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The criminal defense attorneys of LS&P Lawyers frequently represent individuals accused of crimes in Somerset County Superior Court. We handle a wide array of criminal cases including possession and distribution offenses, assault, robbery, burglary, money laundering, and many others.
Somerset County is one of the toughest counties in the state to negotiate plea agreements. In our experience this has led to many cases going to trial. If you have been accused of committing a crime in Somerset County you need a skilled, aggressive and thorough trial attorney. At LS&P Lawyers we have over 35 years of experience as trial attorneys. Not only do we have decades of experience but one of our founding partners is a former prosecutor. This unique perspective allows us to anticipate the State’s case to build a strong defense on your behalf. In addition, our team has a trained and certified DWI attorney. He has spent hours in New Jersey State Police DWI courses learning everything there is to know about the Standard Field Sobriety Tests and the Alcotest. Above all, our team of criminal defense attorneys are knowledgeable, skilled and persistent.
Unfortunately, since so few plea agreements are given here, the resulting consequences of being convicted of a criminal offense can be very severe. Typically, plea agreements offer a compromise between the prosecutor and defendant which results in a lesser sentence. However, without this option you need a strong defense to avoid the most serious of consequences.
For example, a conviction for possession of prescription drugs with the intent to distribute can have catastrophic consequences on your life. Depending on the amount and type of drug you could face anywhere from 18 months to 20 years in prison and be required to pay up to $150,000 in fines.
It is important to know that for any drug offense in New Jersey there are mandatory minimum penalties. The state strictly enforces these penalties. In these instances, the judge is required to deliver fixed sentences regardless of any mitigating factors. The judge shall not sentence you to less time than the minimum. Those who are serving mandatory minimum sentences are also ineligible to parole. The mandatory minimum is determined by the type of drug, weight of the mixture, and prior convictions.
Assault offenses, specifically aggravated assault offenses are also taken very seriously in Somerset County. Depending on the degree of the aggravated assault charge you could face up to 10 years in prison and up to $150,000 in fines. Even a fourth degree aggravated assault conviction can still land you up to 18 months in prison and a $1,000 fine.
If you are convicted of any crime, even after serving a lengthy jail sentence and paying a large sum of fines, you will have a tarnished criminal record that can inhibit your life in more ways than you might think. A criminal record can make it difficult to obtain or keep employment, obtain credit or a loan, and to pursue educational opportunities, among other things. The best way to defeat these charges or at least avoid the harshest penalties is to have qualified counsel to represent you in court. At LS&P Lawyers our defense attorneys are diligent and relentless in providing unparalleled representation to our clients at a fair price.