Area of Practice: Criminal Defense

Most people charged with a crime, under investigation, or facing possible indictment are not familiar with the criminal justice process in New Jersey.  Information about commonly asked questions and answers related to the criminal justice system in New Jersey is available by clicking the following link.

A criminal charge is a serious matter and requires vigorous and effective representation. The range of penalties include incarceration, forfeiture of property, office or license, penalties and fines, probation, and parole supervision. A conviction of a criminal offense also entails potentially adverse collateral consequences, such as loss of reputation, employment, or education and other opportunities. For this reason, the Law Offices of Ravinder S. Bhalla provides vigorous defense and utmost attention to any matter involving criminal consequences, large or small.

The Firm provides a full range of criminal defense representation at every level and every stage of criminal proceedings. We appear at all courts where criminal matters are heard, including municipal court and superior courts in matters involving state crimes, and federal district court in matters involving federal crimes. Our range of expertise includes pre-indictment negotiations, bail applications, motion practice, trial practice, and appellate litigation. For those who have not yet been charged, our goal is typically to work diligently with state or federal prosecutors to avoid indictment or negotiate an optimal resolution to your matter. If this is not possible, we provide full and vigorous defense representation to our clients at every stage of a matter, including trial.

Municipal Court Offenses

The Firm represents clients in municipal courts across the State of New Jersey in a wide range of municipal offenses. They include minor drug offenses, disorderly conduct, harassment, DWI, shoplifting, violations of town ordinances, and other related offenses. One of our primary goals in representing individuals charged in municipal court is to provide attention to the negative collateral effects that may result from a conviction. Absent a dismissal or acquittal on the offense, we work to ensure that any disposition of a matter in municipal court is limited to payment of court costs and fines, and does not entail probation or jail time. Additionally, we carefully advise clients about issues relating to the possible impact of a guilty plea or conviction upon your “record” and the extent to which this may impact your employment or educational status, as well as issues related to background checks.

State Criminal Offenses

Matters heard in the Superior Courts of New Jersey involve indictable state offenses and are more serious in nature than municipal court offenses. Often – but not always – such matters include potential exposure to county or state prison. Our primary goal is to avoid such a result. At the outset, we endeavor to negotiate a “plea” or resolution of your case that may avoid the risks and uncertainties of trial. This is usually, but not always, possible. Where it is not possible, we readily represent our clients at trial and often with favorable results. In 2005, the Firm represented a corporate executive in a complex environmental criminal matter, resulting in a dismissal or acquittal of most of the charges (insert link to article here). Several years prior, the Firm obtained a full acquittal at trial on behalf of an individual alleged to have violated a restraining order issued under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act.

Federal Offenses

Federal offenses are prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office and heard in federal district courts. The firm has substantial experience in every phase of federal proceedings, including pre-indictment plea negotiations, proffer sessions, cooperation agreements, plea agreements, trial, sentencing and appeals. The type of federal matters in which the Firm has provided representation include violations of securities laws, parallel investigations of securities fraud between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Securities & Exchange Commission, narcotics related offenses under the Controlled Dangerous Substances Act, racketeering, money laundering, interstate travel in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, bribery, theft of honest services fraud, felon in possession of firearms, illegal reentry, and immigration related federal offenses arising from alleged associations with banned terrorist organizations overseas.

If you have been charged with any of these offenses, contact the Law Offices of Ravinder S. Bhalla at 201-610-9010 for a free phone consultation.