Parsippany Criminal Defense Attorney

Call The Law Offices of Christopher G. Porreca, P.C. today if you are facing any of these legal issues:

• Assault - Assault refers to a verbal or physical threat of violence. Assault does not necessarily involve actual injury or physical harm. There are several kinds of assault: simple, gang activity, aggravated, domestic, and sexual.
• Child Endangerment - New Jersey's child endangerment statute encompasses all laws related to the possession, making, and distribution of child pornography. If you have been accused, contact my firm today.
• Conspiracy - When two or more people plan to commit a wrongful or illegal act, it is considered the crime of conspiracy. An attempt to commit conspiracy, or a conspiracy crime is often graded at the same level as the object of the conspiracy itself, meaning the person can face the same charges even if the crime was never carried out.
• Domestic Violence - Domestic violence refers to violent acts committed against members of one's family or household, and may involve physical violence, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, economic abuse, or other offenses.
• Drug Crimes - Drug crimes involve possession, manufacturing, and distribution of controlled substances and illicit drugs. In order to be convicted of possessing drugs with the intent of selling them, prosecution must present considerable evidence against you.
• DWI - Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime in all fifty states. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the arrest, a DWI may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.
• Expungement - In short, an expungement erases any criminal conviction from your past record, giving you the opportunity start with a clean slate. Legally speaking, an expungement seals any record of arrest or conviction from the eyes of the law.
• Juvenile Crimes - Juvenile crimes are similar to crimes committed by adults; however, the court process is very different, though the defendants can still face harsh penalties.
• Kidnapping - The crime of kidnapping involves taking someone or detaining them without their consent. Under New Jersey law, a person can be sentenced to 15 to 30 years in prison if convicted of kidnapping another person.
• Manslaughter - Manslaughter refers to the unlawful killing of another human being. Unlike murder, manslaughter charges may be brought against individuals who did not necessarily intend to kill someone, and manslaughter is not necessarily malicious.
• Murder - Murder refers to the unlawful killing of another human with malicious intent and premedication. Murder and manslaughter are both considered homicide, but murder carries more severe penalties.
• Sex Crimes - "Sex crime" is a generic term referring to any number of sex-related criminal offenses including rape, child pornography, and prostitution.
• Theft Crimes - Theft is broad term that refers to any number of offense involving the intentional procurement of someone else's' property. Theft may include larceny, robbery, burglary, identity theft, forgery, or other crimes.
• Traffic Offenses - These offenses range in severity and include simple infractions (running a red light) and serious crimes (driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.) Traffic offenses may result in a simple traffic ticket, fines, probation, license revocation or incarceration.
• Weapon Charges - Weapons charges include a variety of crimes, such as illegal possession of a weapon, arms trafficking, and illegal transportation of weapons. In New Jersey, weapons charges carry strict penalties and law enforcement takes weapons charges very seriously.
• White Collar Crimes - White collar crimes include money laundering, identity theft, computer crimes and a variety of other financial offenses.
• Wiretapping - Wiretaps are the most common method of electronic surveillance that police employ to monitor conversations, be it over wires, electronic mediums, or orally – by using any device. In order to obtain a legal wiretap, the state or federal government must adhere to the rules outlined in the law.

Navigating the Jury Process in Criminal Trials: Insights from New Jersey

The jury system is a cornerstone of the American justice system, ensuring that individuals are judged by a panel of their peers. In New Jersey, this process is governed by specific procedures designed to uphold fairness and impartiality. Let's delve into the intricacies of the jury process in criminal trials in the Garden State.

Jury Selection:

The process begins with jury selection, also known as voir dire. Potential jurors are summoned from a pool of eligible citizens residing in the county where the trial is taking place. They are then questioned by the judge and attorneys to determine their suitability for the case. This questioning aims to identify any biases or prejudices that may affect their ability to impartially weigh the evidence.

Challenges in Selection:

Both the prosecution and the defense have the right to challenge potential jurors through peremptory challenges or challenges for cause. Peremptory challenges allow attorneys to dismiss jurors without providing a reason, while challenges for cause require a demonstrated bias or inability to serve impartially. This process ensures that the final jury is fair and unbiased.

The Trial Process:

Once the jury is selected, the trial proceeds with opening statements from the prosecution and defense, followed by the presentation of evidence and witness testimony. Throughout the trial, jurors are expected to remain attentive, avoid outside influences, and base their decisions solely on the evidence presented in court.

Deliberation and Verdict:

After the closing arguments, the jury retires to deliberate in private. During deliberations, jurors discuss the evidence, weigh the credibility of witnesses, and ultimately reach a verdict. In criminal trials, the verdict must be unanimous, meaning all jurors must agree on the defendant's guilt or innocence beyond a reasonable doubt.

Judicial Instructions:

Before deliberations begin, the judge provides the jury with instructions on the relevant laws and legal standards applicable to the case. These instructions guide the jury in their decision-making process and ensure that they apply the law correctly to the facts presented during the trial.

Post-Trial Proceedings:

Once a verdict is reached, the jury's decision is announced in court. If the defendant is found guilty, sentencing follows, where the judge determines the appropriate punishment within the bounds of the law. If the defendant is acquitted, they are released, and the case is considered closed.

The jury process in criminal trials in New Jersey is a meticulous and essential aspect of the state's justice system. By ensuring that cases are decided by impartial individuals who carefully consider the evidence presented, the jury system upholds the principles of fairness and justice. Through its adherence to procedural safeguards and legal standards, the jury process plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the criminal justice system in the Garden State.