If you believe that law enforcement lured you to steal the item, you may also be able to use entrapment as a defense.

Ultimately, the right defense can help you get a more positive outcome for your case. At the Law Office of Gregg Wisotsky, we work hard to make sure our clients get a quality defense. Our team can assist you with everything from gathering evidence to filing documents promptly. To learn more about our Morristown criminal defense lawyer services, schedule a free consultation. You can reach us by calling (973) 898-0161 or filling out our contact form.

The Benefits and Disadvantages of a Bail Bond

January 3, 2022 by Gregg Wisotsky, Esq. Leave a Comment

Bail Bond Advantages and Disadvantages

Mistakes can happen in life. When you have been arrested, you want to get out of jail as soon as possible. A bail bond can expedite your release from custody.

What Is a Bail Bond?

Bail is a cash bond that allows the arrested person to leave jail. However, there are a few stipulations that the person must follow. In exchange for their freedom, the detained person must appear in court.

Bail is a conditional release. The defendant must attend all court hearings and other related legal matters. If the person doesn’t show up, the court keeps the bail and issues a warrant for the defendant’s arrest. The bail is also forfeited to the court. With that, the defendant is charged with failure to appear in court.

Who Sets Bail?

A judge is responsible for setting the defendant’s bail. In many cases, the judge follows a standard bail schedule that specifies the bail amount for a particular crime.

There are times when the suspect cannot afford the bail. The defendant can ask the judge to lower the amount during the arraignment.

Remember that there are limits on the bail. According to the U.S. Constitution, bail cannot be excessive. Bail allows the arrested individual to remain free until the scheduled court date. In some situations, the judge will set a high bail in cases where the suspect is a danger to the community. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that this type of bail is not unconstitutional according to United States v. Salerno, 481 U.S. 739 (1987).

Using a Bail Bond

Now that you know the basics of a bail bond, you may be wondering how it works. Bail can be paid in several ways, including paying the total amount of the bail, purchasing a bond from a bail bond seller, or depositing property with the court that is worth the amount of the bond.

A bond requires you to pay a certain percentage of the total amount of bail. When you pay in cash, you must pay for the full amount of the bond. There are a few drawbacks to paying in cash. A cash bond is a considerable expense, and it can be challenging for many to come up with a large amount of cash on short notice, after banks are closed, or on the weekend.

For most defendants, the bail bond is the most attractive option. An individual only needs to post about 10% of the total bail amount. However, if the defendant wants this option, a bail bond agent must be contacted. The bail bond agent will pay for the rest of the bond on the person’s behalf.

Keep in mind that these bail bond agencies will charge a commission and fees in addition to the cost of the bond. Once you have a bail bond, you must appear in court on all of the scheduled dates.

The Pros of Bail Bonds

If you need to get out of jail as soon as possible, you may be considering hiring a bail bond company. These bonds are helpful for those who don’t have enough cash to pay the full amount of the bail. In many situations, you can find several bail bond companies with offices near jails, courthouses, and police stations. Many of them are open 24/7. With those hours, you can guarantee to get a bond when you need it.

These bail bond agents will work to get you released from jail. No matter the hour, the bail bond company begins the process to secure your discharge. All of the paperwork is completed for you. Bail bondsmen know how the process works in your jurisdiction, so they will easily fill out the correct documents for a seamless and quick transaction.

However, always make sure that you choose a reputable company for your bond. Some of these professional firms will give you a little leeway in the approval process, which gets you out of custody even sooner. While some agents have a bad reputation, most bail bond companies maintain a trustworthy status in the community.

Some companies can take advantage of the defendant by soliciting more money. Be careful of these unscrupulous companies. If you want to work with a bail bond company, make sure that the agents are licensed.

Along with paying for the bond, the defendant might also want to find a reputable criminal defense attorney to help them fight their charges. Your Morristown criminal defense lawyer will possibly coordinate with the bail bond agency to discuss your release and to be sure that everyone is kept abreast of future court dates.

The individual only needs to pay a percentage of the bail amount with the bail bond. That can be a win-win for the defendant as they will be released from jail and don’t have to worry about paying a large amount of cash.

Paying for a bail bond is not easy for many people. In some cases, the bail bond company will offer payment plans for the defendant. That can help some people out of a tight financial obligation. Keep in mind that not all bail bond agencies offer these payment plans.

