Lakewood Township Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being accused of a crime is one of the most stressful experiences you can go through. It has the potential to alter your life immediately and permanently. Depending on the severity of the charges against you, you may face years or decades in prison and irreparable damage to your reputation.

When you’re going up against the justice system in Lakewood Township, you have far too much to lose to risk going it alone. That’s why you need William Fay, Esq., an experienced Lakewood Township criminal defense lawyer, to defend your rights and advocate for you throughout the process.

Mr. Fay is a born-and-bred New Jersey attorney who previously served as Deputy Attorney General with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. In that role, he investigated and prosecuted countless criminal cases statewide. This background provides him with an informed perspective on how the prosecution operates, insight that he now uses to build strong, strategic defenses for his clients.

Contact him today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.

Why Hire William Fay for Your Lakewood Township Criminal Defense Matters?

When your freedom and reputation are on the line, you want a lawyer who combines deep legal experience with a personal commitment to achieving the justice you deserve. William Fay is an aggressive and determined criminal defense attorney whose past experience as a prosecutor gives him unique insight into New Jersey’s courts and justice system.

Mr. Fay understands that every case presents its own challenges and circumstances. His approach is both determined and professional: he carefully reviews every piece of evidence, evaluates all available options, and develops a defense strategy tailored to each client’s situation. From the initial consultation through to courtroom proceedings, he will be directly involved in your case, guiding you through every stage of the process and fighting aggressively to protect your rights.

Especially if this is your first time dealing with the criminal justice system in Lakewood Township, you likely have many questions and concerns about what the criminal process entails. When you hire Mr. Fay to represent you, you can count on direct communication and personal attention. He is accessible by cell phone and will maintain regular contact with you, so you’ll never have to work through intermediaries. Mr. Fay will personally handle your case from start to finish.

Reach out today for your free, fully confidential case evaluation.

Why Do You Need a Lawyer When Facing Criminal Charges?

Facing criminal charges can be intimidating and confusing, especially if this has never happened to you before. What’s especially scary is the extent to which the consequences of a conviction can affect your freedom, finances, and future opportunities.

Trying to handle your case on your own puts you at a serious disadvantage against prosecutors who do this work every day. Working with a knowledgeable Lakewood Township criminal defense attorney means you have someone on your side who understands the process, knows the law, and can protect your rights every step of the way.

From your first meeting with Mr. Fay, he will do the following:

• Clearly explain the charges and potential consequences
• Identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop a targeted defense strategy
• File motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence
• Negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges when possible
• Represent you at arraignments, hearings, and trials
• Question witnesses and challenge the state’s evidence
• Guide you through plea discussions and sentencing options
• Keep you informed and supported throughout the entire legal process

What Types of Criminal Cases Does William Fay Handle?

Mr. Fay represents individuals facing a broad range of criminal matters in Lakewood Township and throughout New Jersey, including the following:

