Criminal Defense in New Jersey

New Jersey classifies offenses as indictable crimes (equivalent to felonies in other states) in four degrees, disorderly persons offenses (equivalent to misdemeanors), and petty disorderly persons offenses. Defense costs for disorderly persons offenses run $3,000-$7,000, while indictable crime defense ranges from $7,000-$75,000. New Jersey does not have a grand jury indictment requirement — prosecutors file accusations directly. The state reformed its criminal justice system in 2017 by virtually eliminating cash bail and replacing it with a risk assessment-based pretrial release system. This was a landmark reform affecting how defendants are detained and released. New Jersey's Graves Act imposes mandatory minimum sentences for crimes committed with firearms. Drug cases in New Jersey are complicated by the 2021 marijuana legalization, which decriminalized possession but maintains strict laws against distribution. Camden County's progressive prosecution model has gained national attention.