Experienced Defense Against Charges In New Jersey Municipal Courts

At The Law Offices of Robert R. Simons, we have represented people in New Jersey Municipal Courts for more than 25 years. During this time, we have developed relationships with many of the prosecutors and judges throughout South Jersey. We use our in-depth knowledge of the system and criminal law to reach the best outcome for your situation.

We represent people facing charges such as:

• Disorderly conduct
• Drunk driving (DUI/DWI)
• Driving with a suspended license
• Marijuana possession
• Shoplifting
• Simple assault
• Speeding, careless driving, reckless driving, and other traffic offenses

Fight to Protect Your Driving Record, Finances, and Freedom

Don’t take these charges lightly. Municipal Courts have the power to impose significant fines and jail time of up to six months for some charges. Multiple traffic offenses or a DUI conviction can cause you to lose your driver’s license. Criminal charges can lead to a criminal record that may prevent you from moving forward in your career or education.

It is good to talk to a municipal criminal court lawyer about even minor charges. At The Law Offices of Robert R. Simons, we have the experience to tell what charges are worth fighting — and to help you do so in a way that maximizes your chance of success.

Get a Personalized Consultation

During your Municipal Court case evaluation, Attorney Simmons will gather pertinent details. He will ask you detailed questions to get a complete picture of the case against you. You’ll receive a brief overview of the legal strategy we can devise to help obtain the best results for your case. If we do not think we can improve your situation, you can trust us to tell you so.

Let our experience help you through the Municipal Court process. Located in Haddon Heights, our firm serves clients throughout the Camden area and South Jersey. Call us at (856) 499-8066 or contact us online for a personalized consultation with a Municipal Court attorney.

Common Municipal Court Case Penalties and Best Outcomes

The Municipal Courts hear most cases filed in the New Jersey courts system. If you get a traffic ticket in New Jersey, you’ll likely end up in Municipal Court. The state’s Municipal Court system also handles a wide range of other minor criminal offenses, from shoplifting to simple assault.

An adept Municipal Court attorney will always strive for dismissal when possible. However, it is more realistic to seek more lenient charges or penalties in most cases. Below you will find common cases heard in Municipal Court, with possible penalties and outcomes for each:

Disorderly conduct involves improper behavior or the use of offensive language in a public space, such as fighting or threatening violence. This charge can carry up to a $500 fine with the possibility of six months jail time. An experienced Municipal Court defense lawyer may negotiate for lesser charges or other favorable plea agreement.

Driving while under the influence (DWI or DUI) includes the operation of a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The penalties for a first offense DWI are extensive, including a minimum three-month loss of driving privileges and 12 hours of jail time. Fines are assigned up to $400, in addition to other costly fees and surcharges. A skilled Municipal Court DWI lawyer will evaluate the evidence in your case to prepare the best defense strategy. Best case outcomes for DWI often include lesser charges and minimum sentencing.

Minor traffic offenses, including parking and speeding tickets, carry fines ranging from $25 to $250. These offenses also come with an accumulation of points on your driver’s license, increasing your auto insurance rates. A knowledgeable Municipal Court Traffic Ticket Lawyer may be able to negotiate your penalty down to a no-point violation.

Serious traffic offenses in New Jersey include reckless driving, driving without insurance, driving with a suspended license, and eluding law enforcement. Penalties vary but generally involve hundreds if not thousands of dollars in fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. A Municipal Court ticket lawyer with experience defending criminal cases will work to negotiate lesser charges or more lenient penalties.

Shoplifting of merchandise valuing less than $200 is a disorderly persons offense. Shoplifting convictions carry fines up to $1,000 and six months of jail time. A Municipal Court violations lawyer may negotiate for a downgrade of charges to a violation of a municipal ordinance, avoiding jail time and reducing fines.

Simple assault occurs when a person knowingly causes, attempts to cause, or threatens to cause bodily harm to another person or negligently causes harm with a deadly weapon. Penalties can include up to $1,000 in fines, six months of jail time, and probation with electronic monitoring. A municipal criminal court lawyer will work to have your charges reduced and penalties minimized.