Were you arrested in Toms River and charged with a criminal offense? This may be one of the defining moments of your life. The actions you take to protect yourself can have a substantial impact on your freedom and future. Whether you’ve been charged with theft, a violent crime, a sex offense, or a weapons violation, you need a professional Toms River criminal defense lawyer who can help you understand the charges against you and prepare a robust defense strategy.
For help with criminal defense in Toms River, turn to William Fay, Esq. A former state-level prosecutor, Mr. Fay understands the severity of the charges you face and the seriousness with which the courts will fight to hold you accountable. Contact him today to discuss your situation in a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
Why Hire William Fay for Your Toms River Criminal Defense Matters?
When facing criminal charges, you need an experienced legal representative in your corner. Mr. Fay is a lifelong New Jersey resident and a former Deputy Attorney General with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. In that role, he gained an inside understanding of how to investigate and prosecute a wide range of criminal cases. With that background, Mr. Fay is able to find weaknesses in the cases against his clients and prepare defense strategies that yield the most favorable outcomes possible.
Today, he applies that same level of precision and discipline to defending those accused of crimes in Toms River and throughout Ocean County. When you trust Mr. Fay with your criminal defense, you benefit from the following:
- Extensive Prosecutorial Experience – Mr. Fay’s years as a state-level prosecutor give him firsthand insight into how the state approaches criminal cases. He uses that knowledge to anticipate strategies and prepare an effective defense.
- Direct Involvement from Start to Finish – When you hire Mr. Fay, he personally handles your case. You will not be passed off to a junior associate or paralegal.
- Thorough Preparation and Attention to Detail – In every case, Mr. Fay conducts a meticulous review of the evidence and prepares a defense plan tailored to the facts and circumstances.
- Accessible Communication – Mr. Fay is readily available by cell phone and will maintain consistent contact with you throughout your case.
- Balanced Approach – Mr. Fay is result-driven and client-focused – he’s aggressive in court, yet compassionate and approachable with clients.
- Free Consultations – You can schedule a free consultation by phone or in person to discuss your legal options directly with Mr. Fay.
Reach out today for your free, fully confidential case review.
Why Do You Need a Lawyer When Facing Criminal Charges?
If you’ve been accused of a crime, a reliable, experienced Toms River criminal defense attorney can make a significant difference in how your case unfolds. Criminal charges carry serious penalties, and even a single misstep early in the process can have lasting consequences. A determined lawyer can assess the strength of the prosecution’s case, identify legal issues that may work in your favor, and take steps to protect your rights from the moment prosecutors charge you with a crime.
Mr. Fay will begin by reviewing all available evidence. If he believes police acted improperly during your arrest, he can file motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence. He may negotiate with prosecutors to pursue charge reductions or alternative resolutions when appropriate and will represent you in court if your case proceeds to trial. Throughout the process, he’ll help you understand what’s going on and work to achieve the most positive outcome possible for your situation.
What Types of Criminal Cases Does William Fay Handle?
Criminal charges can arise from many different situations, and every type of offense presents unique challenges that require careful attention. Some involve complex evidence, technical legal issues, or procedural fairness, while others depend on matters of human perception and credibility. Whether the matter involves a single mistake or an ongoing investigation, the support of a Toms River criminal lawyer can make a measurable difference in how your case proceeds.
Some of the main types of criminal cases Mr. Fay handles include the following:
- Assault and Threat Offenses – These cases often involve conflicting accounts and emotional witnesses. Establishing intent, self-defense, or lack of credible evidence can be key to avoiding a conviction.
- Drug Offenses – Controlled substance charges can range from minor possession to charges associated with distribution or manufacturing. Many cases depend on whether police followed lawful search and seizure procedures.
- DWI and DUI Offenses – Driving under the influence cases rely heavily on testing accuracy and officer conduct. Small errors in procedure or equipment can lead to reduced or dismissed charges.
- Domestic Violence – Allegations of abuse often involve high emotions and immediate legal restrictions, including restraining orders. Evidence review and witness credibility play crucial roles in determining the outcome of these cases.
