Ocean NJ Criminal Defense Attorney

If you face criminal charges in New Jersey, you may already know that the state prosecutes criminal offenses harshly, and that a conviction could have life-changing consequences. In addition to legal penalties like mandatory fines and jail sentences, you could lose certain privileges and struggle to find suitable employment or housing if you are convicted of a crime.

At the Law Office of Jason A. Volet, we aggressively defend those accused of crimes in Ocean Township and throughout New Jersey. Founding attorney Jason A. Volet is a seasoned trial attorney who works tirelessly to seek the best outcomes for his clients, no matter how complex the case. We focus exclusively on criminal law so that every client receives the personalized, in-depth service they deserve. Contact us today to get started with your free, confidential case review and learn more about how we can help you.

How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help the Residents of Ocean?

If you have been accused of a crime in Ocean Township, NJ, we can assist with your defense in many ways. At the Law Office of Jason A. Volet, our dedicated team is prepared to represent Ocean residents who are dealing with:

When you hire Jason A. Volet to defend you against criminal charges, you hire an attorney who will protect your rights and look out for your interests by:

• Evaluating your case and offering sound advice based on his years of experience as a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney in New Jersey.
• Conducting a thorough investigation into the charges and evidence against you, including interviewing witnesses who may provide helpful information.
• Arguing forcefully to have the charges against you reduced or dismissed entirely.
• Seeking alternatives to traditional sentencing for nonviolent offenders.
• Seeking suspended sentences or probation time instead of prison sentences.
• Petitioning to have records sealed or expunged after you have served your time.

How Are Criminal Defense Cases Different?

Civil and criminal cases in New Jersey are different in many important ways. Some of those differences include:

• Number of parties — There can be an unlimited number of parties involved in a civil case, and each party may have a separate attorney. In a criminal case, only two parties are involved: the party accused of the crime, or defendant, and the prosecutor’s office, typically called “the State.”
• Rules and procedures — The rules and procedures in a civil case differ from those in a criminal case. For instance, the defendant in a criminal case is charged with a crime or indicted by a grand jury, but the defendant in a civil case is served a complaint containing claims to which they must respond.
• Burden of proof — In a civil trial, the claimant must prove they are entitled to relief by a “preponderance of the evidence.” In other words, the evidence must establish that the facts alleged by the claimant are more than likely true, and those facts entitle the claimant to some form of relief like damages or an injunction. On the other hand, in a criminal trial, the law presumes that a defendant is innocent. The State must prove the defendant’s guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt,” which is a higher burden.
• The possible outcomes of the case — If a claimant wins a civil lawsuit against a defendant, the result is usually that the defendant must compensate the plaintiff for their losses. If a prosecutor wins a criminal case against a defendant, the convicted party pays a debt to society in the form of fines, loss of certain privileges, and possibly confinement.

What Kinds of Cases Are Heard in Municipal Court?

Most legal cases in the New Jersey court system take place in municipal courts operated by individual cities, townships, and boroughs. Currently 539 municipal courts operate in the state of New Jersey. According to the New Jersey Judiciary, roughly 85 percent of all cases filed in New Jersey courts are heard in the municipal court system.

New Jersey municipal courts hear various cases, including motor vehicle offenses and minor criminal violations. A municipal court, for instance, is the Township of Ocean/Borough of West Long Branch Municipal Court located in Oakhurst. The court can hear cases involving illegal parking or speeding and disorderly persons offenses like shoplifting, trespassing, and simple assault. The municipal courts can also handle cases involving minor personal disputes and state hunting, fishing, and boating laws.

What Kinds of Cases Are Heard in Superior Court?

New Jersey superior courts, also known as trial courts, hear criminal, civil, and family law cases. There is one superior court for each of the 21 counties in New Jersey and roughly 360 trial judges who hear cases within the New Jersey superior court system. The Monmouth County Superior Court is located in Freehold.

The types of criminal cases that go to superior courts are more serious than those handled by municipal courts. Common examples of criminal cases heard by superior court judges include those involving robbery, theft, assault, and homicide. These are called “indictable offenses” in New Jersey.

How Are Juvenile Criminal Defense Cases Handled Differently?

New Jersey’s juvenile justice system handles cases involving those under 18 years old. It is quite different from the municipal and superior court systems. Mainly, the focus is usually on rehabilitation rather than punishment in the juvenile system. If a juvenile is found to have committed an offense, the punishment should be tailored toward helping the juvenile to avoid reoffending.

In some cases, children who commit violent crimes like homicide, aggravated assault, or arson may be tried as adults. Similarly, minors with multiple previous convictions may face jury trials in New Jersey superior courts. When juvenile offenders are convicted, their trial records are sealed, unlike those of adult offenders.

Get Help from an Experienced Ocean Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you have been arrested for or charged with a crime in Ocean, New Jersey, contact the Law Office of Jason A. Volet right away. Our Ocean criminal defense attorney is ready to answer your questions during a free initial consultation and advise you of your rights under the law.