Ocean County Criminal Defense

Have you been charged with a crime in Ocean County, NJ? Prosecutors will move fast to build their case, and you should act just as quickly to protect yourself. Waiting can put your rights at risk. When your future is on the line, you need a lawyer who stands with you from start to finish. That’s where Ocean County criminal defense attorney William Fay, Esq., comes in. Mr. Fay uses his background as a former Deputy Attorney General to anticipate the state’s approach and build strategies that protect you in court. He is accessible, responsive, and fully involved in every case he accepts. Contact Mr. Fay today to arrange your free, confidential consultation session.

Why Hire William Fay for Your Criminal Defense Matters?

Mr. Fay is a born-and-bred New Jerseyan who defends people throughout Ocean County with determination and professionalism. As a former Deputy Attorney General with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, Mr. Fay has investigated and prosecuted numerous criminal cases. This experience provides him with valuable insight into how the state builds its cases, which he now uses to protect clients facing a wide range of criminal charges.

Mr. Fay knows that no two cases are alike. That’s why he meticulously reviews the evidence, examines every detail, and develops tailored defense strategies accordingly. He guides clients through each phase of the criminal process, combining aggressive courtroom advocacy with genuine compassion.

When you hire Mr. Fay, you work directly with him. He will not pass you off to junior associates or paralegals, and he remains directly accessible by cell phone throughout your case. He offers free consultations by phone or in person, allowing you to speak with him before making any decisions. Contact our law office today to speak with a reputable criminal defense attorney in Ocean County. Your consultation is free and fully confidential.

Why Do You Need a Lawyer When Facing Criminal Charges?

From the moment you are arrested or charged with a crime, a team of prosecutors and investigators starts developing a case against you. Their goal is a conviction, and they will utilize every available resource to achieve it. Without legal representation, you risk fighting an uphill battle against professionals who handle these cases every day.

An Ocean County criminal lawyer can provide the knowledge and strategic insight necessary to level the playing field in your favor. They can scrutinize how evidence was obtained and identify procedural errors to push back against unfair accusations and change the outcome of your case.

When you hire a criminal defense lawyer in Ocran County, you do not have to face the criminal justice system alone. You have someone by your side who understands the system, can protect your rights, and can focus on achieving the most favorable resolution possible.

What Types of Criminal Cases Does William Fay Handle?

Mr. Fay represents people across New Jersey who face criminal charges that threaten their freedom, reputation, and future. His practice covers every stage of the legal process, from post-arrest bail motions to record expungements. They include the following:

Assault and Threat Offenses

Assault and threat charges in New Jersey can range from simple assault to aggravated assault with serious injury. Judges consider intent, circumstances, and prior records when imposing penalties for these cases. Convictions can result in jail time, probation, and a lasting record that could affect employment and professional licensing opportunities for years.

Drug Offenses

Drug charges involve harsh penalties that escalate based on substance type and quantity. Distribution allegations can trigger mandatory prison time, but even minor possession charges can disrupt futures. Defense strategies in these cases often focus on unlawful searches or unreliable lab testing. Strong advocacy in court can mean the difference between reduced charges and harsh sentences.

DWI and DUI Offenses

A DWI conviction in New Jersey can result in fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Drivers can also face higher insurance premiums and long-term damage to their reputations. Police and prosecutors rely heavily on test results in DWI cases, which are not always reliable. A defense lawyer can contest those results and challenge whether the arrest followed proper procedures.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence accusations move quickly in New Jersey courts, often before a judge has heard both sides, and restraining orders can separate families immediately. Convictions can limit child custody, housing options, and individual liberty. Defending against these allegations requires swift action to challenge false claims and limit collateral damage.

Juvenile Offenses

Juvenile cases often involve offenses such as shoplifting and vandalism. While New Jersey emphasizes rehabilitation for minors, serious charges can still lead to detention or even be transferred to adult court. The outcomes of these cases can significantly impact a young person’s education, future career.

Sexual Offenses

Sex offense allegations carry severe consequences, from prison terms to mandatory sex offender registration. Prosecutors pursue these charges aggressively, and their cases often rely on disputed testimony and sensitive forensic evidence. Defense strategies can involve challenging unreliable witnesses, scrutinizing questionable evidence, and addressing procedural flaws to ensure the accused receives a fair chance.

Theft and Fraud Offenses

Theft and fraud crimes include burglary, shoplifting, credit card abuse, and financial offenses. Penalties for these crimes increase in proportion to the value of the goods or money involved. Convictions can result in court-ordered restitution payments, probation, or prison. Beyond sentencing, these charges leave a record that can threaten future employment or business opportunities.

Weapons Offenses

Weapons charges in New Jersey can lead to mandatory prison time under strict state laws. Common weapons-related allegations involve unlawful possession, carrying without a permit, or use of a weapon during another offense. Evidence of police conduct during searches and seizures can play a central role in building a defense and limiting penalties in these cases.

Expungements of Criminal Records

Expungement is the process of removing eligible criminal records from public systems in New Jersey, which can significantly improve job, housing, and licensing opportunities. Eligibility depends on the nature of the offense and the time since completion of the sentence. Filing mistakes can result in denials, but guidance from an experienced attorney considerably increases the likelihood of success.

Bail Motions

A bail motion determines whether a person must remain in custody while awaiting trial. Judges evaluate factors like flight risk, public safety, and the severity of the charges when deciding whether to grant bail. A knowledgeable defense attorney can argue on their client’s behalf during these cases to secure pretrial release with conditions such as monitoring or reduced bail.

Violations of Probation or Parole

If someone violates the terms of their probation or parole, they might be required to return to jail even without any new criminal charges. Probation and parole violation hearings move quickly and require less evidence than a full criminal trial. An effective defense strategy may persuade the court to impose continued supervision rather than revoke release.

Restraining Order Hearings

Restraining order hearings take place soon after a complaint is filed. Judges review testimony and evidence under a lower standard than is necessary in criminal cases. If granted, final restraining orders can affect custody, housing, and gun ownership rights. Respondents must act quickly, as these hearings can shape the future of their personal freedoms and family relationships within a matter of days.

What Are Potential Legal Defenses to Charges You Are Facing?

Every criminal case requires a defense strategy tailored to the facts, charges, and available evidence. While the right approach depends on the circumstances, certain well-established defense strategies could play a central role in challenging the state’s case. They include those based on the following:

What Are the Degrees of Crimes in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, offenses known as “indictable crimes” are roughly equivalent to what other states refer to as felonies. There are four degrees of indictable crimes.

First-degree crimes are the most serious and carry the harshest penalties, including lengthy prison terms. Fourth-degree crimes are less serious but still punishable by possible jail time.

New Jersey also recognizes “disorderly persons offenses,” which are comparable to misdemeanors in other states. These cases do not involve indictments but can still result in fines, probation, and brief jail sentences.

What Steps Should You Take If You Have Been Arrested?

The steps you take immediately after an arrest can affect the strength of your defense and the outcome of your case. The following are examples of what you should and shouldn’t do after being arrested on suspicion of a crime in New Jersey:

• Stay calm and cooperate with law enforcement during the booking process.
• Do not say or do anything that could be interpreted as resisting arrest.
• Tell the police politely but firmly that you intend to exercise your right to remain silent.
• Take note of your arresting officer’s name and badge number.
• Do not answer police questions without an Ocean County criminal defense lawyer present.
• Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
• Do not discuss your case with friends, family, or cellmates.
• Avoid posting about your arrest or charges on social media.
• Keep records of everything related to your arrest, including paperwork and court notices.