Criminal Defense Archives - Kenneth Aita, Esq

Category: Criminal Defense

What Should I Look for in a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

When faced with a criminal charge, it is imperative to retain an attorney. Failure to do so can cause lasting and indelible damages to one’s future. It can cause one to risk jail time and pay large financial penalties, as well as obtain a criminal record.

First and foremost, it is crucial to retain an attorney that focuses their practice in criminal defense. This area of the law requires a nuanced understanding of criminal procedures and courtroom experience.

Unlike other areas of law, a criminal defense attorney needs to have experience dealing with prosecutors, police, and the lawyer needs to understand the requirements of the local court and rules. An experienced attorney that is well known in the community can leverage their goodwill and experience in negotiations with the prosecutor and police, as well as persuade a judge and the jury.

Often, in criminal cases, an attorney may need to present a plea bargain to reduce or eliminate a sentence. An attorney may also be able to negotiate a substitution of drug rehabilitation or community service to fulfill sentencing requirements.

What are Signs of Credibility?

A criminal defense attorney can evaluate the case and tailor a defense strategy based on the allegations and evidence. The attorney should be confident and have expertise in dealing with a jury in the event the case proceeds to trial. A dynamic and credible attorney who can clearly explain complex legalese and earn the trust of the jury can be an asset in a trial setting.

How Should a Lawyer Prepare for Trial?

A criminal defense attorney also needs to interview witnesses, gather and analyze evidence to discredit a prosecution’s case, and bolster the defense. Experienced legal counsel will have honed these analytical and legal skills so that they can have the best outcome for the case. A good attorney will know how to interview and prepare witnesses for trial as many will be reluctant to do so in a criminal case.

Another way a criminal defense attorney can ensure a successful defense is by engaging suitable experts who can provide expert testimony during trial preparation and trial. Oftentimes, expert analysis can help with negotiations as expert testimony can be pivotal in proving one’s guilt or innocence. Criminal defense attorneys will also know several experts. They should be able to recruit the most suitable ones for each case. Depending on the case, experts from the fields of forensics, genetics, medical examination, physicians, accident reconstruction, and others may be needed.

When Should I Hire a Lawyer?

Some types of charges that require a criminal defense lawyer includes the following:

Drug Charges: When charged with a drug offense, it is crucial to contact a criminal defense attorney right away. Drug-related crimes include possession, sale, and trafficking of illegal substances and paraphernalia.

DUI/DWI Offense: Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol is a crime. Other alcohol-related crimes include underage drinking and public intoxication.

Assault and Battery Charges: An attorney can help construct a defense based on self-defense, among others.

Theft: These charges include the act of taking another’s property without their consent with the intent to permanently deprive them of the property.

Financial Crimes: These crimes involve fraud and money-laundering. If charged with a crime related to financial institutions, it is advisable to retain an attorney that specializes in white-collar crimes.

Since criminal charges carry the harshest penalties, they should not be taken lightly. It is important to hire a lawyer as soon as possible

Cherry Hill Criminal Defense Lawyers at Aita Law, LLC Advocate for the Falsely Accused

If you have been charged with a crime, contact one of our accomplished Cherry Hill criminal defense lawyers at Aita Law, LLC. Our attorneys vigorously protect the rights of our clients. For a free consultation, complete our online form or call us at 856-287-7800. Located in Haddonfield and Marlton, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout South Jersey, including Cherry Hill and Camden County.

Can Evidence Collected in an Illegal Search and Seizure be Used in Court?

American citizens enjoy several individual rights, including the right against an illegal search and seizure. This right ensures citizens have a right to privacy. Any evidence obtained during an illegal search and seizure is usually not admissible in court.

The source of the right against illegal search and seizure stems from the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution; it allows U.S. citizens to have their privacy protected. In order for a police officer to search someone, they must have a reasonable or probable cause.

When is a Search and Seizure Legal?

A police officer exercises their own discretion when making an arrest pursuant a search and seizure. In order for the search and seizure to be deemed illegal, the search must be conducted by a government agent, and any evidence obtained by a private individual will not be deemed illegal.

According to the law, when a government agent violates a legitimate expectation of one’s privacy, the evidence obtained from such a violation should not be admitted into evidence. Before a law enforcement officer enters an individual’s home, the officer needs to obtain a warrant based on probable cause that has been signed by a magistrate.

