Criminal Defense Lawyers

Flemington NJ Burglary Defense Lawyers

Flemington NJ Burglary Defense Lawyers – Your Guide to Finding the Best Legal Representation

Getting charged with burglary in New Jersey can be a scary and overwhelming experience. As a felony offense, a burglary conviction can result in years behind bars and a permanent criminal record. That’s why having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side is crucial for achieving the best possible outcome in your case.

This article provides an in-depth look at burglary charges in Flemington, NJ and how a knowledgeable local defense attorney can help. We’ll cover key topics like common burglary defenses, the role of a lawyer in plea bargaining, sentencing and more. Our goal is to educate and empower you on the legal process so you can make informed decisions about your defense strategy.

Overview of Burglary Laws in New Jersey

Under New Jersey criminal code 2C:18-2, a person commits burglary if they enter a structure like a home or business with the purpose to commit an offense inside. Burglary applies even if the intended crime doesn’t actually occur. There are three degrees of burglary charges:

• Third Degree – For unoccupied structures. This is a 3-5 year prison sentence.
• Second Degree – For occupied structures or causing injury. Punishable by 5-10 years in prison.
• First Degree – If the burglar is armed with explosives or a deadly weapon. Punishable by 10-20 years behind bars.

Burglary charges become more serious if the structure is a home, if it is occupied at the time, and if the burglar uses force or weapons. Even first-time offenders can face stiff penalties under New Jersey’s strict sentencing guidelines.

Finding the Right Flemington Burglary Lawyer for Your Case

The complexity of burglary laws means having an experienced local criminal defense attorney is critical. When searching for the best lawyer, here are key factors to consider:

• Focus on criminal defense – Look for a firm that specializes in NJ criminal law and has extensive experience defending burglary charges. Avoid lawyers who dabble in many areas.
• Local knowledge and relationships – Find an attorney familiar with the prosecutors and judges in your county. This insider knowledge can greatly benefit plea negotiations and sentencing.
• Resources and track record – Select a lawyer with the time, staffing, and financial resources to mount an aggressive defense. Ask about their burglary case success rate.
• Clear communication – Your attorney should be easily reachable, provide regular case updates, and take time to answer all your questions thoroughly.
• Affordable legal fees – The best lawyer for you provides top-notch service at competitive rates. Ask about payment plans and options to reduce costs.

Reputable criminal defense firms like Criminal Defense Lawyer Jenna Casper Bloom have the qualifications and courtroom experience to handle complex burglary cases in Flemington and surrounding areas.

Key Defenses Against Burglary Charges

Skilled burglary lawyers know how to examine the facts of your case and identify defenses to get charges reduced or dismissed. Here are some of the most effective legal defenses:

• You had permission to enter – If the owner provided consent to enter the structure, it may not qualify as burglary. However, the permission must be clearly established.
• You had no intent to commit a crime – Prosecutors must prove you intended to commit an offense after entering. For example, if you went into a building simply to get warm or find shelter.
• Mistaken identity – Physical evidence like fingerprints or DNA may show someone else committed the burglary. Eyewitness misidentification is also common.
• Unlawful police conduct – If evidence was obtained illegally through improper searches or interrogation, a lawyer can get it excluded from the case.
• Intoxication defense – You can argue that intoxication prevented you from forming the intent necessary for a burglary conviction.

A skilled lawyer thoroughly investigates the circumstances of your arrest to build a strong defense strategy. Having legal representation greatly improves the odds of beating your charges.

The Importance of Plea Bargaining in Burglary Cases

Given the serious penalties for a burglary conviction at trial, plea bargaining is very common. An experienced attorney negotiates with the prosecution to reduce the charges in exchange for a guilty plea.

The goal is to plea down from burglary to a less serious offense like criminal trespass. This can result in greatly reduced sentencing and fewer long-term consequences. It also avoids the risk of a trial.

With their negotiating skills and relationships with local prosecutors, the best lawyers know how to craft favorable plea deals. They can get charges lowered to misdemeanors and minimize or avoid jail time.

Thorough preparation and presenting a compelling defense case are key to persuading the prosecution to bargain. Having a lawyer greatly increases the likelihood of an advantageous plea deal.

What to Expect at Sentencing If Convicted of Burglary

Sentencing occurs after a guilty plea or conviction at trial. Even if charges are plea bargained, the judge has discretion in imposing a sentence within the statutory guidelines.

For burglary, sentences depend on the degree of charges and your criminal history. At minimum, expect probation and community service. Jail time is common, ranging from several months for 3rd degree burglary to multiple years for 1st degree.

Fines, restitution to victims, and mandatory drug/alcohol counseling may be imposed. Your driver’s license will also be suspended for 6 months to 2 years under New Jersey law.

An experienced local lawyer knows the judges and their sentencing tendencies. They can advise if a plea deal or trial has a higher likelihood of a lenient sentence. Their advocacy at sentencing can also sway the judge to be more merciful.

Having the right legal representation makes a major difference in the outcome and severity of punishment for a burglary conviction.

Finding the Burglary Defense Attorney Who is Right for You

Getting charged with any crime can be overwhelming. But with an experienced Flemington burglary lawyer guiding you through the complex legal process, you can achieve the most favorable result possible.

Take time to research criminal defense attorneys with proven track records of success in burglary cases. Meet with lawyers in person to evaluate their communication style, knowledge, and commitment to personalized service. Many offer free case evaluations to discuss your situation.

Relying on an unqualified lawyer or trying to navigate the system without representation puts your future at risk. Work with a trusted local attorney to build the strongest defense and get this difficult chapter resolved as positively as circumstances allow. With the stakes so high, having the right lawyer makes all the difference.