| 33 East Blackwell Street
Post Office Box 529
Dover, NJ 07801
Phone: 973-607-4510 Fax: 973-366-6451 | Headquarter's Plaza,
Morristown, New Jersey
Phone: 973-813-7074 |
MORRIS COUNTY CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAW INFORMATION
Johnson & Johnson
Counselors at Law
Criminal Defense Attorneys
Johnson & Johnson, Counsellors at Law, have been defending Morris County, New Jersey residents for more than seventy-five years. We believe that practicing criminal defense law is about more than just being found guilty or innocent. It is about making sure our clients rights are protected throughout the legal process, and that justice is served.
From arrest, through charge and Miranda rights, through court hearings and motions, and all the way to the final disposition of the case; we work hard to protect your rights. Criminal defense law is about justice. As your defense attorneys, we make sure that the prosecution respects the law and your rights, and does not rush to judgment about your case.
Call us at the Morris County criminal lawyer offices of Johnson & Johnson Counsellors at Law. We’ll meet with you to discuss your charges, and the best way to proceed with your case. With more than seventy-five years of experience, you’ll want us on your side.
Free Consultation
Personal • Professional • Proud to Serve You
For criminal law information, call Johnson & Johnson, Counsellors at Law. We’ll schedule a free consultation to visit with you about the charges against you. We’ll go to work for you, and we’ll keep justice on your side.
Johnson & Johnson
Counsellors at Law
Office Location: 33 East Blackwell Street
Mailing address: Post Office Box 529
Dover, NJ 07801
Phone: 973-607-4510 Fax: 973-366-6451 | Headquarter's Plaza,
Morristown, New Jersey
973-813-7074 |
Johnson & Johnson, Counsellors at Law, located in Dover, New Jersey, Morristown, represent clients throughout Morris County, in communities such as Dover, Morristown, Parsippany, Denville, Boonton, Rockaway, Hanover, Mount Oliver, Roxbury, Madison, and Mendham, New Jersey.
Our criminal-justice system can be overwhelming and frightening. The United States' incarceration rate is much higher than that of other industrialized countries. Prison sentences are getting longer and more frequent. If you face the possibility of being accused of a crime, contact an experienced criminal-defense lawyer as early in the process as possible, preferably even before questioning or investigation.
A skilled attorney can fight for your legal and constitutional rights.
Remember that if you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, the government may have to provide one for you.
Criminal Liability
Historically in our criminal-justice system, two things must have been present for criminal liability to attach to an action. First, a person must have the intent to take the criminal action. Traditionally this culpable state of mind was called mens rea, Latin for guilty mind.
The second requirement for criminal liability is actus reus, Latin for guilty act. The prohibited physical event must take place in combination with the requisite criminal intention for the actual commission of a crime to take place.
In other words, it is not a crime to only think about committing a crime nor is it generally a crime to cause a criminal deed without the intention to do so.
Due Process
As the concept of criminal liability suggests, our criminal-justice system is complex, both conceptually and procedurally. To ensure the fairness of the proceedings, each court system has its own rules of criminal procedure that govern the actions of all players - police, defense lawyers, prosecutors, judges and juries.
The US Constitution requires that criminal defendants be accorded due process of law in all proceedings against them. Broadly this means that throughout the criminal process the rules of criminal procedure must be observed with all constitutional protections in place. Due process requires such things as reasonable notice of proceedings and fair hearings when facing substantial negative consequences, such as incarceration.
Plea Bargaining
Sometimes a criminal defendant and the prosecution can negotiate an agreement that resolves the criminal matter. Usually, the prosecutor agrees to reduce a charge, drop some of multiple charges or recommend a more lenient sentence in exchange for the defendant's guilty plea, often to a lesser offense or to fewer than all offenses charged. A seasoned criminal-defense attorney can be a real advantage to a criminal defendant throughout the plea-bargaining process.
Sentencing
Many negative outcomes flow from a criminal conviction. First, the court will impose a sentence, which commonly may include incarceration, fines, court costs, restitution, probation or, in some jurisdictions, death. Second, a criminal conviction may result in more indirect effects like stigma or estrangement from family, friends or professional colleagues. A person with a criminal record may have trouble with employment, insurance, credit or housing. He or she may lose or become ineligible for professional licenses, welfare benefits or firearms. Because of the potentially devastating consequences of a conviction, it is in the best interest of a defendant to have a strong, experienced attorney at his or her side to fight to preserve legal and constitutional rights every step of the way.
Conclusion
To better protect yourself throughout your involvement with the criminal-justice system, consult with an informed, knowledgeable criminal-defense attorney.
Your lawyer can work hard on your behalf to see that protections afforded criminal defendants are preserved for you.
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DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.
