Mountainside, NJ Criminal Law Attorneys Fighting for Your Rights

Aggressive defense against any charges

When you are accused of a crime, your future, your freedom and your reputation are on the line. One of the most important decisions you make during this time is who will represent you in court.   Donald A. DiGioia of Donald A. DiGioia Law Group, P.A., has tried cases involving the entire spectrum of the criminal justice system, including high-profile murder cases. Attorney Donald A. DiGioia is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a criminal trial attorney. Our experience has given us the necessary knowledge and skills to represent clients on charges ranging from minor offenses to serious crimes.

Defending you against criminal charges

No matter the offense, we will fight for your rights. We work diligently to get the best possible results for you, defending clients against charges involving:

If you have a prior arrest or conviction record, we can help you get your record expunged or represent you when you file an appeal.

Criminal procedure in New Jersey

In New Jersey, criminal charges are categorized as “indictable” or “disorderly persons” offenses.  An indictable offense is what most other states call a “felony,” while a disorderly persons offense is referred to elsewhere as a “misdemeanor.” If accused of a disorderly persons offense, a judge will decide the case in the municipal court.  If charged with an indictable offense, you have the right to a trial by jury.

• Arrest. If law enforcement has reason to believe that you have been participating in criminal activity, they can arrest you.
• First criminal court appearance. After your arrest, a judge will inform you of the charges against you. This is also when a bail will be set, unless you are released in your own recognizance.  Also, your attorney may confer with the prosecutor and attempt to obtain a dismissal of the charges or negotiate a plea agreement in the pre-indictment stage.  If this occurs, then your case is resolved and will not go any farther.
• Indictment. If no plea bargain is made, your case will go to a grand jury, who will review it and determine if there is enough evidence to charge you in Superior Court. If there is, they will file an indictment against you. For disorderly persons offenses, no indictment is required and your case will proceed to Municipal Court.
• Arraignment. During your arraignment, you will be formally charged with a crime. This is also when you can first enter a plea in the Post-Indictment stage of your case.
• Pre-trial motions. Before you actually go to trial, there are often pre-trial hearings about the admissibility of evidence and other issues.  During this process your attorney shall still negotiate with the State on your behalf in an effort to resolve the case.
• Trial. While most criminal cases end in plea bargains, downgrades to municipal court or dismissal, some do end in trial where a final verdict will be made by a jury or judge.
• Verdict. When the verdict is returned, the defendant will be found either “Not Guilty” or “Guilty.”  If the defendant is found “Not Guilty” the case is over, but if a guilty finding is reached, a sentencing date shall follow.

The criminal process can be complicated and confusing. We guide you through every step, vigorously defending you and fighting for your best interests.

Contact our New Jersey criminal defense attorneys today

When you have been charged with a crime, choose a criminal defense attorney with the experience and dedication to make a difference. Call Donald A. DiGioia Law Group, P.A. today at 908-789-9000 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. From our Mountainside office, we represent people in Union County and throughout New Jersey.