Going to South Plainfield Municipal Court to face charges for which you may lose your license, have to pay substantial fines, or even have to go to jail can be nerve-racking and anxiety provoking. The objective of every municipal court lawyer on our defense team is to make the experience as smooth and painless as possible. At the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, our lawyers have helped clients get their charges and penalties reduced and in many cases, avoid them altogether. If you have been charged with a traffic violation or criminal offense in South Plainfield, New Jersey, for example, marijuana possession, harassment, simple assault, disorderly conduct, or a motor vehicle charge like DWI, driving while suspended, reckless driving or driving without insurance, we encourage you to contact an attorney at our firm. We are former municipal and county prosecutors with over 100 years of collective experience defending a wide array of criminal and traffic charges. Attorneys on our staff are available for free consultations around the clock at (732) 227–1200.
Criminal & Traffic Charges in South Plainfield Municipal Court
The most serious charges an individual can face in South Plainfield are indictable crimes of the first, second, third or fourth degree. This violations can only be heard at the Middlesex County Superior Court in New Brunswick. South Plainfield Municipal Court has jurisdiction that is limited to deciding traffic tickets, disorderly persons offense and ordinance violations. The typical criminal and traffic charges heard there include:
- Speeding
- Simple Assault
- Harassment
- Reckless Driving
- DWI
- Driving While Suspended
- Disorderly Conduct
- Marijuana Possession
- Bad Checks
- Driving Without Insurance
- Shoplifting
- Careless Driving
Penalties For Being Convicted in South Plainfield Municipal Court
If you plead guilty or are found guilty of an offense in a South Plainfield Municipal Court, you can be ordered by the judge to pay fines, court costs, to spend time in jail and or to enroll in and complete certain programs. You will also have a criminal record if you are convicted. In addition, if you are a non-citizen, a plea or conviction in a municipal court may affect your immigration status.
For most criminal offenses, a municipal court judge can sentence you to as much 6 months in jail. This is the case for a third offense for DWI and most disorderly persons offenses. You may also be sentenced to pay up to $1,000 in fines. If you have any questions regarding the possibility of jail for your municipal offense or what fines and other penalties may be imposed, you should speak with an experienced South Plainfield Municipal Court lawyer at our firm for details.
Defending Your Municipal Case in South Plainfield, New Jersey
In a New Jersey municipal court, like the South Plainfield Municipal Court located at 2480 Plainfield Ave., South Plainfield, every defendant has certain rights, including:
- The right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt
- The right to remain silent
- The right to have a speedy trial
- The right to confront witnesses against you and ask them questions
- The right to compel witnesses to come to court to testify in your defense
- The right to produce evidence and exhibits in your defense
You also have the right to be represented by an attorney of your choosing. This may, in fact, be the most powerful tool in helping yourself defend a criminal offense or serious traffic offense like DWI, driving while suspended, driving without insurance or reckless driving. It is, therefore, a good idea for anyone who has been charged with a municipal offense to hire a competent municipal court attorney whenever they have serious charges pending against them. Lawyers who are experienced in defending South Plainfield Municipal Court cases are able to use their knowledge to put you in the best position to achieve a favorable outcome.
South Plainfield NJ Municipal Court Defense Attorney
A conviction for any South Plainfield Municipal Court offense, regardless of its severity, can have significant consequences. You need to take control of the situation and retain a defense attorney who is equipped to thoroughly defend your charge. The lawyers at our firm, the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, are highly experienced and knowledgeable in the defense of municipal court offenses. A lawyer on our team is prepared to undertake a comprehensive review of your case and to formulate a plan that will ensure your optimum protection. To speak to an attorney anytime 24/7, call (732) 227–1200.
