Putterman Legal
New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney
At Putterman Legal, our New Jersey criminal defense attorney is an aggressive, effective, and justice-focused advocate for clients. Facing an arrest is stressful. You need a high-level legal advocate on your side. Our firm handles all types of cases. If you or your loved one was arrested in Atlantic County, we can help. Contact us today for a strictly confidential initial consultation with a top-rated New Jersey criminal defense lawyer.
Comprehensive Criminal Defense Representation in New Jersey
When facing criminal charges, time is not on your side. Every moment that passes without proper legal representation can impact the outcome of your case. At our law offices, we understand that a criminal conviction doesn’t just affect your freedom. It impacts your professional life, your reputation, and your future opportunities. That’s why we provide aggressive legal representation from the moment you contact us.
Our approach combines years of legal experience with a deep understanding of New Jersey law. We don’t just defend cases. We build relationships with our clients and fight tirelessly to protect their constitutional rights. Whether you’re dealing with traffic violations, drug crimes, or more serious allegations, our legal team stands ready to vigorously defend your interests.
An Overview of Criminal Cases We Handle in Atlantic County and Throughout New Jersey
Arrest and charged with a crime in Atlantic County or elsewhere in New Jersey? You need strong, reliable legal counsel on your side. At Putterman Legal, we are a boutique criminal defense firm that handles both disorderly persons offenses and indictable crimes in New Jersey. These classifications are similar to misdemeanors and felonies in most other jurisdictions. No matter the specific allegations that you are facing, we are here to raise a proactive, aggressive defense.
Drug Crimes and Related Offenses
Drug crimes carry serious consequences under both state and federal law. We defend all types of drug cases, including possession offenses, distribution offenses, and manufacturing offenses. Our experience extends to drug court proceedings, where eligible defendants may receive treatment instead of incarceration. We also handle money laundering charges that often accompany major drug cases.
Traffic Offenses and Motor Vehicle Violations
A driving violation could lead to a criminal charge. Our firm handles the full range of cases, including reckless driving charges and DUIs. Traffic offenses might seem minor, but they can result in severe penalties including license suspension and jail time. We represent clients in municipal courts throughout the region, defending against traffic violations that threaten your driving privileges. DUI cases require immediate attention, especially when blood alcohol concentration levels are challenged. We also defend against charges of reckless driving and other offenses involving a motor vehicle.
Violent Crime Defense
We can defend assault charges, stalking charges, and harassment charges, including in domestic violence cases. Violent crimes demand experienced representation. Our practice includes defending clients against simple assault, aggravated assault, and charges involving a deadly weapon. We understand that these criminal accusations can arise from misunderstandings or situations where self-defense was necessary.
Property Crimes and Theft Offenses
If you were arrested for a theft crime or related offense, including for burglary or robbery, our criminal defense team is here to help. We also defend against identity theft and credit card fraud charges. These criminal cases often involve complex financial evidence that requires careful analysis. Property crimes can range from petty disorderly persons offenses to serious indictable crimes.
Weapons Charges and Firearms Offenses
Our criminal defense attorney has the experience needed to take on a weapons charge, including firearms offenses. New Jersey has some of the strictest weapons laws in the country. Even lawful gun owners can face serious charges if they unknowingly violate these regulations.
Sex Crimes and Sexual Assault Defense
Sex crimes are very serious criminal charges. We help defendants facing even the most severe of allegations. Our practice includes defending against sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, and criminal sexual contact charges. Any allegation of a sexual nature requires immediate legal intervention. These cases can result in life imprisonment and mandatory sex offender registration. We conduct an independent investigation in every case to uncover evidence that supports your defense.
Criminal Mischief and Disorderly Conduct
Criminal mischief is no small matter. It has the potential to carry jail time. We also defend disorderly conduct charges and other disorderly person offenses that may seem minor but can create a permanent criminal record. Even a petty disorderly persons offense deserves a proper defense.
Homicide and Manslaughter Defense
Are you or a loved one facing a homicide charge? You need a defense lawyer with experience handling manslaughter and murder cases. First-degree crimes like murder carry the most serious penalties under state law. These cases require thorough preparation and a defense attorney who can challenge the prosecution’s evidence at every turn.
