Top Criminal Attorneys in East Brunswick, NJ

If you have been charged with a crime in New Jersey, you may understandably have many questions or may be confused about what will happen next.

Legal Mar 12, 2025 3 Add to Reading List

If you have been charged with a crime in New Jersey, you may understandably have many questions or may be confused about what will happen next. The important thing you need to know is that you have rights, and you need an East Brunswick, NJ, criminal attorney to protect them.

The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall boasts a team of experienced New Jersey attorneys, former prosecutors, and public defenders from across the state, with over 100 years of combined experience. If you or a loved one have just been arrested or indicted in New Jersey, call us now, day or night, including on weekends. Things happen quickly after an initial arrest. Our attorneys can step in to protect your rights from the very beginning.

What Happens After an Arrest?

After an arrest, the defendant is ordered to appear in court on a “first appearance.” This is when defendants receive advice regarding the charges against them and their rights, and their bail is reviewed.

A defendant has a right to a first appearance within 72 hours, excluding holidays. The first appearance for a defendant released on bail must occur without unnecessary delay. Indictable criminal offenses are heard in the Supreme Court, while disorderly person offenses are heard in municipal courts.

The right to counsel is one of the rights a defendant hears about at their first appearance. If the defendant indicates that they cannot afford a lawyer, the Criminal Division staff conducts an indigence investigation to determine whether to assign the defendant a public defender.

Pre-Trial Intervention Program

At the first appearance, the judge will advise the defendant about the opportunity to enter the pre-trial intervention program (PTI). This program allows certain defendants to avoid formal prosecution by entering into court-supervised community living, often with counseling or other support. The objective of PTI is to provide an incentive for first-time non-violent offenders.

Admission to the PTI program requires the consent of the prosecutor, the Criminal Division Manager, and the judge assigned to the case. Their decisions will be based on the results of an investigation by Criminal Division Case Supervisors.

Indictment Process in NJ

Criminal charges for more serious offenses in New Jersey are filed with an indictment. Prosecutors must present evidence to a grand jury to obtain an indictment.

An indictable offense in New Jersey is a First Degree, Second Degree, Third Degree, or Fourth Degree crime, which includes:

1. Aggravated assault

2. Burglary

3. Conspiracy

4. Credit card fraud

5. Eluding

6. Firearms and weapons charges

7. Possession and Distribution of Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS)

8. Prescription Drug Fraud

9. Robbery

Consult an NJ Criminal Attorney

Whether regarding assault, driving, drugs, or any other accusation, being charged with an indictable offense in New Jersey puts your future at risk. You could lose your freedom and money paid for a fine, and damage prospects for employment or eligibility for government benefits if convicted. This is where an East Brunswick, NJ, criminal attorney at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall will stand up for you and protect your rights.