Violent Crime Cases We Handle

• Assault and Battery: This category can include simple assault, which is generally considered a disorderly persons offense and may involve minor injury or the threat of harm, as well as aggravated assault, which is a much more serious indictable offense. Aggravated assault can involve the use of a weapon, causing serious bodily injury, or committing an assault against certain protected individuals, such as police officers or teachers. Convictions can result in years of imprisonment, substantial fines, and long-term damage to your personal and professional life.
• Domestic Violence: Allegations of domestic violence involving spouses, partners, family members, or household members are taken very seriously in New Jersey. Charges may include assault, harassment, terroristic threats, or stalking. In addition to potential criminal penalties, a domestic violence case can lead to restraining orders, restrictions on contact with children, loss of firearm rights, and serious consequences in family court matters such as divorce and custody disputes.
• Kidnapping: Kidnapping is a first-degree offense in New Jersey and can result in decades of prison time. The law applies not only to abductions but also to unlawfully confining someone with the intent to commit another crime, inflict injury, or interfere with governmental functions. These cases are prosecuted at both the county and state level and often attract intense media attention, which can influence public perception.
• Robbery: Robbery occurs when theft is committed along with the use of force or the threat of force. In New Jersey, robbery is typically charged as a second-degree crime, but it can be elevated to a first-degree offense if the defendant is armed or causes serious injury during the act. Convictions can lead to long prison sentences under the No Early Release Act, which requires offenders to serve at least 85 percent of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
• Vehicular Homicide: Also referred to as death by auto, vehicular homicide involves causing the death of another person while driving recklessly or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These cases often involve accident reconstruction, toxicology reports, and expert testimony. Penalties can include lengthy prison terms, permanent driver’s license revocation, and a criminal record that will follow you for life.
• Rape and Other Sexual Assault Crimes: Sexual assault charges are among the most severe accusations a person can face. Convictions often carry long prison sentences, mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender under Megan’s Law, and strict parole supervision for life. These charges can be based on allegations of force, threats, incapacity, or lack of consent and can have life-altering consequences even if the accusations are unfounded.
• Weapons Offenses Connected to Violent Crimes: New Jersey enforces some of the toughest gun laws in the country, and committing a violent crime while in possession of a firearm or other weapon can trigger additional charges and mandatory minimum sentences under the state’s Graves Act. Even possessing a weapon without using it during a violent crime can result in severe penalties.

Penalties and Consequences of Violent Crime Charges in New Jersey

• Lengthy Prison Sentences: Prison terms vary depending on the degree of the offense. Second-degree crimes often carry 5 to 10 years in prison, while first-degree crimes can result in 10 to 20 years or even life without parole for the most serious offenses, such as murder or certain aggravated sexual assaults. The severity of the sentence often depends on the circumstances of the case, the presence of aggravating factors, and prior criminal history.
• Hefty Fines: Fines for violent crimes can range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. In some cases, the court may also order restitution to compensate victims for medical bills, property damage, or other losses. These financial penalties can create long-term hardship, especially when combined with the loss of income due to incarceration.
• Permanent Criminal Record: A conviction for a violent crime will remain on your record indefinitely, appearing on background checks for employment, housing, professional licensing, and more. New Jersey law generally does not allow the expungement of violent felony convictions, meaning the impact is lifelong.
• Loss of Employment Opportunities: Many employers will not hire applicants with violent crime convictions, particularly in fields that require trust, public interaction, or security clearance. Even after serving a sentence, finding stable employment can be a significant challenge.
• Loss of Professional Licenses: If you hold a license in a regulated profession, such as law, medicine, teaching, or finance, a conviction may result in suspension or permanent revocation of your license.
• Impact on Immigration Status: Non-citizens convicted of certain violent crimes may face deportation, denial of reentry into the United States, or ineligibility for naturalization.
• Collateral and Personal Consequences: Beyond legal penalties, a conviction can cause profound personal hardship, including strained or broken relationships, loss of community standing, and emotional distress for both you and your family. The stigma of a violent crime conviction can follow you for the rest of your life.

Defenses Against Violent Crime Charges in New Jersey

• Self-Defense or Defense of Others: Many violent crime cases arise from confrontations that escalate quickly. In some instances, you may have been acting to protect yourself or another person from immediate harm. New Jersey law recognizes the right to use reasonable force in self-defense or in defense of others. We work to present evidence, such as witness statements, surveillance footage, or physical evidence, to show that your actions were justified under the circumstances.
• Lack of Intent: Certain violent crimes require proof that the accused acted with specific intent to cause harm. If the prosecution cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you intended to commit the alleged act, your charges may be reduced or dismissed. For example, a case involving accidental injury during a heated argument may not meet the legal threshold for aggravated assault.
• Mistaken Identity: In high-stress situations, witnesses can misidentify individuals. Lighting, distance, and the chaotic nature of violent incidents can make it difficult for someone to be absolutely certain about what they saw. We can challenge eyewitness testimony, question the reliability of photo or lineup identifications, and present alternative evidence showing you were not involved.
• Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution bears the burden of proving its case beyond a reasonable doubt. If their evidence is weak, inconsistent, or based on unreliable testimony, we can move to have charges reduced or dismissed. This may involve challenging the credibility of witnesses, questioning the accuracy of forensic evidence, or pointing out inconsistencies in the state’s case.
• Violation of Constitutional Rights: If law enforcement violated your rights at any point during the investigation, such as conducting an illegal search, failing to read you your Miranda rights, or obtaining evidence through coercion, that evidence may be inadmissible in court. Suppressing unlawfully obtained evidence can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case.

The Importance of Early Legal Representation in Violent Crime Cases

• Preserve Critical Evidence: Evidence such as surveillance footage, phone records, or physical items at the scene can be lost or destroyed quickly. Acting fast allows your attorney to secure this evidence before it is gone.
• Protect Your Rights During Questioning: Without an attorney present, you may unknowingly say something that harms your defense. Your lawyer can ensure that law enforcement respects your constitutional rights during interrogations.
• Begin Investigating Immediately: Memories fade and witnesses become harder to locate over time. By starting the investigation early, your attorney can gather statements, locate supporting witnesses, and identify inconsistencies in the prosecution’s account.
• Negotiate Before Formal Charges Are Filed: In some cases, early negotiations with prosecutors can result in reduced charges or even prevent charges from being formally filed, sparing you from the most serious consequences.

How Can Mallon and Tranger Help With a Violent Crime Charge?

• Thorough Case Evaluation: An attorney will carefully review all available evidence, including police reports, witness statements, medical records, and forensic findings, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and uncover facts that may support a strong defense.
• Aggressive Defense Strategies: From challenging the credibility of evidence to presenting alternative explanations for events, a defense lawyer will develop strategies tailored to the specifics of the case, whether seeking reduced charges or preparing for trial.
• Negotiation Skills: Lawyers with experience in local courts know how to engage with prosecutors to pursue favorable plea agreements, reduced penalties, or alternative sentencing options.
• Trial Representation: If the case proceeds to trial, an attorney will advocate on the client’s behalf, presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and working to create reasonable doubt in the minds of the jury.
• Client Guidance and Support: Beyond the courtroom, a good attorney ensures the client understands the process, stays informed about developments, and receives advice that supports both legal and personal interests during a difficult time.

Why Choose Mallon and Tranger?

Additional Legal Services We Offer

• Sex Crimes
• Drug Crimes
• White-Collar Crimes
• DUI Defense
• Police Brutality
• And More 

Contact Mallon and Tranger After a New Jersey Violent Crime Charge