Freehold Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal Defense Attorney in Freehold

If you are facing criminal charges in the Freehold area, it is crucial to work with a skilled Freehold criminal defense lawyer who can help you safeguard your rights and mount a strong defense. Whether your charges are regarding felony or misdemeanor offenses, a dedicated attorney from Michael Rosas Law PC is here to help you navigate the complex legal system, negotiating and litigating on your behalf to push for optimal outcomes.

At Michael Rosas Law PC, our knowledgeable legal team has many years of experience successfully defending the rights and interests of those facing charges in both Freehold Borough and Freehold Township. As we understand all that is at stake when it comes to criminal charges – from your future to your freedom – we work hard to engineer and implement a personalized legal strategy, getting your charges minimized or even dropped.

Understanding Crime Rates in Freehold, NJ

Freehold has two distinct jurisdictions, which are Freehold Borough and Freehold Township. Freehold Borough has a population of 12,504; Freehold Township, on the other hand, is a bit larger, with a population of 35,531. The crime rate in Freehold rose by 8% from 2022 to 2023, with an increase in violent crime but a decrease in property crime.

As law enforcement and prosecutors are tough on crime in the area, it is crucial to have strategic legal representation on your side if you are facing charges for a property crime or violent crime, as they can drastically impact your life. Penalties could include fines, probation, incarceration, and a permanent criminal record.

Legal Representation for Various Criminal Charges

A seasoned Freehold criminal defense attorney from our firm can help you defend against a variety of charges, including the following:

• Assault & Battery
• DUI/DWI
• Drug Possession & Distribution
• Theft & Burglary
• White-Collar Crimes
• Violent Crimes
• Domestic Violence Crimes

Depending on the severity of your case, it may be dealt with at Monmouth County Courthouse or Freehold Borough Municipal Court. Monmouth County Courthouse handles civil, criminal, and family cases, while Freehold Borough Municipal Court processes minor criminal offenses, local ordinance violations, and traffic violations.

Our local law firm is highly experienced in processing cases through both of these courts and is highly familiar with the stakeholders involved. When developing your criminal defense strategy, this can give us a clear upper hand.

How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You

An experienced attorney from our firm can help you fight back against your charges by launching an in-depth investigation into your case. We can collect crucial evidence on your behalf – such as video footage and witness testimony – as well as analyze the prosecution’s case and evidence to find any weaknesses.

Depending on the prosecution’s case, we may be able to file various types of legal motions to get evidence suppressed or your case dismissed. If the evidence against you is strong, we can work to negotiate an optimal plea deal on your behalf, working to minimize your charges or sentencing. We are also ready to fiercely represent you in court, ensuring that your right to due process is protected and that your rights are not violated throughout the judicial process.

Criminal Procedures & Arrests in Manalapan

Being arrested in Freehold, New Jersey is a terrifying thing, whether it is for a minor shoplifting incident or for murder. Most times, you are arrested on the spot, where the crime allegedly happened. Sometimes, the arrest comes after the crime has occurred. Other times, you know a criminal investigation is active, like in most white-collar criminal situations, and are arrested only after a grand jury indictment. In any of these situations, an arrest must be conducted within the limits of the law. It’s also important to keep in mind that just because you are arrested for a crime you may or may not have committed, you still have rights.

At Michael Rosas Law PC, our criminal defense lawyer is committed to our clients. We review all cases thoroughly and uphold our clients’ rights and interests. If you have been arrested or think you might be under investigation for a crime, contact us at 7325611108 to schedule a consultation and get your defense started without delay

Your Rights When Arrested in Monmouth County, New Jersey

Whether you are arrested in Monmouth County, New Jersey or anywhere else in Freehold, New Jersey, you have rights. You have the right to:

1. Remain silent. You should not answer any questions or give explanations or excuses. Anything you say will be used against you. Remaining silent also means you do not have to sign anything or make any decisions without your lawyer.
2. Ask for a lawyer immediately. You need an advocate who can stand up for your rights. If you cannot afford a defense lawyer, you may qualify for a public defender.
3. Make a local phone call. You can use your phone call to call us at 7325611108. If you contact us or any other lawyer, the police cannot listen to the conversation due to attorney-client privilege. But you can also use your local call to call someone else.

Keep in mind that if you do not retain a lawyer who can help you fight criminal allegations, and you are subsequently convicted, you may lose some of your rights as provided by the U.S. Constitution. Namely, if you are convicted of a felony, you can lose the right to vote or to own and use a firearm.