Stop and Frisk Searches

Police often stop and frisk individuals when they are detained at checkpoints or after arrests. Evidence obtained from such stops may be allowed and the search may not be considered illegal. However, police must have a non-discriminatory justification to conduct the checkpoint or arrest.

There are several exceptions to the prohibition of a search and seizure without a warrant. Often, exceptions entail nuanced legal analysis based on case law and precedent. Whether the search and seizure was illegal can be highly fact specific, requiring in depth knowledge of criminal law.

For example, a police officer’s search may be legal if it was based on a reasonable suspicion of impending criminal activity, or a crime was committed in the police officer’s presence. Also, if the officer is under reasonable suspicion that the individual is armed, the person may be frisked, patted down, and searched. If evidence is found during the search, it is admissible and the search is deemed legal.

What is the Exclusionary Rule?

The exclusionary rule prohibits illegally obtained evidence to be used in a court case. When evidence is obtained from a search that is illegal, that evidence is excluded. In order for the evidence to be allowed, the search and seizure must be made legally. Usually, the evidence is obtained pursuant to a valid warrant that was based on probable cause; however, there are several exceptions to this exclusionary rule. A criminal defense lawyer must persuade the judge to dismiss the evidence.

Haddonfield Criminal Defense Lawyers at Aita Law, LLC Defend Those Accused of Crimes During Illegal Searches

If you suspect that a police officer obtained evidence in an illegal search and seizure, contact us right away. Our Haddonfield criminal defense lawyers at Aita Law, LLC defend those charged with crimes. Our attorneys provide aggressive and thorough counseling to protect the rights of our clients. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 856-287-7800. Located in Haddonfield and Marlton, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout South Jersey, including Cherry Hill and Camden County.

What if Police Find Drugs That are Not Mine?

A person can face severe consequences if he or she is found with drugs. When faced with a situation where police have found drugs that belong to someone else, it is important to remain calm, cooperate with the police, and request to speak to a lawyer immediately.

It is critical to refrain from negotiating with or speaking to the police without the presence of an attorney as anything that is said to the police may be presented unfavorably in a court of law. A criminal defense attorney should be consulted immediately to gather and evaluate facts to provide a strong defense.

What is the Law in New Jersey?

According to New Jersey law, possession is an act. If the possessor knowingly procured or received the thing possessed or was aware of and could control to terminate the item, it is considered possession. Per this law, a mere finding of drugs is not enough to support a finding of possession of drugs.

One is not automatically guilty when found with drugs or guilt-free if the drugs belong to someone else. In order to convict, the prosecutor has a burden to prove that the drugs were in the custody and control of the one accused of possession, and that the accused knew the drugs were there and had sufficient time and control to be able to discard them. Often, whether the accused knew and had enough time to get rid of the drugs depends greatly on the circumstances of the situation.

Most of the time, those who are caught with drugs claim that the drugs do not belong to them. Whether the claim holds true depends on whether they knew that the drugs were present and whether they had time and control over the substances. For example, police may find drugs on a person, in a car, or in a home. A prosecutor may have a strong case for possession if the drugs were found in the clothing of the accused or in the front of the car in the cup holder, versus if the drugs were found in the back seat with a passenger.

What is the Difference Between Actual and Constructive Possession?

One can be found to have actual and constructive possession of an illegal substance. As the name suggests, actual possession occurs when the person has physical control of the substance. Constructive possession occurs when the accused has the capacity to gain control and act within a given amount of time, there is no requirement for physical possession of the substance.

What are Legal Defenses That Can be Used?

Often, when defending one charged with possession, attorneys examine all the facts regarding how the drugs were found. Therefore, when consulting an attorney, prepare for the meeting by identifying to whom the drugs belonged. Assess whether there are any witnesses to this or whether there is any proof that the drugs belong to someone else.

Also, consider whether it can be proven that the vehicle or area where the drugs were found are not within one’s control. It is important to think about all relevant facts about whether one had knowledge, control, and sufficient time to discard the drugs.

Probable Cause and Exclusion of Evidence

Also, the prosecution has to prove that police had probable cause to conduct a search of the area where the drugs were found and even have a warrant to search. Additionally, they need to prove that the substance found was an illegal substance. Finally, the evidence gathered should not have violated a person’s Miranda rights or have been tainted by an illegal search.

Drug charges can affect one’s life severely, impacting one’s liberty, employability, freedom, and reputation. If one is accused of possession, it is beneficial to contact a lawyer right away.

