Criminal Defense Lawyer Springfield NJ | Papa Alpha & Alpha Law

A criminal charge threatens your freedom, your job, and your future. Whether you are facing a disorderly persons offense in municipal court or an indictable crime in superior court, the consequences of a conviction follow you for years. A criminal record affects employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status.

At Papa Alpha & Alpha Law Firm, we defend people facing criminal charges across Springfield, Ridgefield, and Bergen County. Our father-and-son team takes every case seriously because we understand what is at stake. We are available after hours because arrests do not happen on a convenient schedule.

Facing charges? Call (201) 555-0100 now. We offer free consultations and after-hours availability for urgent matters.

Criminal Charges We Defend

Assault (N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1)

New Jersey distinguishes between simple assault and aggravated assault.

Simple assault is a disorderly persons offense. It involves attempting to cause or causing bodily injury, or putting someone in fear of imminent harm. Penalties include up to 6 months in jail and fines up to $1,000.

Aggravated assault is an indictable offense (felony equivalent) that involves serious bodily injury, use of a deadly weapon, or assault on a protected person (law enforcement, healthcare worker, etc.). Depending on the degree, penalties range from 18 months to 10 years in state prison.

We examine the circumstances of every assault charge. Self-defense, mutual combat, lack of intent, and misidentification are all viable defenses depending on the facts.

Theft and Shoplifting (N.J.S.A. 2C:20-1 et seq.)

Theft charges in New Jersey are graded by the value of the property:

Under $200 — Disorderly persons offense (up to 6 months jail)
$200-$500 — Fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months prison)
$500-$75,000 — Third-degree crime (3-5 years prison)
Over $75,000 — Second-degree crime (5-10 years prison)

Shoplifting (N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11) carries its own penalties including mandatory community service and potential license suspension for juvenile offenders. First-time offenders may qualify for the Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program, which can result in dismissal of charges upon completion.

Drug Charges (N.J.S.A. 2C:35-1 et seq.)

New Jersey has decriminalized personal marijuana possession under 6 ounces as of 2021. But possession of other controlled dangerous substances, distribution, and manufacturing remain serious criminal offenses.

Simple possession — Third-degree crime for most substances (3-5 years prison)
Possession with intent to distribute — Third or second-degree crime depending on substance and quantity
Distribution near a school zone (N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7) — Enhanced penalties with mandatory minimum sentences
Drug paraphernalia (N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2) — Disorderly persons offense

We challenge drug charges by examining the legality of the search and seizure, chain of custody of the evidence, lab testing procedures, and whether possession was knowing and intentional.

Domestic Violence (N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17 et seq.)

Domestic violence cases in New Jersey involve both criminal charges and restraining orders under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act. If a temporary restraining order (TRO) has been issued against you, a hearing for a final restraining order (FRO) will be scheduled within 10 days.

An FRO in New Jersey is permanent unless you successfully petition the court to have it dissolved. It appears on background checks and can affect your custody rights, firearm ownership, and housing.

We represent people accused of domestic violence in both the criminal case and the restraining order hearing. These are separate proceedings that require coordinated defense.

Weapons Offenses (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1 et seq.)

New Jersey has some of the strictest gun laws in the country. Unlawful possession of a firearm (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5) is a second-degree crime carrying 5-10 years in prison with a mandatory minimum under the Graves Act.

Even legal gun owners from other states can face charges if they unknowingly violate NJ's transport or carry laws. We handle weapons possession, carry permit issues, and related charges.

How NJ Criminal Cases Work

Disorderly Persons Offenses (Municipal Court)

These are the NJ equivalent of misdemeanors. They carry up to 6 months in county jail and $1,000 in fines. Cases are heard in the municipal court of the town where the offense occurred. There is no right to a jury trial; a municipal court judge decides the case.

Indictable Offenses (Superior Court)

These are the NJ equivalent of felonies, ranging from fourth-degree (least serious) to first-degree (most serious). Indictable offenses are handled in the Bergen County Superior Court. They involve grand jury proceedings, and you have the right to a jury trial.

Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI)

First-time offenders charged with indictable offenses may qualify for PTI under N.J.S.A. 2C:43-12. PTI is a diversionary program that, upon successful completion (typically 1-3 years of supervision), results in dismissal of all charges. We help eligible clients apply for and complete PTI.

Conditional Discharge

For first-time drug offenders charged with disorderly persons drug offenses, conditional discharge under N.J.S.A. 2C:36A-1 offers a similar path to dismissal. Successful completion of a supervisory period results in the charges being dropped.

After-Hours Availability

Arrests happen at night, on weekends, and on holidays. Sitting in a holding cell waiting for Monday morning is not acceptable. We provide after-hours availability for urgent criminal matters.

If you or a family member has been arrested, call (201) 555-0100 immediately. We will work to get the situation under control as quickly as possible.

Criminal Defense Sub-Topics

Why Choose Papa Alpha & Alpha Law for Criminal Defense

After-hours availability. We answer when you need us, not just during business hours. Criminal emergencies do not wait, and neither do we.

Courtroom experience that matters. Papa Alpha has tried cases in municipal and superior courts across New Jersey for decades. He knows how prosecutors think and how judges evaluate evidence. Papa Alpha Jr. brings thorough legal research and a sharp eye for procedural issues. Together, they build the strongest possible defense.

Every case gets personal attention. We are a two-attorney firm. Your case will not be handed off to a junior associate you have never met. You will work directly with the attorneys who are preparing your defense.

We protect your future, not just your freedom. A criminal conviction has consequences beyond jail time. We consider the immigration implications, professional license risks, and long-term record impact of every charge. Our goal is the best total outcome for your life, not just a quick resolution.

Speak With a Criminal Defense Attorney Now

Do not talk to the police without a lawyer. Do not assume the charges will go away on their own. The earlier you involve an attorney, the more options you have.

Call (201) 555-0100 for a free consultation. We will explain the charges you face, outline your defense options, and tell you what to expect going forward. Available after hours for urgent matters.

Papa Alpha & Alpha Law Firm — Springfield, NJ. Defending your rights when the stakes are highest.

Criminal Defense