If the bail bond requires a high amount of cash, the defendant can use a high-value asset, like a car or other property, as collateral. These bail bond agencies will also offer discounts for service members, union employees, and retired individuals.

Bail Bond Cons

While using a bail bond does sound appealing, there are some drawbacks, especially when working with a bail bond agency. Remember that bail bond fees are never refundable. You cannot recoup those costs once you hand over the 10% of the bail amount to the agent. Think of these bonds as a fee for your freedom.

You will work through a third party when using a bail bond agency. With that, you will have to share personal information with the agent. While these companies protect your privacy and confidentiality, there are no guarantees that private details will not leak out from the agency.

Finally, the bail bond agent is an employee of the company. Don’t think that you have a personal relationship with the agent. Getting you to court is their primary goal. The bail bond agency assures the court that you will appear for any legal hearings.

If you jump bail, the agency will hire a recovery agent to search for you. When you are found, they will turn you over to law enforcement. The bail bond company doesn’t want to forfeit its money. When you don’t show up to court and cannot be located, the agency has to pay the full amount of the bail.

Make the Right Decision for You

It can be a challenging decision whether to pay by cash or bail bond. Whatever option you choose, make sure to have a Morristown criminal defense lawyer ready to represent you in court. With a little experienced help, you can understand the advantages and disadvantages of a bail bond. Gregg Wisotsky serves the New Jersey area. If you need to schedule a consultation, call his Morristown office at 973-898-0161 or visit the website.

What Should You Do If You’re Facing Identity Theft Charges?

October 22, 2021 by Gregg Wisotsky, Esq. Leave a Comment

Follow These Steps After Getting Identity Theft Charges

Did you know that even basic identity theft charges can lead to a 15-year prison sentence if a conviction is obtained? Identity theft charges are very serious, so you need to respond appropriately. Here are some tips for how you should handle this situation.

Find a Good Criminal Defense Attorney

Hopefully, this is actually a step you have already taken. As soon as you are arrested for identity theft, it is a good idea to stay quiet and get help from a lawyer. They can explain how the whole process works and help you avoid saying anything accidentally that might be incriminating. However, many people are surprised to be arrested for identity theft, so they might not have a lawyer ready as soon as the police show up.

If this happens, you might get a public defender assigned to your case. While public defenders do try to be helpful, they are often overworked and underpaid. You will get better care from a private attorney because they have more resources to help with your case. Furthermore, hiring your own attorney helps you find someone whose credentials and personality suit your needs. Since identity theft is a felony, it is important to have the best legal representation possible.

Cooperate With Court Dates and Other Pre-Trial Requirements

Having a good lawyer can help you a lot with this step, but you still need to try to stay on top of things. Trying to run from the police, skip court dates, or leave the state with pending charges is a bad idea. Anything that makes you look uncooperative can also make you look more guilty of identity theft.

While waiting for your trial, you need to be as responsible and accessible as possible. Check your mail each day, let the court clerk know if you change your address, and make sure you are available for depositions and other important tasks. If you have doubts about anything, check with your Morristown criminal defense lawyer. They can make sure that harmless tasks like getting rid of an old laptop do not make it seem like you are destroying evidence or doing anything else suspicious. Your identity theft lawyer can also help you make sure you are fulfilling all conditions of your bail. Being as law-abiding as possible in the days leading up to your trial can help your case immensely.

Explore Possible Identity Theft Defenses

As soon as you start working with your lawyer, they will begin preparing a defense strategy for you. This involves going over your situation and seeing if there are any factors that would keep your actions from meeting the legal definition of identity theft. Depending on what happened, you may want to use one or more of the following defenses.

The first defense is just that you were falsely accused. For example, you might state that you had nothing to do with the person’s identity being stolen, and someone else must be responsible. This defense works best in cases with little evidence against you. Remember that the court can only convict you if there is enough evidence to show you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. However, sometimes arguing a false accusation can be easier said than done, especially if you do not have alibis or other concrete proof you could not have committed the crime.

Another option for defense against identity theft is stating that you did not intend to commit identity theft. For identity theft to be a crime, you had to commit the behaviors for the express purpose of defrauding others. So if you did technically steal your neighbor’s private bank information but only did so because you opened their mail by accident and did not hack their account with this information, then your actions would not meet the legal definition of identity theft.

