Looking for a Criminal Lawyer in Freehold Township NJ?
Being arrested and charged with a criminal offense can certainly be overwhelming. The stress that most feel after being taken into custody and processed on criminal charges can be suffocating. That is one of the main reasons that we strongly urge anyone who finds themselves facing criminal charges in Freehold contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Facing criminal charges can be stressful enough, but not knowing who to seek help from can be worse. If you have been charged with a criminal offense like shoplifting, simple assault, harassment, terroristic threats, drug distribution, sexual assault, robbery, restraining orders or traffic offenses like driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of an accident, and speeding in Freehold Township, the Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help. Our attorneys have dedicated their careers to defending those facing serious charges in towns throughout Monmouth County, including Freehold Township. Our team is ready and willing to zealously advocate on your behalf and make sure one simple mistake will not ruin your future. We fully comprehend the nerves that most undergo when they are subject to an investigation let alone criminal charges. If you would like to schedule a free initial consultation today, please contact our office at (732)-858-6959. We are available 24/7 to help assist in any way possible.
Questions about a Freehold Criminal Case
In order to mount a successful defense, it crucial for the individual to fully understand the criminal process, like: How to Obtain Bail? Are the Charges Felony or Disorderly Persons Offenses? Where do I go to Court? Potential Ramifications if Convicted? Possible Motions? Possible Defenses? Do I need a Lawyer? These are just some of the more important questions that an individual must have answers too as they prepare their defense. To get personalized answers for your criminal case in Freehold, NJ, contact Keith Oliver Criminal Law now. We fully understand that time is of the essence and speaking to attorney immediately can make a tremendous difference when it comes to defending your rights. Now here is some important information on dealing with criminal charges in Freehold.
Types of Criminal Charges in Freehold NJ
Anyone charged with a criminal offense in Freehold Township will either be forced to appear in the Freehold Township Municipal Court or the Monmouth County Superior Court House to defend the allegations. The underlying charge(s) will dictate which court has original jurisdiction over the incident and not the individual’s prior criminal history. All indictable offenses, which are more commonly referred to as “felony offenses” must be transferred from the Freehold Township Municipal Court to the Monmouth County Superior Court for litigation. Conversely, all disorderly persons offenses, which are better well known as “misdemeanors” will be heard in the Freehold Township Municipal Court. Even if the charges were classified as “indictable offenses” at there inception, it is possible to have the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office downgrade the charge’s to disorderly persons offenses and remand them back to the Freehold Township Municipal Court. If it is possible, this will typically be negotiated at the individual’s Pre-Indictment Conference.
Also, if the individual is charged with both an indictable offense and a disorderly persons offense, all the charges must be transferred to the Monmouth County Superior Court. For example, if an individual is arrested in Freehold Township and charged with simple assault (disorderly persons offense) and unlawful possession of a weapon (indictable offense) both charges will be transferred to the Monmouth County Superior Court. Keith Oliver Criminal Law has been representing clients charged with disorderly persons offenses and DWI’s in the Freehold Township Municipal Court, as well as those facing felony charges in Monmouth County Superior Court for years. If you would like to discuss your options with one of the attorneys on staff then please contact us directly at (732)-858-6959.
Freehold Township Municipal Court Information
The Freehold Township Municipal Court, which is located at one Municipal Plaza, has original jurisdiction over all disorderly persons, petty disorderly persons, township ordinances and traffic offenses that occur within the township’s borders. See below for some key information on the Freehold Township Municipal Court, including who the judge is and the hours in which court is in session.
Location:
One Municipal Plaza, Freehold New Jersey 07728
Court Schedule:
Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Wednesdays at 8:00 a.m.
Second and Fourth Wednesdays at 5 p.m.
Hours of Operation:
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Phone Number:
General Information – 732.294.2150 & Fax- 732.866.4058
Chief Judge:
Honorable Nicole Sonnenblick J.M.C.
Prosecutor:
Anthony Vecchio, Esq.
Court Administrator:
Denise Yuhas C.M.C.A.
How does Bail Work for a Freehold Criminal Charge?
