Felony Charges

First Degree, Second Degree, Third Degree & Fourth Degree Crime Defense Lawyers in Toms River NJ

When someone is charged with a felony offense in Ocean County, the charge is defined as a first degree, second degree crime, third degree crime or fourth degree crime. While these classifications do not include the term “felony”, that is precisely what they are inasmuch as they involve exposure to more than six (6) months in jail. All first degree, second degree, third degree and fourth degree crimes are handled at the Superior Court in Toms River since that is the only venue in Ocean County where someone can have their criminal charges decided by a jury of their peers. If you are facing a charge of this nature in Little Egg Harbor, Ocean Township, Toms River, Jackson, Manchester or another municipality, you need to know that you are exposed to a state prison sentence if you are convicted and should therefore definitely retain the best attorney you can afford. Our firm, Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, offers an exceptional team of former prosecutors and a staff of attorneys with over 100 years of experience defending indictable cases in Ocean County. Contact our Toms River Office for a free consultation so that you insure that your interests are protected. An attorney is available 24/7 at (732) 286-6500.

First Degree Crime

The most serious grade of felony criminal offense set forth under New Jersey law is a first degree crime. Offenses like aggravated sexual assault, armed robbery and distribution of cocaine in an amount of 5 ounces or more fall within this grade. The standard penalties for a first degree crime include up to a $200,000 fine and 10-20 years in prison.

Second Degree Crimes

A conviction for a second degree crime carries a state prison term of five (5) to ten (10) years. There is a presumption of incarceration, meaning, a virtual certainty that you will have to go to jail, if you are convicted of a second degree crime. You may also face a fine as high as $150,000. Common second degree crimes include Aggravated Assault, Distribution of CDS in a Public Park, and eluding.

Third Degree Crimes

A third degree crime involves maximum jail exposure of five (5) years and a fine of up to $15,000. Some of the more frequently charged third degree crimes include heroin possession of less than a half once, burglary, and possession of an illegal handgun.

Fourth Degree Crimes

While a fourth degree crime is the least serious indictable offense in NJ, it nevertheless involves as much as 18 months in prison. You can also be fined $10,000. The charges that fall into the fourth degree range include shoplifting merchandise with a value of $200-$500, criminal sexual contact and possession of more of marijuana.

Toms River Highly Experienced Indictable Crime Attorneys

No one wants to have a felony on their record because it can have a devastating effect on employment and other endeavors. There is also the real possibility of jail in the event of a conviction to even a fourth degree crime. You certainly should take advantage of speaking to an attorney in a free consultation if you have been charged with a felony indictable offense anywhere in Ocean County, including Brick Township, Plumsted, Lakewood, Berkeley and Lacey. Indeed, you are exposed to as much as five (5) years in prison for a third degree crime and ten (10) years for a second degree crime. Do not make the mistake that we witness so often where a defendant finally reaches out to a private attorney when it is too late. Call us for a free consultation with a Toms River Criminal Defense Lawyer now. We are available 24/7 to assist you.