Haddonfield Criminal Defense Lawyers at Aita Law, LLC Protect Those Falsely Accused of Drug Possession

If you have been accused of drug possession, speak to a lawyer right away. Our experienced Haddonfield criminal defense lawyers at Aita Law, LLC protect those falsely accused. For a free consultation, complete our online form or call us at 856 287-7800. Our offices are located in Haddonfield and Marlton, New Jersey, and we proudly serve clients throughout South Jersey, including Cherry Hill and Camden County.

Can Police Officers Access Personal Cellphones?

Cellphone privacy is often in the news, and many people worry that the government and businesses have the ability to collect the information on personal devices. Another pressing question is whether or not police officers can force people to hand over their cellphones or unlock these phones by asking for passwords or using biometric recognition, which includes fingerprints, iris scanning, and facial identification.

Is a Warrant Required for Cellphone Access?

Although laws vary by state, warrants are generally required to search for and seize personal cellphones. However, there are exceptions, including:

when searches occur on public school properties.
if the individual has been arrested.
if the police have reasonable suspicion to believe that a person is committing a criminal act.
when the cellphone is in plain sight.
if the person is in an automobile.
if the cellphone owner gives consent for the phone to be searched.

Once the police have the cellphone, circumstances dictate if they can access the contents for legal reasons. For example, if the phone is lost, the police offer may use it to locate the cellphone owner, or it could be used as evidence related to a crime that was committed.

What About my Fourth Amendment Rights?

The Fourth Amendment was written to protect individuals from government intrusion into personal places and spaces without sound legal justification. This is usually in the form of a search warrant, provided by a judge after being shown probable cause for a search.

In 1979, this Amendment was modified, and the third-party doctrine was established. This stipulates that when individuals knowingly share information with a third-party, the expectation of privacy is reduced.

Recent legal causes have indicated that this approach is not suited for the digital age since people are constantly sharing personal information through the course of the day. People who text or make phone calls and use GPS or the internet are exposing themselves willingly. Additionally, people may also be unaware of what they are sharing.

In 2018, the Supreme Court decided that Fourth Amendment rights are protected when cellphones are turned on. Therefore, cell site location information is not subject to third-party doctrine rules. Police must obtain warrants before viewing cellphone contents that are seized during arrests.

However, recent cases suggest that cellphone privacy laws are always changing as society tries to adapt to the frequent use of technology. In some cases, it has been ruled that people have the right to keep their cellphone contents private in certain situations. Some rulings suggest that if accessing the information infringes on the person’s Fifth Amendment privileges, it is unconstitutional. Furthermore, some cases indicated that forcing people to use biometric recognition to unlock their phones is also unconstitutional.

What if I am Forced to Hand Over my Cellphone?

If you were in a situation that led to you handing over your phone and you have concerns whether your civil rights were violated, it is advisable to seek immediate legal counsel. A knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer will evaluate your case and determine if your rights were violated.

Cherry Hill Criminal Defense Lawyers at Aita Law, LLC Protect the Constitutional Rights of Our Clients

Cellphone privacy is still a gray area and as technology continues to advance, the laws can become even more complex. Our skilled Cherry Hill criminal defense lawyers at Aita Law, LLC will determine if your constitutional rights were violated and will help you with your complex case. For a free case evaluation, call us at 856-287-7800 or complete our online form. Located in Haddonfield and Marlton, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout South Jersey, including Cherry Hill and Camden County.

What Are the Tiers of Megan’s Law?

In 1994, Megan’s Law was created to provide a standard, public method to identify sexual offenders. Since its inception, Megan’s Law has continued to develop. At this point, several tier classifications exist. Each tier represents a specific type of sexual offense. The tiers also determine how long a sexual offender’s name, address, workplace, image, and other identifiers must remain on statewide registries.

Being a registered sex offender can make getting a job or becoming part of a community difficult. Anyone can log onto a statewide registry and find out if a registered sex offender lives nearby, including potential employers, neighbors, friends, relatives, and journalists. Since some tiers of Megan’s Law require registration for life instead of registration for a shorter period, individuals charged with sex crimes may want to seek private legal counsel.

What is a Tier I Sexual Offender Under Megan’s Law?

Tier I classifications are reserved for people who are deemed unlikely to re-offend. Someone who is sentenced in this tier will have to register with local authorities for 15 years.

