945+ Criminal Defense Lawyers in New Jersey

Browse 945+ criminal defense attorneys in New Jersey. Whether you're facing a misdemeanor, felony, DUI, or federal charge, the right attorney makes a measurable difference in your outcome. Law.AI profiles include bar status, years of experience, and direct contact details.

Featured Criminal Defense Attorneys in New Jersey

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Thomas Melani
Thomas Melani, Esq. | Law Offices of Thomas Melani
Elmwood Park, NJ

Thomas Melani is a seasoned attorney with an impressive legacy of over 490 years of experience in the legal field, dedic

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Matthew Jude Smith
Law Offices of Matthew Jude Smith | Callinan & Smith LLP
Ramsey, NJ

Matthew Jude Smith, a seasoned attorney based in Ramsey, NJ, is the founding partner of the Law Offices of Matthew Jude

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Angelo R. Bianchi
Law Offices of Angelo R. Bianchi | Angelo R. Bianchi, LLC
West Caldwell, NJ

Angelo R. Bianchi is a distinguished attorney based in West Caldwell, New Jersey, with an impressive career spanning ove

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Christopher Martin Carnelli
Christopher M. Carnelli, Esq., LLC
Cherry Hill, NJ

Christopher Martin Carnelli is the founder of Christopher M. Carnelli, Esq., LLC in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, where he re

Nicholas Frederick Spindler profile
Nicholas Frederick Spindler
Bubb Grogan & Cocca, LLP
Morristown, NJ

Nicholas Frederick Spindler is a distinguished attorney based in Morristown, New Jersey, with a formidable presence in t

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Richard D Madden
Law Offices of Richard D Madden
Woodbury, NJ

Richard D. Madden, a seasoned attorney with over four decades of comprehensive legal experience, is dedicated to deliver

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Natalie Janet Kraner
Lowenstein Sandler LLP | Law Offices of Natalie Janet Kraner
Roseland, NJ

Natalie Janet Kraner, a distinguished attorney based at Lowenstein Sandler LLP in Roseland, NJ, brings unparalleled expe

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Joseph J Russo
Law Offices of Joseph J Russo | New Jersey Office of Public Defender
Newark, NJ

Joseph J. Russo is a dedicated criminal defense attorney based in Newark, New Jersey, known for providing strategic, cli

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Jonathan Richard Metallo
Law Offices of Jonathan Richard Metallo | Verizon
Basking Ridge, NJ

Jonathan Richard Metallo is a seasoned attorney with an impressive tenure of 120 years in the legal profession, serving

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John Anthony Nicodemo
Office of The New Jersey Attorney General | Law Offices of John Anthony Nicodemo | New Jersey Office of the Attorney General
Trenton, NJ

John Anthony Nicodemo is a seasoned attorney with an unparalleled depth of experience, practicing law for over 130 years

Stephen Attema Gravatt profile
Stephen Attema Gravatt
Stephen A. Gravatt
Middletown, NJ

Stephen Attema Gravatt is a dedicated attorney with the firm Stephen A. Gravatt, serving clients from Middletown, New Je

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Christine Reinhardt
Law Offices of Christine Reinhardt
Summit, NJ

**Christine Reinhardt: Passionate Advocate and Legal Strategist** Christine Reinhardt, the founding attorney at the Law

What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Do?

A criminal defense attorney protects your constitutional rights at every stage of a criminal case — from arraignment and bail hearings through trial, sentencing, and appeals. They investigate charges, challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and advocate for the best possible outcome, which may include dismissal, reduced charges, or acquittal.

When Should You Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

  • ✓You have been arrested or charged with any crime, even a minor misdemeanor
  • ✓You are under investigation and have not been charged yet
  • ✓Police want to question you (your right to counsel applies before questioning)
  • ✓You have been charged with a DUI, drug offense, assault, theft, or fraud
  • ✓You are facing a felony that could result in prison time

Criminal Defense Attorneys by City in New Jersey

How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer in New Jersey

  1. 1Look for attorneys who focus primarily on criminal defense, not general practitioners
  2. 2Verify active bar membership and check for disciplinary history with the state bar
  3. 3Ask how many cases like yours they have handled in the past year
  4. 4Ask specifically about local court relationships and trial vs. plea experience
  5. 5Confirm who will handle your case day-to-day (partner vs. associate)

💡 Fee Structure: What to Expect

Criminal defense attorneys typically charge flat fees for misdemeanors ($1,500–$5,000) and hourly rates for felonies ($2,500–$25,000+). Retain an attorney as early as possible — the sooner you have representation, the more options you have.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a criminal defense attorney in New Jersey?

Search Law.AI's directory of verified criminal defense attorneys in New Jersey. Filter by city, review profiles including bar status and years of experience, and contact attorneys directly. Many criminal defense lawyers in New Jersey offer free initial consultations.

How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in New Jersey?

Criminal defense attorneys typically charge flat fees for misdemeanors ($1,500–$5,000) and hourly rates for felonies ($2,500–$25,000+). Retain an attorney as early as possible — the sooner you have representation, the more options you have.

What does a criminal defense attorney do?

A criminal defense attorney protects your constitutional rights at every stage of a criminal case — from arraignment and bail hearings through trial, sentencing, and appeals. They investigate charges, challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and advocate for the best possible outcome, which may include dismissal, reduced charges, or acquittal.

How do I verify a criminal defense lawyer's license in New Jersey?

Every attorney licensed in New Jersey is listed in the New Jersey State Bar's public directory. You can search by name to verify their license status and check for any disciplinary history. Law.AI profiles include bar admission data to make verification easy.

Related Resources

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