Criminal Lawyer in Union City, NJ Defending Clients With Dedication in Hudson County and Throughout NJ
The stress and emotions of facing criminal charges can make it difficult to think and act clearly. If you’ve just been arrested or learned you’re being charged in New Jersey, let a Union City criminal defense attorney fight for you and protect your rights.
What you do immediately after being arrested is vital to your case. Some people give in to police threats and manipulation and end up confessing. Others may think the police have no evidence and fail to ask for a lawyer, only to end up being indicted. The most important thing you can do is remain calm and let your lawyer guide you through the process.
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If you can, consult an expert criminal defense lawyer before the arrest. Your lawyer will help to safeguard your constitutional rights against unlawful search and seizure, false arrests, entrapment, and other common civil rights violations.
What to Do After an Arrest in Hudson County and New Jersey
If you have been arrested in New Jersey, it means you’ve already been charged with a crime, or the police have probable cause to arrest you. According to NJ laws, “probable cause” means that any reasonable person would have reason to believe that a crime is ongoing, has occurred, or will be committed. If that’s the case, you can be arrested without a warrant.
The police usually take you to the local precinct and “process” you. That means taking your fingerprints and running them through the system to check for any running matters (such as open warrants) and your criminal record. The police will also file the paperwork for your arrest, which can either be a warrant or summons.
Criminal Warrant vs. Summons
A criminal complaint is the report that goes to the prosecutor stating the charges against you. The type of complaint determines whether you will remain in custody or be released.
For first-time offenders charged with petty disorderly person offenses (misdemeanors), the officer may file a summons that allows you to go free with a date to appear in court. During your first appearance in court, the charges against you read, your rights explained, and your next date in court issued.
If you’re arrested for an indictable crime, the officer will file a criminal warrant. In this case, you’ll be taken to the county jail after processing to await your first court appearance, usually within a day or two. The judge will either set conditions for release (such as bail) or order that you remain in custody.
The importance of having a defense lawyer on your case from the first moment of trouble cannot be overstressed. Don’t wait for the court to appoint you an attorney on your first court appearance, as it may be too late by then. Work with an experienced Union City criminal defense attorney to help you fight your charges and give you the best shot at a fair trial.
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