A person can be convicted as a Tier I offender if he or she:

uses the internet for illegal sexual purposes.
restrains someone.
commits indecent assault.
corrupts a minor.
sexually abuses or exploits a minor.
spies on someone through video.
is in possession of child pornography.

People classified as Tier I sexual offenders must appear yearly to verify their identities.

What is a Tier II Sexual Offender?

A Tier II sexual offender has to register for 25 years instead of 15 years. Courts see Tier II sexual offenders as having a moderate chance of re-offending.

Tier II offenders may be accused and convicted of:

sex trafficking.
committing sexual assault and indecent assault.
prostituting themselves or others.
showing or selling obscene items.
sexually abusing or exploiting children.
having unlawful sexual contact with someone who is underage, or engaging in other acts that are considered more severe than those under Tier I.

Once the 25-year period passes, a Tier II sex offender is no longer required to submit information to a Megan’s Law directory.

Tier II sexual offenders can expect to present themselves twice a year for verification.

What is a Tier III Sexual Offender Under Megan’s Law?

The Tier III classification is reserved for the most serious sexual offenses. In general, Tier III offenders are those who are most apt to re-offend, at least statistically.

An individual who is charged as a Tier III sexual offender will have to remain on a registered sexual offenders database for life. Some crimes that can lead to a Tier III classification involve rape, involuntary deviate intercourse, kidnapping, various types of sexual assault, and sexual abuse of minors.

A Tier III classified sex offender must appear no fewer than four times annually to verify identification.

Do Sexual Offenders Have to Register?

Under Megan’s Law, sexual offenders must comply with registration expectations or they will be prosecuted for non-compliance. Non-compliance is considered a felony of varying degrees based on the tier classification. Anyone who knowingly harbors, assists, or conceals a sexual offender who is non-compliant may also be charged legally.

How Are Tiers Determined?

Judges decide on the sentences of sexual offenders. A court will take many factors into consideration before determining which tier makes sense for someone convicted of a sex-related crime. Past history and criminal charges may come into play at this point.

Can Judges Change the Sentences of Sexual Offenders?

Sometimes, judges and courts choose to modify registered sex offenders’ sentences, depending upon when the crime took place and other considerations. However, if the crime involved a minor or violent behavior, or a court labels someone as a “sexually violent delinquent child” or “sexual violent predator,” the judge will usually be very strict and unbending.

Can a Tier Decision be Challenged?

A person who receives a Megan’s Law tier classification can challenge the decision within a tight timeframe. Winning a challenge without the assistance of a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney with Megan’s Law experience is difficult.

South Jersey Megan’s Law Lawyers at Aita Law, LLC Represent Clients Charged with Sex Crimes

Have you been accused of a sex crime or have recently been sentenced as a sex offender? If so, our South Jersey Megan’s Law lawyers at Aita Law, LLC are here to help. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 856-287-7800. Located in Haddonfield and Marlton, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout South Jersey, including Cherry Hill and Camden County.

What Can Get You Arrested While Searching on the Internet?

While simply searching for something on the internet is not likely to get you arrested, there are certain search terms that could trigger investigation by law enforcement. Owners of websites that host illegal content as well as those who post and view the content online may be liable.

Some things that can get you arrested while searching on the internet include viewing child pornography, looking up terrorism-related terms, and searches that show intent to commit a crime.

It Is Illegal to Create, Possess, and Distribute Child Pornography

Under both federal and state law, it is illegal to create, possess, or distribute child pornography. Viewing child porn on the internet may be enough to constitute possession if the viewer had the requisite intent or knowledge to possess the image or video.

If you accidentally stumble across illegal content, you will likely not get arrested if you possessed less than three illegal depictions and promptly took steps to destroy them or report the website to a law enforcement agency. However, if you continue to interact with or visit the website, your actions may then be construed as intentional and you may be charged with a crime.

A record of the websites you visit is typically stored on your computer, in your browser, your browsing history, your router and modem, and your ISP. These records can be seized by the police and used as evidence that you did indeed visit the website at issue. Creating, possessing, and distributing child pornography are considered serious crimes in New Jersey and those convicted can face imprisonment and steep fines. If you are under investigation or facing charges, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Illegal Search Terms

If you search for certain terms it could send red flags to cybersecurity investigators. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has transformed since the 9/11 attacks; it is now better equipped to handle terrorist threats and other cybercrimes. Even seemingly innocent searches can lead to an investigation under certain circumstances.

