Plainsboro Criminal Defense Attorney

If you or your loved one has been charged with a criminal offense, disorderly persons offense, or major traffic ticket in Plainsboro, New Jersey then your most important next step is to seek out and retain an experienced Plainsboro criminal defense attorney. The Law Offices of William Proetta Criminal Law will make sure that you put forth your best defense to avoid a conviction. If you have been charged with any criminal matter such as Disorderly Conduct, Possession of Narcotics, Theft, or Assault it is important that your attorney comes from an experienced firm with an established criminal defense record in Middlesex County and New Jersey as a whole. Our Plainsboro Criminal Defense Attorneys have years of experience having defended thousands of clients successfully. If you would like to speak with us regarding the details of your case and possible representation, please give us a call for a free initial consultation today at (732) 659-9600.

Arrested in Plainsboro, New Jersey

Crime rates in Plainsboro are generally lower than the crime rates in other areas of New Jersey. This is true for violent crimes like aggravated assault, robbery, and sexual assault; property crimes such as theft, shoplifting, and burglary; and drug crimes including cocaine possession and prescription drug possession. In fact, property crimes are committed in Plainsboro less than half as often as they are committed in New Jersey on the whole. Plainsboro Township is not just one of the safest municipalities in New Jersey; it is also one of the safest municipalities in the entire country. However, that does not mean that there is no crime in Plainsboro, nor does it mean that there are no criminal charges filed in Plainsboro.

Police still make plenty of arrests, and prosecutors still prosecute numerous defendants facing criminal charges. Grand juries in Middlesex County issue criminal indictments when deemed warranted, and offenders who are ultimately found guilty of criminal charges face punishments ranging from county jail to state prison time, plus additional consequences like community service, suspended driving privileges, drug testing, probation, substantial fines, and even sex offender registration depending on the specific alleged offense and the nature of the crimes charged. If you’ve been charged with a criminal offense in Plainsboro, you probably have a lot of questions about what happens next, what you can do to fight the charges, and how an attorney can help you.

Common Criminal Charges Filed in Plainsboro NJ

Some of the most common criminal charges that are filed in Plainsboro include the following:

Shoplifting and Theft: As might be expected, theft and shoplifting offenses tend to happen a little more often near the Village Center and other parts of Plainsboro where there are clusters of retail establishments. Arrests for theft are also more common the closer one gets to the border between Plainsboro and Princeton, where Princeton University is located.
Burglary: Arrests and charges for burglary are a bit more common in the western part of Plainsboro, and they spike in the vicinity of Princeton University near the Plainsboro-Princeton border. Burglary involves the unlicensed entry into a building, so it’s akin to “breaking and entering” and is technically classified as a property crime and not a theft crime. However, burglary offenses and theft offenses tend to go hand in hand, with both charges often being filed in the same case.
Drug Crimes: Statistics show that narcotics arrests for offenses like prescription drug distribution, heroin distribution, and possession of drug paraphernalia are more common in neighborhoods located in the eastern section of Plainsboro, which includes the Morris Davison Park. That park runs through Princeton Meadows and features a playground that caters to young children, so police officers are known to focus their attention on the park and the surrounding area to ensure the safety of those who visit.
Disorderly Conduct: Charges for disorderly conduct are extremely common because the charge covers a wide range of conduct, including fighting, brawling, aggressive behavior, and any improper actions committed in public. Alcohol is often involved in disorderly conduct arrests, so there tend to be more disorderly conduct charges filed in parts of Plainsboro that are popular among college students on weekends, including areas close to Princeton University in neighboring Princeton

Plainsboro Domestic Violence Cases

Charges involving domestic violence occur in virtually every town in New Jersey, including Plainsboro Township in Middlesex County. While there is a range of crimes that fall within this category, harassment and simple assault are among the most frequently issued. Since these are technically criminal misdemeanors, it may seem like they’re not all that serious. Not so. In fact, simple assault in a domestic violence case will require your arrest and being held in jail before a judge decides whether or not to release you. You can click on the following link to learn more about Detention Hearings in Middlesex County.

In addition to any criminal charges, domestic violence allegations can lead to a temporary restraining order being filed against you, which means you are now facing two legal proceedings and sets of consequences, as opposed to just one. For this reason, it is absolutely essential to engage a criminal and domestic violence defense lawyer with experience handling all aspects of these cases, as so much is on the line and you’ll need maximum protection in criminal and civil courts.

Charged with an Offense in Plainsboro, What Court will I Attend?

In Plainsboro and elsewhere throughout New Jersey, the nature of the offense determines the court where a criminal case is handled. There are two broad categories of criminal charges:

Disorderly Persons Offenses in Municipal Court; and
Indictable Offenses in Superior Court

Where your Plainsboro criminal or traffic matter is handled makes a huge difference because the possible penalties are far more severe and often involve prison time for indictable offenses that are adjudicated at the Superior Court level, whereas disorderly persons charges handled at the Municipal Court level carry a maximum penalty of up to six (6) months in jail. Additionally, many Plainsboro Municipal Court cases are resolved without the defendant needing the serve any jail time. By contrast, certain criminal charges handled in Middlesex County Superior Court have a presumption of incarceration and carry mandatory minimum prison time for a conviction, which should be avoided at all costs.

