Fanwood Criminal Attorneys
Experienced Criminal Lawyers Defend Clients in Fanwood, New Jersey
The law firm of Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC handles criminal cases throughout New Jersey. Our criminal defense lawyers have many years of experience assisting clients with criminal matters. Gary Grabas and Casey Woodruff are former Prosecutors. Jon Bramnick is a Certified Civil Trial Lawyer with over 30 years of experience.
Crimes arising out of Fanwood are handled in either Fanwood Municipal Court or Union County Superior Court. Non-indictable offenses are handled in Fanwood Municipal Court. Fanwood Municipal Court is located at 75 North Martine Street. The Honorable Susan M. MacMullen presides over the Court. Indictable offenses are handled in Union County Superior Court. Union County Superior Court is located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.
Navigating a case through the Union County Superior Court process is a complex task. According to the New Jersey Judiciary, the criminal court process may include any or all of the following stages:
1. First Appearance in Fanwood Municipal Court or Union County Superior Court
The first stage of the criminal court process in Union County Superior Court is the first appearance hearing. At the first appearance hearing the defendant is informed of the charges and the following rights:
- The right to make a statement concerning those charges;
- The right to apply to the Pretrial Intervention and/or Drug Court Programs;
- The right to a probable cause hearing on any indictable offense; and
- The right to a formal indictment by a grand jury.
A Pre-Dispositional Conference date is also set.
2. Pre-Dispositional Conference (PDC) in Fanwood, NJ
Plea negotiations begin at the Pre-Dispositional Conference. If the defendant pleads guilty, the State drafts a plea agreement signed by the prosecutor, defense attorney and the judge. A sentence date is given. If the defendant does not plead guilty, the case may be:
- Administratively dismissed by the prosecutor;
- Remanded to Municipal Court;
- Sent to the Grand Jury for consideration of Indictment; or
- Recommended for the Pretrial Intervention and/or Drug Court Programs.
3. Post-Indictment Status Conference
After the indictment, cases are scheduled for a Post-Indictment Pre-Arraignment Status Conference. At this conference discovery materials are exchanged. The prosecutor will make a plea offer to the defendant.
4. Post-Indictment Arraignment in Fanwood, New Jersey
At this stage the judge informs the defendant of the charges against him or her. The defendant receives a chance to enter an initial plea of either “guilty” or “not guilty.” If the defendant pleads guilty a sentence date will be set. If the defendant pleads not guilty, a Pre-Trial Status Conference is scheduled.
5. Pretrial Conference
At the Pretrial Conference, final plea negotiations are conducted. If a guilty plea does not result, any trial problems are resolved and a tentative trial date is set. Pending motions are discussed and scheduled for that day or shortly thereafter.
6. Trial in Fanwood Municipal Court of Union County Superior Court
At trial, the State and defense counsel present arguments to support their case. To support their arguments, both sides provide evidence to the jury. The evidence presented generally consists of testimony from witnesses and physical evidence. When a witness is called to testify, the party who called the witness to testify will begin the examination. After that party has finished questioning the witness, the non-calling party may cross-examine the witness. Both parties may also submit physical evidence to support their case. For example, in a murder trial, the murder weapon may be used to support the prosecution’s case. After all arguments have been made and all evidence has been submitted, the jury decides whether the defendant is guilty or innocence. The case will then proceed to the sentencing phase.
7. Sentencing of Defendants in Union County Superior Court
A convicted defendant is sentenced by the judge. In Union County Superior Court, the judge receives a Presentence Investigation Report from the Pre-Sentence Unit which details the nature of the instant offense, the defendants prior criminal record, their health, substance abuse, family/social, educational and employment history.
See http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/union/criminal.htm for more information.
Free Consultations Available – Fanwood Criminal Lawyers
(908) 322-7000
If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Fanwood, always consult a New Jersey lawyer. At the law firm of Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC, our criminal defense attorneys know how to effectively navigate the client through each phase of the criminal court process. For a free consultation, contact us at (908) 322-7000. We can be reached 24 hours a day.