Police Procedures for Arrests in Monmouth County, New Jersey

During an arrest, police officers detain a person in police custody, often because they are suspected of committing a crime. Arresting someone is a serious matter that involves depriving a person of their freedom of movement. For this reason, police must follow certain procedures when effecting an arrest.

The specific procedural requirements for arrest vary between states. Individual police departments also often have additional arrest procedures.

It is often assumed that police must put a person in handcuffs or into a police vehicle to arrest them, however, this is not the case. Police may choose to do so depending on the circumstances, but they are not legally required to handcuff or physically detain someone to effect an arrest.

Police are also not legally required to read someone their Miranda rights (“you have the right to remain silent, anything you do say…”) at the time of their arrest. These rights must be explained before police can interrogate someone. In practice, however, police often read a person their Miranda rights at the time of their arrest.

When Can a Law Enforcement Agent Make an Arrest in Freehold, New Jersey

A police officer cannot arrest someone just because “they look suspicious” or the police officer “has a hunch” about something. A police officer in Monmouth County, New Jersey or anywhere else in Freehold, New Jersey can arrest someone in any of the three below situations:

1. The officer has an arrest warrant issued by a judge.
2. The officer saw someone commit a crime.
3. The officer has probable cause to believe someone committed or is about to commit a crime.

Probable cause means that actual information exists leading the police officer to believe the person has committed or is about to commit a crime. In other words, the police officer holds more than mere suspicion, but not enough to establish beyond a reasonable doubt, that the person committed or will soon commit a crime.

Arrests and the Use of Excessive Force in Freehold, New Jersey

The issue of excessive force often arises in the context of an arrest. Under the Fourth and Eighth Amendments of the U.S. Consitution, police must only use the minimum force reasonably necessary to effect an arrest. They cannot use excessive force.

When reviewing whether the force used was reasonable, a court will consider factors including but not limited to:

• The seriousness of the crime the person was suspected of committing
• Whether the suspect was a threat
• Whether the suspect attempted to escape arrest

If excessive force is used during an arrest, the suspect may have a basis for a civil case against the officer for violating their constitutional rights. A person subject to excessive force can also file a formal complaint with the relevant police department, which may consider disciplinary action, or the Department of Justice, which may consider criminal charges depending on the circumstances and results of any investigation.

Why You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer if Arrested in Freehold, New Jersey

If the police arrest you, you should immediately ask to speak to a criminal defense lawyer. You have the right to do so and they are best placed to advise you of the law and the options available to you in your circumstances.

1. You need a good defense to protect your right and freedoms. The U.S. Constitution grants you the right to a criminal defense lawyer or – if you cannot afford one – a public defense attorney.
2. It evens the playing field. A criminal defense lawyer allows you access to knowledge and a defense strategy you deserve. The state has the experience, time, and money on its side. It uses this to collect evidence and build a case against you. Plus, they are not afraid to use intimidation tactics to get what they want.
3. An attorney can build a strong defense strategy. An attorney listens to your side of the story, investigates the facts, applies the facts to the law, and strategizes. Sometimes a clear defense is available, other times, it is more about creating reasonable doubt because the prosecutor has the burden to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
4. Sometimes, law enforcement overreaches. A smart criminal defense attorney knows what to look for when a police officer may not have carried out an arrest properly. Violations of your constitutional rights can result in the exclusion of any evidence obtained from that violation, which is often referred to as the fruit of the poisonous tree.
5. It’s complicated. The laws and procedures related to criminal law and criminal defense are complicated. You cannot do it alone unless you have knowledge of it, and if you try to do it on your own, you may end up in a worse place than you would have been. For example, if you are offered a plea agreement, the State will draft terms and conditions most favorable to them, and you may agree without a fight in fear it is your only option. But a criminal defense attorney is skilled in negotiation and knows how to argue a better plea agreement.

An arrest, whether it is the first time or not, is always difficult. Getting the representation you need to see your case through to the end is essential if you want to safeguard your rights and freedoms as best you can. You do have to face criminal allegations on your own.

At Michael Rosas Law PC, our criminal defense lawyer in Monmouth County, New Jersey represents clients who want to obtain the best outcome possible in their situation.

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Contact a Freehold Criminal Defense Attorney Today – Michael Rosas Law PC

Whether you are facing minor charges for petty theft or more severe charges – such as murder or assault – you do not have to go through the criminal defense process alone. Our knowledgeable Freehold criminal defense legal team at Michael Rosas Law PC is eager to meet with you, help you understand your rights, immediately address any concerns you have, and start building up a solid defense.

Michael Rosas Law PC is here for you when you need it most. Contact us today to get started discussing your case with an initial consultation.