In 2017, New Jersey basically abolished our cash bail system that has been around forever. The entire bail system in New Jersey is now based on what amounts to a risk assessment. Anyone arrested and charged under what is known as a Complaint-Warrant in Freehold Township will be detained in the Monmouth County Jail for at least 24 hours until their Central Judicial Processing Hearing (CJP). At this hearing, the individual will be advised that either they will be released on non-monetary conditions immediately or that the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office has filed for detention. If the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office files for detention, then a formal detention hearing must be conducted. This hearing will occur usually within three days of the individual’s CJP hearing. At this hearing it will be up to the Judge to determine whether or not bail conditions can be put in place in order to release the individual or whether they must be detained pretrial without bail. It is crucial for the individual, through their attorney, to aggressively contest the detention. Some of the typical criminal charges that we see being issued in Freehold on Complaint-Warrants include but are not limited too:
- Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
- Stalking
- Sexual Assault
What is the Sentence for an Indictable Offense in Freehold?
Indictable offenses, more commonly known as felony offenses, are broken down into four different degrees in New Jersey. The type of charge and in some circumstances, the facts surrounding the allegations will dictate what degree an individual faces and as a result, the potential sentences one might face if convicted. Here is a breakdown of the four different degrees and the potential penalties if convicted:
- First Degree: 10 – 20 Years in Prison & $200,000 Fine.
- Ex. Robbery, Aggravated Sexual Assault, Homicide, Kidnapping
- Second Degree: 5 – 10 Years in Prison & $150,000 Fine.
- Ex. Eluding, Aggravated Assault, Gun Charges
- Third Degree: 3 – 5 Years in Prison & $15,000 Fine ($35,000 if CDS related).
- Ex. Drug Possession, Terroristic Threat, Endangering Welfare of a Child
- Fourth Degree: 18 Months in Prison & $10,000 Fine.
What is the Penalty for a Disorderly Persons Offense in Freehold Township NJ?
Disorderly and Petty Disorderly Persons Offenses are New Jersey’s version of a misdemeanor. Unlike felony offense and most other states throughout the Country, New Jersey does not break disorderly persons offenses into different degrees. Here is a breakdown of the potential penalties an individual faces if convicted of a misdemeanor in New Jersey:
- Disorderly Persons Offense: 6 Months in Monmouth County Jail & $1,000 Fine.
- Ex. Simple Assault, Marijuana Possession, Shoplifting
- Petty Disorderly Persons Offense: 30 Days in the Monmouth County Jail & $500 Fine.
- Ex. Harassment, Disorderly Conduct, Trespassing.
Where is Freehold Township, New Jersey?
According to the 2010 census, Freehold Township is home to more than 36,000 people. It is located in the southwest section of Monmouth County. It is bordered by the following Monmouth County towns, Colts Neck, Howell, Manalapan, Marlboro, Millstone and by the following Ocean County town, Jackson. It is a rather large town as it covers just under 40 square miles and is home to some of the county’s busiest roadways, including Route 9, Route 33, Route 18, Route 520, Route 537 and Route 79. In addition, it is also home to several large shopping centers including the Raceway Mall. Therefore, it should be no surprise to hear that the Freehold Township Municipal Court presides over a tremendous amount of shoplifting charges each and every year. For more information on Freehold Township please click here.
Local Freehold Township Criminal Defense Attorneys
If you find yourself being charged with a criminal offense for disorderly conduct, theft, eluding, possession of marijuana or any other offense for that matter in Freehold Township it is imperative that you seek the assistance from someone who regularly practices in that court. Hiring a criminal defense attorney who knows the ins and outs of the particular court can make a tremendous difference. The Freehold criminal defense attorneys at the Keith Oliver Criminal Law help. Our office routinely appears in the Freehold Township Municipal Court and defends clients charged with DWI, simple assault, shoplifting, possession of marijuana under 50 grams, driving while suspended and DUI. We also work tirelessly when defending clients charged with weapons possession, forgery, heroin possession, and other indictable crimes in Monmouth County Superior Court. To schedule a free initial consultation today with one of our attorneys please contact our office directly at (732) 858-6959. We are available around the clock to help assist in any way possible.