Being charged with a crime can turn your world upside down. Whether it’s a misunderstanding, a lapse in judgment, a false accusation, or an honest mistake, you have rights and you deserve skilled legal representation.
William Fay, Esq., is an experienced Jackson Township criminal defense attorney. He understands what’s at stake in your case, and he will fight relentlessly to safeguard your future and see to it that your side of the story is heard. Contact him today for your free, no-obligation consultation.
Why Hire William Fay for Your Jackson Township Criminal Defense Matters?
Not all Jackson Township criminal defense lawyers bring the same level of experience or dedication to the table. When your freedom is on the line, you deserve an attorney who combines insider knowledge with proven results. Mr. Fay can offer the following:
- Experience as a Former Prosecutor – Fay is a former Deputy Attorney General with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. He has extensive experience prosecuting criminal law cases, offering a distinct advantage when building a successful defense and protecting your rights.
- Local Insight – As a born-and-bred New Jersey citizen, Mr. Fay has an intimate understanding of not only local laws, courts, and judges, but of New Jersey communities. His local knowledge and state-level professional experience offer unique insight into building your case.
- Personalized Defense Strategies – No two cases are the same. Mr. Fay takes the time to investigate the allegations, analyze evidence, speak with witnesses, and scrutinize procedures to develop an individually tailored defense strategy.
- Direct Communication and Accessibility – You’ll never be left in the dark working with Mr. Fay. He communicates directly with every client, providing regular updates and legal guidance personally, not through a paralegal or assistant.
- Client-Focused Services – Criminal cases are not just legal matters; they’re tremendously impactful life events. Mr. Fay remains determined and aggressive in the courtroom, but he offers empathy and understanding outside of it.
Reach out today for your free, fully confidential case review.
Why Do You Need a Lawyer When Facing Criminal Charges?
All criminal charges should be taken as seriously as possible, even those considered “minor.” Without a compassionate, experienced Jackson Township criminal lawyer, you could face jail time, heavy fines, suspended licenses, or a permanent criminal record. Your attorney can help in the following ways:
- Protecting Your Rights – From the moment of your arrest, police and prosecutors start building a case against you. Without strong legal guidance, it’s easy to say or do something that unintentionally weakens your defense. An attorney fights to protect your constitutional rights at every stage and challenges any unlawful searches, improper arrests, improper interrogations, or similar violations.
- Evaluating the Case and Evidence – A knowledgeable lawyer can analyze all the facts to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop the strongest possible defense. Without their guidance, it can be challenging to know what your best option may be, whether that’s seeking a dismissal, taking a plea deal, or going to trial.
- Offering Legal Knowledge and Experience – Criminal defense cases are complicated and challenging, and they require deep knowledge of the statutes and previous rulings that will impact your case. A skilled attorney offers that knowledge, and they know how to use it to develop a well-crafted defense.
- Conducting a Thorough Investigation – Prosecutors have the resources of the state behind them. You deserve someone who can help level the playing field. Your attorney can conduct an independent investigation that may tell a very different story from the one the prosecution presents.
- Leveraging Expert Testimony – Certain cases benefit significantly from expert opinions. From forensic specialists to toxicologists, digital analysts, or accident reconstruction specialists, a credible, professional analysis of the evidence from your attorney’s reliable network of experts can turn the tide of your case.
What Types of Criminal Cases Does William Fay Handle?
Mr. Fay represents clients throughout Jackson Township in various criminal matters. Some of the most common cases he handles include the following:
- Assault and Threat Offenses – For cases from simple and aggravated assault, harassment, and terroristic threats, Mr. Fay thoroughly reviews the alleged incident, scrutinizing evidence and witness credibility to construct a strong defense.
- Drug Offenses – From drug possession to distribution and manufacturing charges, Mr. Fay works to uncover procedural errors and violations of search-and-seizure laws.
- DWI and DUI Offenses – Drunk or drugged driving accusations can lead to harsh penalties. Mr. Fay carefully examines the stop and the sobriety tests to challenge questionable results.
- Domestic Violence – Mr. Fay offers discretion and compassion in these sensitive cases, helping clients protect their rights and disprove false allegations.
- Juvenile Offenses – When a young person is accused of wrongdoing, Mr. Fay fights to protect both their record and their future.
