Facing Criminal Charges in New Jersey? Your Rights Matter.
Being charged with a crime is one of the most stressful experiences of your life. Whether it’s a disorderly persons offense or an indictable crime (felony), the stakes are real: jail time, a criminal record, job loss, and lasting damage to your reputation. At the Law Office of Orlando R. Rodriguez, LLC, we provide honest, aggressive defense for clients across New Jersey.
Criminal Defense Cases We Handle
- Drug charges (possession, distribution, trafficking)
- Assault and aggravated assault
- Theft, shoplifting, and robbery
- Weapons offenses
- Domestic violence charges
- Disorderly persons offenses
- Expungements
- Juvenile offenses
What Happens After an Arrest in New Jersey?
New Jersey courts distinguish between disorderly persons offenses (handled in Municipal Court) and indictable crimes (handled in Superior Court). Having an experienced attorney from day one is critical.
Our Defense Strategy
We investigate the facts, challenge unlawful stops and searches, contest the admissibility of evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and if necessary, take your case to trial. We never pressure clients into guilty pleas that aren’t in their best interest.
Expungements in New Jersey
If you have an old conviction or arrest on your record, you may qualify for an expungement under New Jersey law. Contact us to find out if you qualify.
Call or text 973-536-2830 for a free, confidential consultation.
Related Blog Posts
- Do I Really Need a Lawyer for a Minor Criminal Charge?
- What Happens If You Miss a Court Date in New Jersey?
Ready to Talk to an Attorney?
We offer free consultations — call, text, or send us a message. We serve clients across North Jersey, Central Jersey, and the Jersey Shore.
Your Rights During a Criminal Investigation in New Jersey
If you are investigated or arrested in New Jersey, you have constitutional rights that must be respected at every stage. You have the right to remain silent — anything you say can and will be used against you. You have the right to an attorney before and during any questioning. You have the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. Understanding and exercising these rights from the very first moment of contact with law enforcement can dramatically affect the outcome of your case.
The Criminal Court Process in New Jersey
New Jersey has a two-tiered criminal court system. Indictable offenses (equivalent to felonies in other states) are handled in the Superior Court and can result in state prison sentences. Disorderly persons offenses are handled in Municipal Court and can result in up to six months in the county jail. The process for indictable offenses includes arrest, a detention hearing, a grand jury indictment (or waiver), pre-trial motions, plea negotiations, and potentially trial. An experienced criminal defense attorney can challenge evidence, negotiate favorable plea agreements, and advocate aggressively at trial.
Consequences Beyond the Criminal Sentence
A criminal conviction in New Jersey carries consequences that extend far beyond fines and incarceration. A criminal record can affect your ability to find employment, secure housing, obtain professional licenses, own a firearm, and — for non-citizens — your immigration status. That is why fighting every charge aggressively, and exploring every available option (such as diversionary programs, conditional discharge, and expungement), is so important.
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in New Jersey, do not wait. Contact the Law Office of Orlando R. Rodriguez, LLC today at 973-536-2830 for a free and confidential consultation.