New Brunswick Pre-Indictment Lawyers
Pre-indictment is the time period between when an individual is charged with an indictable crime and when they are actually indicted on the charge. It is not unusual for many months to go by before indictment by a grand jury and quite a bit can transpire during this period. In some cases, a first degree, second degree, third degree or fourth degree crime can even be selected for early resolution at a pre-indictment conference. The lawyers at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall are savvy criminal advocates with decades of experience defending offenses like aggravated assault, distribution of heroin and the like. We know how to utilize this time period to conduct investigation, effectively communicate with prosecutors and police, and persuasively negotiate so that a matter is favorably resolved. Many times, a lawyer on our team will utilize this time to convince the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office to remand the offense back to the municipal court of Edison, Carteret, South Plainfield, Woodbridge, New Brunswick or another town as a charge downgraded to a disorderly persons offense. The attorneys here include Jason Seidman, the former supervisor of the gangs, guns and drugs task force in the county prosecutor’s office so we clearly know who, when and where to successfully undertake these discussions to insure that you have the best chance of positive outcome. To speak to a lawyer on our staff in a free initial consultation,, call our New Brunswick Office. We can be reached 24/7 at (732) 246-7126.
Pre-Indictment Negotiations in Middlesex County
As previously stated, some felony cases are resolution at a pre-indictment proceeding. This hearing is referred to as a pre-indictment conference at the Middlesex County Superior Court. This is the first proceeding following an individual being charged with a crime like possession of cocaine in East Brunswick, Old Bridge, Monroe or Middlesex Borough. This is the State’s attempt to resolve the matter prior to the charges being presented to the Grand Jury for an indictment. This process saves the State considerable time and money and, thus, often involves a favorable plea offer from the Prosecutor’s Office. It is essential that you consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney to determine the best course of action for your case. If the State’s evidence is strong, it may be beneficial to discuss a plea agreement as the plea offer is typically better at this stage in the case than it will be later on in the criminal process. Moreover, if you are eligible for Pre-Trial Intervention or Drug Court, our attorneys will discuss these alternatives with you to determine the best resolution to your criminal case. Our lawyers will sit down and review the discovery evidence with you to determine the strength of the State’s case. We will then counsel you on the best course of action in resolving your case. This may mean a trial or it may mean a plea agreement. If we reach a plea agreement with the prosecutor, the plea can typically be put through that same day. If you plead guilty at this stage of the process, you are pleading guilty to what is known as an “accusation” since the case has not yet been presented to the Grand Jury for an indictment.
Woodbridge NJ Pre-Indictment Defense Lawyer
Indictable offense cases in Woodbridge are assigned to specific trial teams of prosecutors. The only exception is where a violation involves a particularized type of charge like a sex crime or other particular violent charge like carjacking or armed robbery. In those instances, the matter will be directed to the special victim’s unit, major crimes or another subdivision of the prosecutor’s office. Attorneys at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall are familiar with the members of these trial teams, as well as the judges and court personnel, in each of the related courtrooms. This obviously allows us to be as effective as possible in presenting your defenses and convincing those involved that the case should be downgraded, dismissed or otherwise resolved in a favorable manner. For an immediate consultation with a lawyer at the firm, contact our Woodbridge Office at 32-634-0700.
