Fighting Criminal Charges In New Jersey
If you face criminal charges in New Jersey, there is a lot at stake. Even minor offenses carry harsh penalties and can hamper your ability to find work in the future. Serious felonies can result in decades-long prison sentences.
When the stakes are high, it is important to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. For more than 10 years, William Oake, has been resolving cases involving serious, as well as minor, criminal charges for people in Morris and Sussex Counties. We are the local law firm with a strong criminal defense representation.
Learn More
We have handled hundreds of criminal cases ranging from minor criminal mischief allegations to defending people charged in complex organized crime matters. We handle all aspects of criminal motion practice, from pre-trial detention, pre-indictment through jury trial and post-disposition filings and arguments.
Criminal Defense
The scope of our Criminal Defense practice includes:
Drug crimes: Including possession, distribution, trafficking and cultivation/manufacturing of all types of illegal drugs and prescription drugs.
- We handle a broad range of drug crime cases, including charges involving alleged possession, distribution, cultivation/manufacturing and trafficking of marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, LSD, Ecstasy and other illegal drugs. We also defend clients charged with prescription drug crimes and related charges such as prescription forgery and fraud.
- We are adept at identifying and exposing weaknesses in the prosecution's cases, such as illegal searches and seizures and other constitutional violations. We have extensive knowledge regarding the Brimage guidelines on sentencing and the proper protocol when using a drug recognition expert (DRE) in New Jersey. Our lawyers have conducted seminars to help our colleagues understand these important issues, so they can follow our tactics for successful challenges in cases involving drug charges.
- Whatever type of drug charge you face, we are here to help you avoid the harsh consequences of a conviction, which could hamper you for the rest of your life
Violent crimes:
- Including assault, domestic violence, robbery, manslaughter and murder.
Sex crimes:
- Including sexual assault (rape), sexual contact, statutory rape, prostitution, solicitation, child sex crimes and endangerment.
Theft and shoplifting:
- Including auto theft, burglary, credit card and identity theft.
Juvenile cases:
- Defending the rights and protecting the futures of juveniles accused of criminal activity in New Jersey.
We use an array of experienced private investigators and forensic experts when necessary to ensure that a proper defense is prepared. Our legal team builds solid legal strategies that successfully achieve the best possible outcomes for our client's case, including dismissal or having the charges lowered to be resolved in municipal court.
Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI)
In New Jersey, the Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program is available to first-time offenders of certain crimes. If you are accepted into the PTI program and complete its requirements, your case will be dismissed. The arrest will remain on your record, but six months after completing the program, you may petition for an expungement.
To be accepted in PTI, you cannot have been convicted of a crime before or participated in a diversionary program. The PTI program lasts a minimum of one year, during which you must comply with all of the requirements, which include staying out of criminal trouble, passing drug and alcohol tests and performing community service.