In some cases, people who have been charged with identity theft can defend themselves by claiming they were allowed to use someone else’s private information. Consider a case where your mother gives you her Social Security number and asks you to help her sign up for benefits. This would not count as identity theft because you had permission to act on your mother’s behalf. Using this defense can be very effective, but it might be hard to prove you had consent if the supposed victim insists they did not give you permission.

Another option is claiming that the case against you is invalid because there were legal irregularities in how it was carried out. Things like arresting you without cause, searching your computer without a warrant, or other similar types of misconduct can get your whole case thrown out. This is the type of defense where a lawyer’s specialized knowledge of the legal system can really be useful.

Work to Gather Evidence for Your Criminal Case

While waiting for your trial, your identity theft defense team will spend much of their time gathering evidence. This helps them prepare your case and figure out how to defend you appropriately. Of course, the police and prosecution will also be gathering evidence.

This is where your legal team steps in to help. They specifically look for things to help your case. Your defense team can help you formally request things like security camera footage that could help you prove your case. They can also recommend forensic financial experts who can go over your case and provide expert testimony for you. If any depositions, or formal interviews under oath, are required, your legal team will also assist you with conducting these sessions.

Know What to Expect at Your Trial

By the time of your court date, your Morristown criminal defense lawyer will have put together an extensive defense on your behalf. Most of the hard work is out of the way for you, but you can still take a few steps to help get the best possible outcome. To prepare for your trial, it is helpful to get an idea of what to expect.

Identity theft trials will involve you sitting in court while a jury hears evidence for and against you. For most of the trial, your job will be to dress appropriately and sit respectfully. Outbursts, attempts to attack witnesses, or behavior that seems oddly smug or gleeful may make it harder for your lawyer to present your case. In your trial, there is a chance you will be called to testify. Your lawyer should work with you ahead of time to help you prepare appropriate responses for possible questions. By respecting the legal process and following wise legal counsel, you may be able to prove your innocence or get a less severe punishment.

Ultimately, the right defense team makes a huge difference to your outcome. After being charged with identity theft, a good lawyer can help you prepare a smart defense and appropriately follow all necessary legal guidelines. At the Law Firm of Gregg Wisotsky, our team works hard to provide the best possible care for those facing criminal charges. We provide assistance throughout much of New Jersey, including Hackensack, Newark, and Jersey City. Learn more about our services by giving us a call at 973-898-0161 or by filling out our online contact form.

Penalties May Be Severe for Drug Possession in New Jersey

March 24, 2021 by Gregg Wisotsky, Esq. Leave a Comment

Understand Drug Possession Penalties in New Jersey

If a traffic stop or knock at your door wound up leading to your arrest on suspicion of drug possession in New Jersey, it’s important that you understand the penalties such crimes may carry under conviction. Numerous factors, such as police or witness testimonies, alleged evidence taken into custody during a search, as well as what type of defense you present may all influence the judge’s or jury’s decision in your case.

What Is the Legal Definition of Drug Possession in the State of New Jersey?

If a New Jersey police officer arrests you for a suspected drug possession crime, it means you’re being accused of knowingly obtaining, holding on your person or controlling an illegal substance. A drug in question might include cocaine, marijuana or heroin, as well as any number of prescription drugs or other illegal substances. Police may charge you with “intent to distribute” an illegal drug if they have evidence that you possessed a certain quantity of a specific drug.

First-Time Possession Charge Doesn’t Equate to a Lighter Penalty

Perhaps you were pulled over in a traffic stop and police searched your vehicle. You wound up getting arrested for possession of an illegal drug. You’ve never faced criminal charges prior to the arrest, so you assume that, if the court convicts you, the penalty will be less severe because it is a first offense.

In New Jersey, the penalty for drug possession depends on the type of drug in question, as well as the amount. Even if it is the first time you’ve been charged with a drug crime, the penalty may still be harsh, depending on the details of your case.

Jail Time and Fines

If the court convicts you of marijuana possession of less than 50 grams, you may face up to six months behind bars, as well as a fine up to $1,000, even if it is your first offense. Any amount more than 50 grams carries a harsher penalty up to 18 months in jail and fines of up to $25,000.