Post-Conviction Relief
We have the specialized skills, knowledge, and experience to help clients and their families navigate the complexities of post-conviction relief. Whether you’re seeking to overturn a criminal conviction or reduce your sentence, we guide you through the entire legal process.
Understanding Your Rights During a Criminal Investigation
When law enforcement contacts you regarding a criminal matter, knowing your rights is critical. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. These constitutional rights protect you during every stage of a criminal investigation. Many people make mistakes by speaking to police without representation, believing they can explain their way out of trouble. This almost always works against you.
Our New Jersey criminal attorneys step in immediately to protect your interests. We communicate with investigators on your behalf and ensure that any evidence gathered respects your legal protections. If evidence was obtained illegally, we file motions to suppress it. Building a strong defense often starts with what happens in those first critical hours after an arrest.
The Impact of a Criminal Record on Your Future
A criminal conviction creates a permanent criminal record that follows you for years. It can prevent you from getting jobs, housing, and educational opportunities. Even a criminal offense that seems minor today can have major consequences tomorrow. Employers conduct background checks. Landlords review criminal histories. Professional licensing boards deny applications based on past convictions.
That’s why fighting the charges now is so important. Our New Jersey criminal defense lawyers work to avoid convictions whenever possible. When a conviction cannot be avoided, we pursue alternative sentencing options that minimize long-term damage. We also advise clients on expungement opportunities that may become available in the future. Protecting your criminal record is about protecting your entire future.
Our Proven Track Record in New Jersey Criminal Courts
Our proven track record speaks for itself. We have successfully defended clients in criminal cases throughout Atlantic County and beyond. From municipal courts to superior courts, our legal team has achieved favorable outcomes in cases involving everything from a disorderly persons offense to serious felonies. Whether it’s your first offense or a subsequent offense, we provide high-quality legal representation that makes a difference.
How New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer Bonnie Putterman Can Help
Being arrested and charged with a crime is frightening. With so much at stake, it is imperative that you have a strong advocate on your side. Bonnie Putterman is a New Jersey criminal defense attorney who fights for justice. Our client testimonials tell the story of what we can do in both misdemeanor and felony cases. When you contact us at our Atlantic County office, you will connect with a New Jersey criminal defense attorney who can:
- Hear your story and answer questions about your case;
- Review the arrest and investigate the charges;
- Help you gather and prepare evidence for your defense;
- Represent you before police and prosecutors; and
- Develop a strategy to protect your freedom and your future.
Criminal Defense in New Jersey: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. Not without first speaking to a lawyer. A criminal charge is an allegation. You have the right to raise a strong defense. The burden of proof always rests on the shoulders of the prosecution. While a plea agreement might be the right option, it should be negotiated by a defense attorney.
Technically, New Jersey does not use the terms “misdemeanor” or “felony.” Instead, the state classifies crimes as either “disorderly persons offenses” or “indictable crimes.” Disorderly persons offenses are similar to misdemeanors, while indictable crimes are more serious and carry longer potential sentences.
It depends. While that is not an option for every criminal conviction, there are many situations in which an expungement is possible. Indeed, New Jersey allows expungement of certain arrests, convictions, and dismissed charges after a waiting period. A defense lawyer with experience handling expungement cases can help.
Contact a criminal defense attorney right away. Do not discuss your case with anyone except your lawyer. Exercise your right to remain silent and do not consent to searches without legal counsel present. The sooner you have representation, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.
Legal fees vary depending on the complexity of your case. We offer a free initial consultation where we discuss the charges against you and provide transparent information about costs. Many clients find that investing in quality representation saves them money in the long run by avoiding convictions and the associated consequences.
Contact Our Atlantic County Criminal Defense Attorney Today
At Putterman Legal, our New Jersey criminal defense lawyer is standing by, ready to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future. If you or your loved one was arrested, we can help. Contact us today for a fully private case review at (609) 625-8383. From our legal office in Atlantic County, our team provides criminal defense representation throughout the wider region in New Jersey.
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Laura S.
I have used Bonnie for years in several legal areas divorce, child support, and real estate transactions and will continue to use it if necessary. She is highly professional and knowledgeable… Read More