The New Jersey court system has a variety of different venues, each of which handles specific crimes and less serious matters such as disorderly persons offenses and motor vehicle infractions. When you are first charged with a crime of any kind, you may be overwhelmed by the immediate chaos that follows, especially if this is your first criminal charge. The court in which you will be tried is determined by the type of crime for which you have been charged.
In order to successfully navigate this complex court system and provide yourself with the best chance for a successful defense, you need an experienced attorney who is familiar with the state’s system. Reputable and well-versed DWI and domestic violence lawyers have helped clients in each of the following courtrooms:
Law Division
The Criminal Part of the Law Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey handles all criminal charges for adults and, in some cases, serious crimes committed by juveniles who are prosecuted as adults. Defendants who are charged with crimes face heavy penalties for convictions, including jail time or fines, but the State must first obtain an indictment before defendants can be tried on criminal charges. Cases that are prosecuted in the Criminal Part include:
- Weapons possession
- Theft
- Aggravated assault
- Drug crimes within state lines, including possession and distribution
- Criminal homicide, including manslaughter, murder and death by auto
- Sexual assault, criminal sexual assault, child abuse or endangering the welfare of a child and other sex crimes
Family Court
The Family Part of the Chancery Division of the Superior Court online slots of New Jersey handles matters involving juveniles who are charged with criminal activities. In addition, applications for final domestic violence restraining orders under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act are heard in family court. Family court is also where the majority of custody hearings, divorce disputes and other family-related legal conflicts are handled.
Municipal Court
Municipal courts handle a wide variety of less serious offenses, including the following:
- Traffic violations, including drunk driving, refusal to submit to a chemical test, speeding tickets, and leaving the scene of an accident
- Simple assault
- Small marijuana possession charges (less than 50 grams)
- Criminal mischief
- Shoplifting
- Violations of local, municipal ordinances
Federal Court
If you are accused of committing a federal crime, your case will be heard in federal court. These crimes can include tax fraud or failure to pay taxes, corruption in public office, bank robbery, drug crimes (especially those that cross state lines, or operate on a large scale), wire and mail fraud and other white-collar crimes. You may also be prosecuted in federal court if your crime was committed in more than one state, or if it was uncovered as part of a federal investigation. In these cases, you should still retain an experienced New Jersey lawyer to lead your defense.
At The Gorman Law Firm, Scott Gorman has experience in all of New Jersey’s courtrooms, including federal courts. He can help you defend yourself in municipal courts and will work to effectively represent you in the state family court. To discuss your case, and the venue in which you may find yourself, contact The Gorman Law Firm today serving Essex County and Morristown.
Published in Categories: Criminal Defense
