Criminal Defense Lawyer Bergen County, NJ
You are pulled over on Route 17 in Paramus. The officer says you are being charged. You are taken to the Bergen County Jail. You do not know what happens next. A criminal charge in Bergen County is a serious event. It can affect your job, your family, and your record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents people facing criminal charges throughout Bergen County, from Hackensack to Fort Lee. If you need to speak with a defense attorney right now, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
Strategy Options
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine every part of the prosecution’s case. They look at the traffic stop or the arrest, the search, the statements, and the evidence. An experienced defense attorney knows that a strong case can be built by challenging the way the evidence was gathered. In some situations, the right strategy is to negotiate with the prosecutor for a dismissal or a reduction. In other situations, the right strategy is to take the case to trial. Each case is different, and Mr. Sris and his team evaluate the specific facts before making a recommendation.
Early involvement matters. When counsel enters the case early, they can speak with the prosecutor before charges are formally filed. In Bergen County, the prosecutor’s office reviews cases quickly, and an attorney’s input at the right moment can sometimes persuade the State not to pursue an indictment. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have handled thousands of criminal matters. Results may vary.
What To Expect in Bergen County Criminal Court
The court that hears your case depends on the grade of the charge. Disorderly persons offenses—New Jersey’s equivalent of a misdemeanor—are heard in the Bergen County Municipal Court. Indictable crimes, which are the equivalent of felonies, are heard in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division – Criminal Part, at 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.
New Jersey abolished cash bail in 2017. Pretrial release in Bergen County is now determined by a Public Safety Assessment risk score, not by money. The judge will also consider whether the defendant poses a danger to the community or a flight risk. In some cases, the State may move for pretrial detention. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are familiar with the PSA system and the detention hearing process.
New Jersey abolished cash bail in January 2017. Pretrial release is based on a Public Safety Assessment risk score, not money.
Source: Criminal Justice Reform Act, N.J.S.A. Title 2C. New Jersey Legislature
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
Penalty Overview
The consequences of a criminal conviction in New Jersey depend on the degree of the offense. A disorderly persons offense carries up to six months in jail and a fine. A petty disorderly persons offense carries up to thirty days in jail and a fine of up to $500. For indictable crimes, the penalties increase significantly. A fourth-degree crime carries up to 18 months in prison. A third-degree crime carries three to five years. A second-degree crime carries five to ten years. A first-degree crime carries ten to twenty years. These are the maximums; actual sentences vary based on the defendant’s record, the facts of the case, and other factors. The State may also seek fines, community service, and other conditions.
A disorderly persons offense in New Jersey carries a maximum sentence of 6 months in jail and a fine.
Source: New Jersey Legislature
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage Court hours: Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Counsel appearing on criminal matters should plan filings accordingly.
Attorney Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He has testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His prosecutorial background gives him insight into how the State assembles its case, and his multi-state experience means he understands criminal procedure in depth.
Mr. Sris is supported by Of Counsel attorneys who bring decades of combined criminal defense experience. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented over 4,739 case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary. Their collective work allows the firm to handle everything from disorderly persons offenses to serious indictable felonies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New Jersey have cash bail?
No, New Jersey abolished cash bail in January 2017. Pretrial release in Bergen County is now decided by a Public Safety Assessment—a computerized risk score—not by a defendant’s ability to pay. There are no bail bondsmen in New Jersey. In some cases, the court may order pretrial detention if the State proves the defendant is a danger or a flight risk. A detention hearing is held within days of the arrest. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle these hearings regularly. To discuss how the PSA could apply in your situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What is Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) in Bergen County, New Jersey?
PTI is a diversionary program for first-time indictable offenders. If accepted, the defendant is placed under probation supervision for one to three years. Successful completion results in the charges being dismissed. The application is reviewed by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the court. Not everyone qualifies; factors include the nature of the charge, the defendant’s background, and the input of any victims. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can evaluate whether PTI is an appropriate goal in your case. Results may vary.
Can I get my NJ criminal record expunged?
Yes, New Jersey allows expungement after a statutory waiting period. For an indictable crime, the waiting period is generally five years from the completion of the sentence. For a disorderly persons offense, it is two years. The Clean Slate law expanded eligibility for certain older records. The petition is filed in Superior Court in the county where the arrest occurred. If the court grants the petition, the records are sealed from public view. To find out whether your record may be eligible, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What is a disorderly persons offense in Bergen County, NJ?
A disorderly persons offense is New Jersey’s equivalent of a misdemeanor. It is heard in the municipal court of the township or city where the alleged offense took place—for example, Hackensack Municipal Court or Fort Lee Municipal Court. The maximum sentence is six months in jail and a fine. Despite being a less serious charge than an indictable crime, a disorderly persons conviction still creates a criminal record and can affect employment, housing, and immigration status. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent clients facing these charges throughout Bergen County.
How long does a criminal case take in New Jersey?
The timeline varies but a disorderly persons case may be resolved in a few months. An indictable matter in Superior Court typically takes longer because of the grand jury and discovery process. Under the Speedy Trial Act, a detained defendant must be indicted within 90 days and tried within a reasonable time thereafter. The actual schedule depends on the court’s calendar, the complexity of the case, and whether the defendant seeks pretrial release. Early retention of counsel can help move the case efficiently. For specific guidance about your situation, call (888) 437-7747.
For additional information on related topics, see our pages on Hunterdon County Criminal Lawyer, Somerset County Criminal Lawyer, and Morris County Criminal Lawyer.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – New Jersey Location
44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
By appointment. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule.
Phones answered during business hours.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary. Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.