The state categorizes drugs such as heroin, hallucinogens, ecstasy or methamphetamine as controlled substances or narcotics. These and other drugs in this category carry severe consequences under conviction. If you’re convicted of drug possession of substances in this category, you could go to jail for as long as five years and pay fines up to $35,000.

Penalties Often Include More Than Incarceration or Fines

You no doubt want to avoid going to jail if it’s at all possible. However, staying out of jail won’t be your only concern if you are facing drug possession charges in New Jersey. The following list shows additional penalties or repercussions you might incur if you are charged with drug possession crimes:

Driver’s license restrictions
Vehicle confiscation
Need of bail money

The state can suspend your driver’s license if you’re convicted of a drug possession crime. In fact, in certain circumstances, police can seize your vehicle. This is especially true in cases where you might be charged with possession with intent to sell drugs. Also, you may have to come up with bail money in order to be released from jail while you’re awaiting trial. In certain situations, the court may deny your release, and you would have to stay in jail until your case is fully adjudicated. While this is not the same as a penalty under conviction, it is still a negative consequence you might experience after being arrested on suspicion of a drug crime.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Failure of Lawful Disposition

If a police officer doesn’t find any illegal substances in your possession during a search, it doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be charged with a drug crime. Various items, such as a small pipe, a syringe, scales, etc., may constitute probable cause for a police officer to take you into custody for possession of drug-related paraphernalia. Conviction of such crimes often carry penalties of up to six months in jail and substantial fines.

When you have taken possession of an illegal drug, New Jersey law requires that you hand it over to a law enforcement officer. Not doing so means you have failed to make a lawful disposition, which carries a penalty under conviction of up to half a year in jail. In any case, prosecutors must prove that a substance or item they claim to be an illegal drug or drug-related item is, in fact, actually the substance or item they claim it is. Substantiating such claims is typically accomplished through laboratory testing of the item or items in question.

Extenuating Circumstances That May Have Implications for Your Case

In addition to criminal penalties under conviction of drug possession, facing charges for drug crimes can have negative consequences in other areas of your life. If you’re a college student, for instance, you may incur penalties that result in expulsion or loss of scholarship funds.

If you’re a license professional, you may be at risk for suspension or revocation of your license. In some cases, penalties may be so severe that you would be prohibited from ever practicing in your field again. Such may be the case for teachers, doctors, licensed counselors or other specialized careers.

A Morristown Criminal Defense Lawyer May Help Mitigate Circumstances

What if you’re sitting at home one night and police knock at your door, asking you to allow them entry so that they can have a look around? In such situations, it’s critical that you know your rights and how to protect them. If police search your home, car or person then take you into custody on suspicion of a drug possession crime, a Morristown criminal defense lawyer is a great asset to have as part of your support network. Everything you say and do during a drug investigation may have an impact on the ultimate outcome of your case, including severity of penalties under conviction. In some cases, rather than sentence you to jail time, the judge overseeing your case might place you on probation instead.

An experienced criminal law attorney can help you determine if a personal rights violation occurred at any time leading up to, during or following your arrest. The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects you against unlawful searches and seizures. You may also invoke the Fifth Amendment to refuse to answers investigative questions without the presence of legal representation. If police do not have a warrant to enter your home, you do not have to consent to a search, except in certain circumstances where officers would not need to obtain a warrant before entering, such as if they believe a crime is taking place at that moment inside your house. You may request legal representation as soon as you learn that you are the subject of a drug investigation.

Build a Strong Defense From the Start

Facing charges for drug possession is a serious matter that can have far-reaching implications in all aspects of your life. In addition to legal repercussions, being charged with a drug crime may adversely affect your personal life, as well. It can destroy your reputation, cause family problems or place your job at risk. If you wind up with a criminal record, a potential future employer may be hesitant to hire you due to your past drug crime conviction. While these are not legal penalties, they are definitely negative consequences that may occur following a criminal conviction.

Gregg Wisotsky is an experienced defense attorney located in New Jersey. When you request a meeting by calling (973) 898-0161, you’ll be enlisting support from an attorney who has 25 years of experience providing legal defense for those charged with illegal possession, distribution and various other drug crimes. Reach out to our office today.

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