Intent to Commit a Crime

There are places on the internet where someone can contract for illegal activity. The dark web is rife with the type of criminal activity that the FBI considers top priority.

Therefore, if you search for illegal activity, you may end up getting questioned by law enforcement and ultimately arrested, depending on the circumstances of your case. It is best to avoid searching for anything that could potentially lead to you getting arrested, such as searches related to child pornography, terrorism, or contracting for crimes. If you are questioned by your internet searches, it is beneficial to seek immediate legal counsel.

South Jersey Child Pornography Defense Lawyers at Aita Law, LLC Will Defend Your Legal Rights

If you are being investigated or you have been charged with a computer crime that involves the sexual exploitation of minors, contact one of our South Jersey child pornography defense lawyers at Aita Law, LLC. Our experienced attorneys can help explain your charges, evaluate your case, and plan a defense strategy. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 856-287-7800. Located in Haddonfield and Marlton, New Jersey, we represent clients throughout South Jersey, including Camden County and Cherry Hill.

What Should I Know About Community Supervision for Life?

Community supervision can be enforced for those convicted of a crime; its purpose allows individuals to serve part, or all, of their sentence in their local community rather than a correctional facility. The most common forms of community supervision are parole or probation. Both programs can be completed in various ways, such as time in a halfway house, attending substance abuse programs and mental health services, and completing vocational training.

In some cases, offenders of serious sex crimes might be offered community supervision for life (CSL), which may seem more appealing, but it is more demanding than standard parole. To determine if it is the best option, those who are convicted of a crime should speak to an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

Is CSL Effective?

There are 4.5 million individuals under some form of community supervision in the United States, 56 percent of which are under parole. These high numbers lead to a high turnover rate for many agencies, decreased effectiveness, and diminished public safety. The effectiveness of these programs varies, and parole is almost fully controlled by the state’s department of corrections.

Those who served parole often returned to old habits once completed. The effectiveness of parole appears to be connected to strict conditions offenders must abide by while under supervision, such as curfews, restrictions on locations, fees, and various programs. When subjected to CSL, guidelines are even more stringent, which often leads to failure for the offender. This is because the offender is more likely to commit a violation due to more opportunities over a lifetime, rather than a standard parole. Charges that can lead to CSL include:

Aggravated sexual assault
Sexual assault
Kidnapping
Endangering the welfare of a child by engaging in sexual conduct

Certain crimes are often second-degree but violating conditions under CSL can lead to a third-degree offense and additional jail time.

Conditions Under CSL

Although offenders are not incarcerated, those serving CSL are still under harsh scrutiny for a lifetime. Some terms include:

Reporting regularly to your parole officer
Obtaining permission for jobs, residences, and internet use
Being subjected to searches, which includes your car and residence
Registering under Megan’s Law, depending on circumstances

If you determine this might be a better alternative than being incarcerated, it is best to speak to a lawyer about your rights and legal options.

Determining If CSL is Right for You

CSL has various advantages and consequences; it allows for individuals to avoid jail time, but those serving CSL may be more likely to violate strict conditions. Through a petition to the court, it is also possible to be released from CSL after serving probation for at least 15 years after your last conviction or release from incarceration. Evidence must also be provided to show that you are not a threat to society, which can be obtained through legal representation.

South Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyers at Aita Law, LLC Help Individuals Determine If Community Supervision for Life is the Right Option

Determining if CSL is the right choice is a difficult situation. Our accomplished South Jersey criminal defense lawyers at Aita Law, LLC will guide you in the right direction. Contact us online or call us at 856-287-7800 for a free consultation. Located in Haddonfield and Marlton, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout South Jersey, including Cherry Hill and Camden County.

What are the Penalties for Credit Card Fraud?

Credit card theft and fraud are crimes that have been increasing across the United States. If you or a loved one was charged with credit card fraud in New Jersey, there are certain things you need to know. It is critical to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the criminal justice system if you have been accused of a crime.

There are a several offenses that fall under credit card fraud. In New Jersey, an offense of credit card fraud is classified as a third-degree or fourth-degree charge, depending on the crime. In addition, the charge of credit card theft can also be concurrent with fraud. For those with criminal records, one can be sentenced to prison for up to three to five years and incur fines up to $15,000. A prison sentence can have serious effects on the offender’s financial, employment, and community life.

