Municipal Court Lawyers – Newark, NJ
There are few events more stressful in life than navigating a domestic violence case’s ins and outs. Victims can be triggered again and again while preparing for court. Anyone who has been wrongfully accused may be terrified of being held accountable for actions he or she did not commit. Thankfully, no one needs to grapple with a domestic violence situation alone. Newark municipal court lawyers experienced in this area of the law can assist you as you prepare for court and can serve as strong advocates on your behalf while you are in court. There is no reason to struggle with your situation alone and every reason to seek experienced guidance and support during this challenging time.
Newark Municipal Court Lawyers
Under the criminal laws of New Jersey, theft is a crime that happens when property is taken by someone without permission. In theft cases, there are two main factors to consider: the type and worth of the property taken. These elements help determine the severity of the charge and consequences if deemed guilty. It is in the best interest of the accused to hire one of our firm’s Newark municipal court lawyers for guidance during this time.
Each of the Newark municipal court lawyers at Rispoli & Borneo P.C. can create a defense strategy to help protect you from a conviction or enduring overly harsh punishments for the crime if proving innocence isn’t likely. Here we have listed the most commonly used defense strategies for theft arrests. After consulting with you about your situation, your municipal court lawyer may decide one or more of the following may be part of your defense:
#1 Intoxication
In specific circumstances, the intoxication defense may be used for a theft crime. There may be an instance where the accused was under the influence when the property was stolen (whether that be alcohol, drugs, or other substances), and had only done so due to being in that intoxicated state of mind. If it can be shown that the accused believed the property was his or hers due to being impaired, the defense could be persuasive.
#2 Claim of Ownership
Claiming that the accused thought the property was theirs takes more than simply stating so in court. With help from one of our Newark municipal court lawyers at Rispoli & Borneo P.C., the accused can show they had a claim to the property through evidence and proof which supports this belief. This can also help emphasize that the accused didn’t actually have a true intent to commit the crime, at least in the same way we think about most standard theft cases.
#3 Returning Property
Returning property back to the original owner may not get the case dismissed in court, but it can help prevent the accused from facing charges in the first place. For example, if the theft happened but the accused returned the property shortly after, the plaintiff may decide that pressing charges is no longer required or desired. If the case has already begun, then returning the property can help decrease damages if the accused is found guilty of the crime.
#4 Entrapment
The concept of entrapment is when a person does commit a crime, but only did so because he or she was influenced or pressured by another individual who was pursuing the true offender. This defense may apply in situations where an officer had lured a person to commit the theft, when the accused may not have done so otherwise. The entrapment strategy can be tricky to use, so we encourage people to contact one of the Newark municipal court lawyers at Rispoli & Borneo P.C. before trying to create their own defense.
The above theft defenses can be useful, but not if the accused pleads them at the wrong time and in the wrong manner. If you have been arrested for theft, we do not recommend standing this fight alone. Please call us immediately for an appointment with one of the skilled Newark municipal court lawyers at Rispoli & Borneo P.C. The sooner you get help, the more time we have to build an appropriate defense.
Preparing for a Domestic Violence Hearing
Your Newark municipal court lawyers will be able to prepare you for the legal practicalities of your domestic violence hearing. When speaking with a member of the Rispoli Law, PLLC team, it is essential to ask any questions that may occur to you, even if you are shy or embarrassed about speaking up. You do not want to remain silent now and regret that silence later. Your communications with your Newark municipal court lawyers are confidential, so you have no reason to hesitate when it comes to voicing whatever may be weighing on your mind.
Some of the preparation for your hearing will need to be yours alone. For example, you will need to do whatever works for you to be as emotionally prepared as possible to either face your abuser or your accuser in the courtroom. You will need to keep your distance from that person, so it is crucial to arrive in a calm, focused way. If you need help achieving this feat, you may wish to discuss your situation with a counselor to receive some guidance regarding coping tools you can use to remain calm and focused throughout the proceedings.
It is also essential to have a sound exit strategy. If you feel unsafe leaving the courtroom alone at any time, please ask your attorney for an escort. Similarly, if a protective order currently safeguards you and a violation of that order occurs while you are in the courthouse, report it immediately. A violation is a violation, no matter where it occurs.
Legal Guidance Is Available
If you have questions or concerns about domestic violence proceedings, legal restrictions, etc., please do not hesitate to connect with an experienced Newark municipal court lawyer today. Grappling with a domestic violence situation is undeniably difficult. Therefore, you need to understand your legal rights and responsibilities under the system to make informed choices about your legal options now and into the future. Our firm has extensive experience assisting clients with their domestic violence situations, and we would be happy to talk to you about your circumstances. Please don’t hesitate; schedule a consultation with a member of our experienced legal team today.
We look forward to speaking with you.
Frequently Asked Questions: Managing Misdemeanor Offenses Through Municipal Court
Our municipal court lawyers Newark recommends for legal entanglements will tell you that a misdemeanor offense may only seem like a minor charge. Still, the impact, if convicted, can impact a person for the long term. There are a range of cases heard in municipal courtrooms in New Jersey. In some situations, the representation and guidance that a lawyer like Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. will be critical. You will indeed have several questions about municipal court, the process, and what you can expect. To answer your questions and more, you may want to contact our offices to get started.
What is the municipal court?
Understanding the court system can be both complicated and overwhelming. Depending upon the type of legal situation, you may have to manage supreme courts, state and federal district courts, municipal courts, and more. When facing an infraction or a misdemeanor, most people may interact with the municipal courts. Municipal courts oversee smaller areas such as cities or counties within the state. These courtrooms manage low-level crimes, traffic violations, driving under the influence, and more.
What types of situations call for the help of Newark municipal court lawyers?
Whether you need a Newark municipal court lawyer or not is entirely up to you and will likely depend upon the type of charge you are facing. While minor traffic violations may not be a big deal for some, if you have had several and are facing significant fines or the possible loss of your license, legal representation may be critical. Additionally, facing the consequences of a DUI or disorderly conduct can also carry hefty consequences and can remain on your record for a significant period. In addition to the consequences handed down by the court system, if convicted, you could be facing collateral consequences as well. A criminal record can impact relationships, the ability to retain employment, and much much more.
If my case is heard in municipal court, will I need to appear?
If you intend to pay the fine, you may not be required to appear in court. However, it will be essential to review the complaint that you received. If the box entitled “Court Appearance Required” is checked, you will need to appear in court. In matters involving criminal cases, court appearances are always mandatory.
How should I prepare for my day in court?
Court appearances can be nerve-wracking, especially when facing consequences that can be impactful to your life. In some situations, you may be facing consequences that are far more extensive than just paying a fine. Your lawyer can undoubtedly prepare you for what to expect. Be sure to turn your phone on silent, dress appropriately, check in with court staff, and listen to all instructions. The judge will then review court proceedings and help defendants to understand their rights.
However, be aware that because of COVID-19, many court conferences are being held by either phone or video. Make sure that you properly prepare for participation by logging on early, making sure that your phone or computer is fully charged, and that you have compiled all relevant court documents.
Municipal court and subsequent misdemeanor convictions may not seem like a big deal but, be aware that a conviction can carry consequences that will follow you for the rest of your life. Relationships may be impacted, your job may be in jeopardy, and the future may feel unclear. Even minor changes such as misdemeanors carry significant weight and stigmas. While it’s possible to overcome such a consequence, the best opportunity to receive a favorable outcome will be with an experienced professional’s assistance. Please take action now by contacting our Newark, New Jersey municipal lawyers to get started.