Criminal Attorneys for Clients Arrested in Pohatcong, New Jersey

If you have a criminal or traffic matter arising out of Pohatcong, New Jersey, the type of offense determines which Court is given jurisdiction to hear the matter. In other words, certain courts are granted subject-matter jurisdiction to hear particular criminal cases in New Jersey. Specifically, the Pohatcong Municipal Court has jurisdiction over county or municipal ordinance violations, motor vehicle and traffic violations, disorderly persons offenses and non-indictable offenses, in addition to fish and gaming violations and other limited proceedings. The Superior Court, on the other hand, essentially is given the authority to hear all types of cases, including felony charges for what are technically known as indictable crimes under New Jersey law.

In addition to determining the court of jurisdiction, the type of criminal or traffic charge you are facing also determines the potential penalties you face if convicted. Despite the variability among criminal and DUI offenses and their consequences, all of these accusations can have an enormously detrimental impact on your life, both now and in the years to come. To avoid such harmful effects, it is highly advisable to enlist help from a local Pohatcong criminal defense lawyer with experience handling cases in both Pohatcong Municipal and Warren County Superior Court. The skilled team of attorneys at our firm is here to assist you with vigorously disputing the charges and navigating the legal process ahead. Simply contact us at 973-755-1695 for a free consultation to discuss your situation and take the first step toward moving on.

Criminal Charges Handled in Pohatcong Municipal Court

Despite Municipal Courts having limited jurisdiction to hear specific types of matters, there are still a significant amount of cases that can be heard at the Municipal Court level.  For example, if you are facing DWI/DUI charges, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana, possessing a controlled dangerous substance (“CDS”) in a motor vehicle, simple assault (including domestic violence simple assault), shoplifting, as well as several others, it is likely your case will be in the Pohatcong Municipal Court.

The Pohatcong Township Municipal Court is located at 50 Municipal Drive, Phillipsburg, New Jersey, 08865. Pohatcong entered a Shared Service Agreement with Greenwich Township Municipal Court, which means that the two municipalities share one Court located at the Pohatcong location.  The Court’s hours of operation are from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.  The Court can be reached by phone: 908-454-6121, fax: 908-454-5911, or email: court@pohatcongtwp.org. The Court Administrator is Cyndi C. Lehr. You can learn more about the court on their website.

Although the penalties at the Municipal Court may not be as serious as penalties found in the Superior Court, there are many factors that will determine your overall sentence (which in turn will impact the amount of a monetary fine, jail time, and more).  The fines and penalties may also be contingent on your prior criminal history as well.  In some instances, you may even be eligible for a diversionary program. A diversionary program is generally for first-time offenders and allows the offender to complete probation for a specified period of time. After the completion of the probation, the charges are then dismissed.

In the Municipal Court, a party may be granted acceptance into the Conditional Discharge Program, which allows for the offender’s one-time participation in the program for usually around a period of six months to one year.  After the completion of the program, the charges will then be dismissed.  Entry in the program is commonly for minor drug offenses. Comparably, the Conditional Dismissal program is for first-time offenders and is offered for disorderly conduct offenses, shoplifting offenses, and more. Similarly, after the completion of the program, the charges are dismissed.

Indictable Felony Crimes in Pohatcong NJ

If your Pohatcong case is at the Superior Court level, then it is likely you will attend the Warren County Superior Court.  The Warren County Superior Court is located at: 413 Second Street, P.O. Box 900, Belvidere, New Jersey 07823. This means you are facing more severe penalties because you have been charged with an indictable crime of either the fourth, third, second, or first degree. Depending on the degree of the charge or charges filed against you, the potential repercussions may include a term of incarceration ranging from 18 months to 20 years. Notably, for certain crimes considered particularly egregious, New Jersey allows for extended sentencing and mandatory periods of parole ineligibility. Some of the more common felony charges in Pohatcong include eluding police, aggravated assault, terroristic threats, and burglary.

Pohatcong DWI and Traffic Offenses

In New Jersey, traffic infractions do not carry criminal penalties unless there are consequences of the traffic offense that result in criminal charges. For example, a DWI in Pohatcong is considered a traffic offense. Although a DUI is very serious, the offense is considered traffic in nature. Facing jail time for your DWI will be contingent upon the number of prior DWI offenses you have. As a result, DWI’s can lead to quasi-criminal ramifications due to the severity of the charges. However, if your Pohatcong DUI led to Death By Auto charges or other criminal offenses, then you will have the criminal offense for Death By Auto in addition to your DWI traffic offense.  The Death By Auto offense would be disposed of at the Superior Court because of the gravity of the offense. For example, Death By Auto, or vehicular homicide in New Jersey, is a crime of the second degree and is considered a felony or indictable offense. A second-degree crime for vehicular homicide can range anywhere from 5-10 years in prison.  Depending on the circumstances, this offense can even be classified as a first-degree crime.  Additionally, aggravating factors may also increase the degree of the crime to a first degree and further increase the penalties involved if one was in a school zone, etc.

Despite DWI being a traffic-related offense in New Jersey, the ramifications are serious and can lead to loss of license and more. Whether it is for driving while intoxicated, refusal to submit to a breath test or driving under the influence of drugs, an attorney at our defense firm is ready to assist you.  Regardless if this is your first DWI or more, you will also be subjected to fees owed to the State and be required to pay for the installation of an interlock device. In addition to other tickets or violations associated with your stop, you may also be subjected to court-mandated alcohol programs and/or courses. It is important to note that DWI charges and other traffic offenses cannot be expunged from your driving abstract so it is important when facing these types of offenses to be armed with the understanding of its long-term impact.

About Pohatcong, New Jersey

Pohatcong, New Jersey is nestled in Warren County and has a total population of 3,339 individuals pursuant to the 2010 United States Census. Pohatcong borders Greenwich Township, Lopatcong Township and Phillipsburg, in addition to towns in Hunterdon County. The main roadways and highways that run through the area include Interstate 78, Route 22, Route 122 and CR 519.  In addition, there is the Riegelsville Bridge that connects Pohatcong to Pennsylvania. A point of commerce in the area is The Phillipsburg Mall, which is also on the border of Pohatcong and Lohatcong. You can visit the official website for Pohatcong Township, New Jersey to learn more about the town.

A Pohatcong Criminal Lawyer can Help with Your Case

Are you facing a Pohatcong criminal or DWI offense and need representation? Call The Tormey Law Firm for a free consultation to seek counsel for your Pohatcong Municipal Court or Warren County Superior Court matter. Likewise, to see if your Pohatcong criminal offenses are eligible for an expungement, call our local lawyers to discuss your eligibility. You can reach us anytime at 973-755-1695 for further information. A member of our team is available around the clock to provide you with a free consultation.