Plainsboro NJ Municipal Court Lawyer

Most minor offenses in Plainsboro are classified as disorderly persons offenses or petty disorderly persons offenses (misdemeanors), and these cases are dealt with in the Plainsboro Municipal Court at 641 Plainsboro Road. In addition to hearing cases involving disorderly persons charges, the municipal court hears cases involving DWI and DUI, traffic tickets, and municipal ordinance violations. The Plainsboro Municipal Court also has jurisdiction over charges filed in nearby Cranbury Township, which means that anyone charged with a minor offense in Cranbury may have to show up for court in Plainsboro. If you face a disorderly persons charge in Plainsboro, you will need to appear in court. The Plainsboro Municipal Court is in session roughly six times a month, and it is very important that you do not miss your scheduled court date. Failure to appear could lead to additional charges being filed against you and a bench warrant being issued for your arrest.

Depending on the circumstances of your case and the nature of your charges, it may be possible for an experienced criminal defense attorney to negotiate with the local municipal prosecutor to get the charges reduced to a municipal ordinance so that you won’t have a conviction on your criminal record after the case is over. In the best-case scenario, it might be possible for your attorney to get the charges dismissed entirely so that you avoid penalties altogether. If your charges do go to trial in municipal court, the case will be decided by a judge, not a jury. You’ll need a skillful criminal defense lawyer who can use everything they know to apply the facts and the law in your favor.

Plainsboro Municipal Court Information

Plainsboro Township shares its municipal court with the adjacent township of Cranbury. After taking a look at your summons you may notice that your court date has already been set. Make sure that you contact Plainsboro Municipal Court with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your summons. The Plainsboro Municipal Court is located at 641 Plainsboro Road in Plainsboro, NJ 08536 and the court can be reached by phone at 609-799-0863. The Honorable Edward H. Herman holds court sessions beginning on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. and Thursday at 6:00 p.m. Ms. Susan Slavicek is the court administrator and the fax number is 609.936.1441. If you have any questions about your upcoming court make sure to contact the court at least a few days in advance of the date. Please visit the Plainsboro Municipal Court to learn additional information about the court proceedings.

Indictable Crime Defense Lawyer in Plainsboro

More serious criminal charges in Plainsboro are classified as indictable offenses (felonies). They are called “indictable offenses” because the county prosecutor must secure an indictment from a grand jury before the charges can be officially brought against you in the Middlesex County Superior Court. If the grand jury chooses not to indict you on felony charges, then the case cannot proceed to trial. In some cases, the prosecutor can opt to send the case back to the Plainsboro Municipal Court and the local prosecutor there may choose to bring reduced charges against you. For example, if you were charged with felony theft but the amount is just above the $200 threshold or the evidence is thin, you could still face disorderly persons charges for petty theft in the lower court.

Assuming a grand jury indictment is issued in your case, the charges will then be handled at the Superior Court level. Importantly, the case may be decided by either a judge or a jury, since defendants facing felony charges and prison time generally have the right to a jury trial, if they so choose. For these kinds of serious charges, there may be a pretrial detention hearing. At that hearing, the Superior Court judge will decide whether you should remain in jail while awaiting trial. This matters a great deal because it may take several months for your case to reach trial. That’s why it is imperative that you have a skilled criminal defense lawyer representing you at the earliest stages of your Plainsboro criminal matter.

Additional Information about Plainsboro Township NJ

Plainsboro is a township located in the southwestern corner of Middlesex County, New Jersey. The township was created in 1919. Today, in addition to being a key city in Middlesex County, Plainsboro Township is also part of the NY metropolitan area, along with New York City and Long Island, as well as the largest cities in New Jersey and Connecticut. The population of Plainsboro is just over 23,000 residents, and they live in a total area of less than 12 square miles. One of the most notable spots in the township is the Plainsboro Village Center, a large collection of retail, commercial/medical, and office buildings, residential homes, and the Plainsboro Library. The Village Center is a popular destination on nights and weekends for local residents, as well as residents of neighboring municipalities, who are interested in shopping at retail stores and dining at trendy restaurants and coffee shops.

Contact a Plainsboro NJ Criminal Lawyer Today (732) 659-9600

If you or your loved one has been detained and charged for any reason by Plainsboro, Middlesex County, it is imperative that you hire a skilled criminal defense, disorderly persons, and DWI attorney. The effects of a conviction are many and include limitations to educational and career opportunities along with a tarnished reputation. Our attorneys represent clients who have been charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Driving While Suspended, and Driving With No Insurance in addition to all types of criminal charges. If you are interested in speaking with a skilled attorney who will strive to protect your interests, please contact our office, conveniently located in Middlesex County. Our phone number is (732) 659-9600 and all initial consultations are free of charge.

Plainsboro Criminal Defense Attorney