• Assault and Threat Offenses – These cases often hinge on the credibility of witnesses and the circumstances leading up to the alleged confrontation. Mr. Fay may highlight issues such as self-defense, mutual combat, or mistaken identity and build a strategy around evidence, including video footage or prior communication.
• Drug Offenses – New Jersey drug charges range from simple possession to intent to distribute. Outcomes often depend on how police obtained evidence and whether the search, seizure, or arrest complied with constitutional standards. The classification of the substance and the quantity involved can also affect potential penalties.
• DWI and DUI Offenses – Drunk or impaired driving cases involve strict penalties, including license suspension and mandatory fines. Whether the charges hold up in court depends on the validity of breathalyzer results, field sobriety testing, and traffic stop procedures.
• Domestic Violence – Domestic violence allegations can trigger both criminal and civil consequences, such as restraining orders or child custody restrictions. These cases often rely on emotional testimony, and the defense may involve highlighting inconsistencies in statements or a lack of corroborating evidence.
• Juvenile Offenses – Juvenile cases focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment and require special handling. The outcome can shape a young person’s future, including their educational and employment opportunities. Early intervention and advocacy can significantly impact long-term outcomes for young offenders.
• Sexual Offenses – Sex crime charges carry severe reputational and legal risks. Many cases depend on issues of consent, credibility, and forensic evidence. Defense strategies often involve a careful review of digital communications and investigative methods.
• Theft and Fraud Offenses – Ranging from shoplifting to complex financial crimes, theft and fraud cases often depend on documenting and proving intent. Financial records, surveillance footage, and witness statements may be key to determining whether a crime occurred or a misunderstanding led to charges.
• Weapons Offenses – New Jersey enforces some of the nation’s toughest gun laws. Even lawful firearm owners in Lakewood Township can face prosecution for technical violations of the law. Building a strong defense requires an understanding of exceptions, licensing requirements, and the rules governing the transportation of firearms.
• Expungements of Criminal Records – The expungement process allows individuals to clear eligible criminal records and move forward without the shadow of past mistakes affecting their employment, educational, or housing opportunities.
• Bail Motions – When someone is held pending trial, a well-prepared bail motion can argue for their release based on their ties to the community, their work history, and the absence of a flight risk or danger to the public.
• Violations of Probation or Parole – An alleged violation of a probation or parole order doesn’t always justify incarceration. Evidence may suggest that the defendant misunderstood the terms or was subject to unreasonable conditions. Having strong legal advocacy at this stage can preserve a person’s freedom.
• Restraining Order Hearings – These hearings can have lasting implications on a person’s personal and professional life. To achieve a fair outcome, Mr. Fay presents evidence clearly and addresses inconsistencies in the petitioner’s claims.

What Are Potential Legal Defenses to Charges You Are Facing?

Every criminal case is different. Preparing an effective defense strategy requires a thorough review of the specific facts and evidence. Some of the most common defenses include the following:

What Are the Degrees of Crimes in New Jersey?

New Jersey classifies criminal offenses by degree based on their seriousness. The degree determines the potential penalties, and the higher the degree, the more severe the consequences. The degrees are as follows:

• First-Degree Crimes – This is the most serious category, including offenses like murder, aggravated sexual assault, and major drug trafficking. Penalties can include imprisonment for 10 years to life and fines of up to $200,000.
• Second-Degree Crimes – These include crimes such as robbery, aggravated assault, and certain firearm offenses. Convictions can result in five to ten years in prison and fines of up to $150,000.
• Third-Degree Crimes – Common examples of third-degree offenses include burglary, theft, and possession of controlled substances. Sentences can range from three to five years in prison, along with fines of up to $15,000.
• Fourth-Degree Crimes – These are less severe but still serious offenses, such as stalking or unlawful possession of a weapon. Penalties include imprisonment for up to 18 months and fines of up to $10,000.

What Steps Should You Take If You Have Been Arrested?

Although an arrest can be overwhelming, if you take the following steps early, you can more effectively protect your rights and improve the outcome of your case:

• Remain calm and don’t resist arrest.
• Exercise your right to remain silent.
• Contact a Lakewood Township criminal lawyer for representation immediately.
• Don’t discuss your case with anyone but your attorney.
• Don’t consent to searches without a warrant.
• Assist your attorney in gathering and preserving any evidence or witness contact information.
• Comply with court dates and other legal obligations.
• Don’t post details about your arrest on social media.
• Take detailed notes about the incident while it’s fresh in your mind.
• Follow your attorney’s guidance throughout the process.

Contact a Lakewood Township Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you’re facing criminal charges in Lakewood Township, you deserve nothing less than compassionate, reliable, and highly professional legal representation to fight the charges and protect your freedom and future.

William Fay, Esq., is ready to provide the support you need during this difficult time. Contact him online or call today to gain insight into your legal rights and the steps involved in mounting a strong defense. Your consultation is free and fully confidential.