How is Criminal Law Unique in New Jersey?

The criminal law attorneys in New Jersey at the Law Office of Mark A. Bernstein explain how criminal law is unique in NJ and discuss how they may affect the outcome of your case.

What are some of the New Jersey criminal laws you should know?

Sentencing Guidelines in Cherry Hill, New Jersey

The criminal defense attorneys at the Law Office of Mark A. Bernstein in Cherry Hill outline sentencing guidelines if you are convicted of a crime in NJ.

New Jersey’s Code of Criminal Justice provides sentencing guidelines for imprisonment based upon the type of criminal offense for which the defendant is convicted. Within statutory limits, the courts have considerable latitude in imposing sentences:

• For first degree crimes, a term of imprisonment between ten and 20 years
• For second degree crimes, a term of imprisonment between five and ten years
• For third degree crimes, a term of imprisonment between three and five years
• For fourth degree crimes, a term of imprisonment not to exceed 18 months

As is evident from this brief list, there is a wide range in the penalties for many crimes. If you are charged with a crime, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to fight for you, to clear your name, or to get the most lenient punishment the law allows. The skilled criminal defense attorneys at the Law Office of Mark A. Bernstein will fight aggressively to help you.

The court’s discretion in sentencing is limited in some cases. For example, possession of a firearm in the commission of certain crimes requires the imposition of a term of imprisonment, and may result in the imposition of an extended term of imprisonment. Certain drug-related offenses also will result in the imposition of an extended term of imprisonment, even though extended sentences are generally left to the discretion of the judge. Use of a machine gun or assault weapon during the commission of a crime or flight from the crime will also result in an extended term of imprisonment. Persons convicted of causing bodily injury to another while “eluding” will also be sentenced to a term of imprisonment, which must include at least the minimum term.

Disorderly persons offenses carry the possibility of up to six months in jail, up to $1,000.00 fine, community service, and possibly probation. Petty disorderly persons offenses can result in the imposition of a $500.00 fine, a jail sentence of 30 days, possible community service, and possible probation.

If you have been charged with a crime, contact the Law Office of Mark A. Bernstein at 856.424.3338, or email us for a prompt response. Let our criminal defense attorneys help you.

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