- Juvenile Offenses – When minors face criminal allegations, the focus isn’t on punishment, but rehabilitation. A well-prepared defense can help protect their record and future opportunities.
- Sexual Offenses – These cases carry lasting personal and legal consequences. They require a careful review of consent, digital communications, and forensic evidence.
- Theft and Fraud Offenses – Crimes involving property or deception often turn on documentation, intent, and witness reliability. Being able to demonstrate misunderstanding or lack of intent may lead to favorable results.
- Weapons Offenses – New Jersey’s strict gun laws can result in harsh penalties, even for unintentional violations. Your attorney’s knowledge of firearm statutes and exceptions is essential in these cases.
- Expungements of Criminal Records – Clearing a record allows people to move forward without the weight of a past conviction, but you have to follow strict procedural requirements.
- Bail Motions – A strong bail argument can mean the difference between waiting for trial at home or behind bars. Factors such as employment, family ties, and criminal history often influence the outcome.
- Violations of Probation or Parole – Not all alleged violations justify revocation of parole or probation. A review of the facts and the presentation of mitigating evidence can preserve a person’s freedom.
- Restraining Order Hearings – These proceedings can affect housing, employment, and family relationships. Proper representation can help protect your rights and prevent unfair restrictions.
What Are Potential Legal Defenses to Charges You Are Facing?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to defending against a criminal charge. The ideal defense depends on the circumstances, available evidence, and how law enforcement conducted the arrest and investigation. That said, having a strong defense strategy can mean the difference between conviction and dismissal of your case.
The following are some of the most common defenses used in New Jersey criminal cases:
- Unlawful Search and Seizure – Evidence collected without a valid warrant or probable cause can be excluded from trial.
- Lack of Intent – Many crimes require proof that the defendant acted intentionally. Showing an absence of intent can weaken the prosecution’s case.
- Self-Defense – In cases involving violence, proving that the defendant acted to protect themselves or others can justify the conduct.
- Mistaken Identity – Witnesses sometimes identify the wrong person, especially under stress. Demonstrating that someone else committed the offense can lead to an acquittal.
- Entrapment – Charges may be dismissed if law enforcement pressures or induces someone to commit a crime they would not have committed otherwise.
- Insufficient Evidence – If the state cannot meet its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt, the case should not result in a conviction.
What Are the Degrees of Crimes in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, crimes are categorized into four degrees, reflecting their severity and determining the potential range of penalties. First-degree offenses are the most severe and carry the harshest consequences. Factors like the defendant’s prior criminal history, whether violence or weapons were involved, and the presence of aggravating or mitigating circumstances can also influence decisions regarding charges and sentencing.
Judges weigh these details carefully when deciding penalties, which may include the following:
- First-Degree Crimes – 10 years to life in prison, fines of up to $200,000
- Second-Degree Crimes – Five to 10 years in prison, fines of up to $150,000
- Third-Degree Crimes – Three to five years in prison, fines of up to $15,000
- Fourth-Degree Crimes – Up to 18 months in prison, fines of up to $10,000
What Steps Should You Take If You Have Been Arrested?
Your actions after an arrest in Toms River can significantly affect the trajectory of your case. Stay calm and make the following smart decisions from the start:
- Stay calm and cooperate with law enforcement.
- Ask to speak with a lawyer immediately.
- Don’t answer questions without an attorney present.
- Don’t consent to searches or give statements without legal counsel.
- Keep track of important details about the arrest.
- Save any documents or evidence you receive.
- Appear at all scheduled court hearings.
- Follow your lawyer’s advice closely throughout the case.
Contact a Toms River Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Being charged with a crime has the potential to affect every area of your life. A conviction could change it forever. If you’ve been accused of a crime in Toms River, a compassionate criminal defense attorney can explain your legal rights and options and prepare the tailored defense strategy you need and deserve. Contact the office of William Fay, Esq., right away to discuss your charges and outline your next steps as you prepare to fight back. Your consultation is free and fully confidential.