A Skilled Lawyer Can Protect Your Record in New Jersey
The repercussions of a criminal record can impact your life in multiple ways. Working with an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand and navigate the complex issues of how different results in criminal cases impact your criminal history and future going forward.
With over 25 years of experience, the Law Offices of Melissa Rosenblum, LLC, is your fighter in the corner against criminal charges in Atlantic City and South Jersey. Our attorney, Melissa Rosenblum, is a certified criminal trial attorney – one of less than 30 women in New Jersey with these credentials.
Consequences of Criminal Conviction in New Jersey
Beyond potential jail time and fines, a conviction can result in a permanent mark on your record, making it difficult to secure employment, housing, and educational opportunities.
In addition, certain convictions can lead to the loss of professional licenses and the ability to own firearms.
Information About Pretrial Intervention (PTI)
PTI, also known as pretrial diversion, is a program in New Jersey designed to offer first-time offenders an opportunity to avoid a criminal record.
PTI allows eligible defendants to undergo a period of supervision and fulfill certain conditions, such as community service, drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, or counseling. Completing the PTI program can result in the dismissal of charges. You must reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney early in the process to take advantage of this potential opportunity.
Deferred Disposition Programs, New Jersey
Conditional Dismissal is a potential option for individuals charged with a petty offense who have not previously participated in this program, the mental health program, or the veteran’s program. There are strict requirements for admission, which include a record clean of disorderly conduct charges or participation in gang activities. Participation in this program isn’t a right, so a qualified criminal defense attorney will be the best option for helping one gain admission.
The Veterans Diversion Program is state-wide and requires approval from the Assistant District Attorney prosecuting the case. This program may be an option for veterans, active service members, or reservists who have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Certain offenses and prior convictions make one ineligible for this program. The Court may supervise one for up to two years.
Recovery Court in New Jersey is focused on defendants struggling with drug or alcohol addiction who are charged with non-violent offenses related to substance abuse. The program’s goal is to break the cycle of addiction.
Mental Health Court Pilot Program may be available for individuals with a prior mental health diagnosis or who show obvious signs of mental illness or disability during arrest or confinement. The defense or the prosecutor may request preliminary admission into the program prior to arraignment. The program is available for select individuals charged with non-violent petty offenses.
Under a deferred disposition agreement, the court postpones judgment on the case for a specified period.
Overall, the various programs require defendants to comply with specific court-ordered conditions. The conditions may be challenging to complete, so all options should be discussed with a criminal defense attorney.
Probation in Atlantic City and Beyond
In New Jersey, probation results in a criminal conviction on your record. But, it may be a path to avoiding serving time in prison or jail. The conditions can be harsh and include regular check-ins with a probation officer, maintaining employment, avoiding other people with criminal records, and attending counseling or drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs. While it still results in a criminal record, probation can allow individuals to continue their lives outside incarceration, making it a less disruptive option. The risks of a prison sentence due to a probation violation should always be discussed with a New Jersey criminal defense attorney.
Expungement of Convictions and Arrests
Expungement can provide individuals a fresh start after criminal arrests or convictions by removing certain information. The process involves filing a petition with the court and demonstrating eligibility based on the type and number of involved offenses. There are limitations on what this may remove from what potential employers may find, so seek counsel before making representations about your past.
Can Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs) Be Removed?
These protective orders are issued when one person is considered a threat to another. They are civil in nature. As such, TROs do not result in a criminal record, unlike criminal convictions. So, the process of expungement isn’t an option. They carry significant legal implications, so having counsel at the time one is initially sought is crucial.
New Jersey Attorneys Protecting Your Criminal Record
Whether you are facing a criminal indictment, seeking to expunge a past criminal conviction, or navigating the complexities of probation in New Jersey, you need an experienced and committed criminal defense attorney. Call us at (609) 904-6262 for knowledgeable legal assistance.