New Jersey Credit Card Fraud Act

Under the New Jersey Credit Card Fraud Act, there are various types of offenses. The most common consist of a person who takes a card without the consent of the cardholder; one who knowingly receives and uses a card that has been lost, mislaid, or mistakenly delivered; and one who is not the card issuer and buys or sells a card. The additional types of offenses consist of one, who with intent to defraud, obtains a credit card as security for debt; one who makes, modifies, or counterfeits a card; and one other than the cardholder or authorized user who signs a credit card.

Taken together, the offenses are clearly those in which the person has knowingly committed fraud. Sometimes credit card fraud goes hand in hand with other issues, such as drug addiction. Opioid use has risen to be a major health and social challenge across the country, and drug professionals note that the high cost of funding an illicit drug addiction can lead to other crimes. These crimes can affect the family members of the person struggling with substance addiction, which is why in some cases, credit card fraud is committed against a close family member to whom they have access.

It is important that those facing the challenge of drug addiction seek help; but unfortunately, this can happen after the individual has already been charged with another crime. It is important that you have a criminal defense attorney who can research the circumstances involving your arrest for any potential wrongdoing and represent you in court.

Haddonfield Criminal Defense Attorneys at Aita Law, LLC Help Those Charged with Credit Card Fraud

If you were charged with fraud of any kind, contact the Haddonfield criminal defense attorneys at Aita Law, LLC. We will review your case and fight for your rights. Located in Haddonfield, New Jersey, we represent clients throughout South Jersey, including Cherry Hill and Camden County. For a free consultation, complete our online form or call us at 856-287-7800.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Disorderly Conduct Charge?

Although being charged with disorderly conduct may not be the most severe penalty in New Jersey, it remains a serious violation in terms of how it can affect someone. For this reason alone, many people choose to work with criminal defense attorneys when they have been accused of a petty disorderly person offense.

What Is Disorderly Conduct?

In New Jersey, disorderly conduct can be verbal, physical, or both. It may include starting a fight, threatening another individual, or simply yelling abusive comments at someone in a public place. Common public places include campus arenas, athletic stadiums, amusement parks, and grocery stores.

A person charged with disorderly conduct will usually be fingerprinted and booked, which will automatically transfer to a criminal arrest record. The penalties for a disorderly conduct charge can include $500 for the offense and up to six months in jail. If a vehicle is involved in the disorderly conduct charge, the offender may forfeit the right to have a license for up to two years.

Is a Disorderly Conduct Charge Serious?

Plenty of people believe that disorderly conduct is unimportant because it is a minor infraction of the law. However, all criminal charges will be reflected on a person’s permanent record. If charges remain on someone’s permanent record, anyone who conducts a background check will be able to see any arrests.

Employers, landlords, banks, and other entities and persons who pay for a background check may decide not to do business with someone who has been arrested. It does not matter if it was a petty offense. A person’s record will show that a crime took place and that the individual was convicted.

Is There a Way to Fight a Disorderly Conduct Charge?

Criminal defense attorneys will fight to get charges lowered or removed. It may be difficult for a person to do this alone, so it is best to seek an accomplished attorney about your legal options.

Depending on the situation, the disorderly conduct charge could be dismissed entirely. If this is impossible, the courts might be willing to change the charge and move it to an ordinance violation. An ordinance violation is a municipal offense, not a criminal offense, and does not show up on a permanent record.

Another common defense tactic is to negotiate a deal with the prosecutor. For instance, the prosecutor may agree to drop charges after the violator attends counseling or meetings, such as Alcoholics Anonymous. After completion of the agreed-upon counseling, the criminal record will be expunged within an acceptable time frame.

Again, these types of negotiations are best handled by a professional legal provider and not the accused. An accused person who tries to defend themselves may make their circumstance worse. Criminal defense attorneys take a third-party viewpoint while still serving the needs of their clients.

Cherry Hill Criminal Defense Lawyers at Aita Law, LLC Determine the Best Course of Action for Clients Charged with Disorderly Conduct and Other Petty Offenses

If you were charged with disorderly conduct or another petty offense, contact one of our experienced lawyers today about your options. Our knowledgeable Cherry Hill criminal defense lawyers at Aita, Law, LLC will fight to protect your rights and will help you with charges brought against you. Contact us online or call us at 856-287-7800 to schedule a free consultation about your case. Located in Haddonfield, New Jersey, we serve clients in Camden County, Cherry Hill, and throughout the South Jersey area.

12 3 4