- Sexual Offenses – Allegations of sexual misconduct can have devastating social and legal consequences. Mr. Fay handles these cases with discretion, carefully building a strategic defense.
- Theft and Fraud Offenses – Charges like burglary, robbery, identity theft, and credit card fraud can result in severe penalties. Mr. Fay works tirelessly to protect client rights and reduce or dismiss charges where possible.
- Weapons Offenses – New Jersey has some of the strictest gun laws in the country. Mr. Fay evaluates weapons offense cases to challenge improper searches or procedural missteps.
- Expungements of Criminal Records – A past mistake doesn’t have to define your future. Mr. Fay assists clients with expunging their criminal records whenever possible, enabling them to enjoy new educational, financial, housing, and employment opportunities.
- Bail Motions – Mr. Fay advocates for pretrial release whenever possible.
- Violations of Probation or Parole – Mr. Fay helps clients respond to alleged probation or parole violations and works to minimize penalties while keeping them out of custody.
- Restraining Order Hearings – At your restraining order hearing, Mr. Fay can defend against false allegations and see that your voice is heard.
What Are Potential Legal Defenses to Charges You Are Facing?
Strong defense strategies revolve around identifying flaws in the prosecution’s case. While every criminal case is different, your attorney’s defense will likely involve one or more of the following strategies:
- Challenging Evidence – If police violated your rights through an unlawful search and seizure or improper interrogation, that evidence may be excluded, which can severely weaken the prosecution’s case.
- Witness Credibility – Witnesses can misremember or misrepresent the facts of the incident. Mr. Fay will analyze statements for inconsistencies or ulterior motives that could undermine testimony.
- Procedural Errors – Law enforcement errors (e.g., improper Miranda warnings or invalid warrants) can lead to a reduction or even dismissal of charges.
- Self-Defense – When force was used to protect yourself or others, you may have a valid self-defense claim that can potentially lead to a dismissal or acquittal.
- Mistaken Identity – In cases of mistaken identity, the strongest defense is typically to provide an evidence-backed alibi showing that you were not involved in the alleged offense.
What Are the Degrees of Crimes in New Jersey?
Crimes in New Jersey are categorized into four different “degrees” based on severity:
- First-Degree Crimes – The most serious offenses, such as armed robbery, kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault, and murder. Conviction can result in a prison sentence of 10 to 20 years or more, along with fines of up to $200,000.
- Second-Degree Crimes – These include offenses like aggravated assault, unlawful firearm possession, or large-scale drug distribution. They carry penalties of five to ten years in prison and substantial fines of up to $150,000.
- Third-Degree Crimes – Common examples include certain thefts, simple assault, burglary, and fraud. Penalties range from three to five years of imprisonment and fines of up to $15,000.
- Fourth-Degree Crimes – The least severe indictable offenses, such as resisting arrest or forgery. These crimes are punishable by fines of up to $10,000 and up to 18 months in prison.
What Steps Should You Take If You Have Been Arrested?
Protecting your rights and building your defense against criminal charges begins from the moment you are arrested. Here’s what you need to do:
- Request an Attorney – An experienced attorney can help you avoid doing or saying things that can jeopardize your future. It’s your constitutional right to request one, so exercise that right as soon as possible, and make sure you’re polite but firm when doing so.
- Remain Silent – Anything you say can be used against you, and if it can be used against you, it will. Even seemingly harmless comments can be twisted out of context to harm your defense. Remain calm and wait for your lawyer’s advice before speaking to anyone.
- Keep Calm and Be Respectful – It’s natural to feel anxious or angry during this time, but resisting arrest or arguing with officers can only harm your case. Stay polite and composed to protect your future.
- Remember Key Details – Details can be critical to building your defense, but they fade fast. Commit as many details about your arrest to memory as possible, including names, times, conversations, locations, and the arresting officer’s actions. Write it all down as soon as you can.
- Follow Your Attorney’s Advice – From your first consultation onward, following your lawyer’s advice to the letter is critical. It can be the difference between a conviction and a dismissal.
Contact a Jackson Township Criminal Defense Attorney Today
If you’ve been accused of a crime in Jackson Township, you don’t have to face it alone. William Fay, Esq., is ready to fight to protect your constitutional rights and preserve your freedom. Contact William Fay, Esq., today for a free, confidential consultation over the phone or in person with an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Jackson Township.