How a Criminal Case Could Get Thrown Out of Court
The consequences of a criminal conviction in New Jersey can include jail time and monetary penalties. Moreover, certain crimes, such as weapons offenses, carry mandatory prison sentences. Although some defendants are able to beat their criminal charges at trial and get a jury to issue a not-guilty verdict, the best way to ensure that you avoid the most severe penalties is to get the case thrown out of court prior to trial.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, it may be possible for a skilled criminal defense attorney to get your charges dismissed. However, the fight to win your case begins the moment you are charged with a criminal offense, which is why it is imperative that you speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as you are arrested or as soon as the police begin questioning you.
Challenging Evidence in NJ Criminal Cases
One of the most effective strategies for getting criminal charges dismissed in New Jersey is to challenge the evidence in the case and get it ruled inadmissible before trial. For instance, if the police conducted an illegal search of your car, home, or other property and obtained evidence of a crime, a knowledgeable criminal attorney may be able to challenge the legality of the search for lack of probable cause. That’s because law enforcement is required to obtain a search warrant, get consent from the property owner, or show probable cause before conducting a search in most cases.
Keep in mind that the prosecution must prove a criminal defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If your attorney is successful in getting the evidence dismissed before trial, the State may no longer be capable of meeting its high burden of proof in your case. When this happens, the prosecution might decide to drop the charges or the judge might dismiss the case.
If you were arrested and charged with a crime in New Jersey, you need a skilled criminal attorney on your side throughout the legal process. The experienced criminal defense lawyers at Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC can help you avoid the most severe penalties. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation about your case.