Criminal Defense Lawyer Union County NJ | SRIS, P.C.
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Union County, New Jersey
If you face criminal charges in Union County, you need a strong defense. Disorderly persons offenses in Municipal Court carry up to 6 months in jail, while indictable crimes in Superior Court can lead to years in prison. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused defense in Union County.
Criminal Charges in Union County, New Jersey
New Jersey’s criminal justice system is governed by the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice (N.J.S.A. Title 2C). Offenses are classified as disorderly persons offenses (misdemeanor equivalents) handled in Municipal Court, or indictable crimes (felony equivalents) prosecuted in the Superior Court, Criminal Division. The 2017 Criminal Justice Reform Act fundamentally changed pretrial release, eliminating cash bail in favor of a risk-based Public Safety Assessment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the state’s criminal laws, refer to the New Jersey Statutes Annotated (N.J.S.A.) Title 2C. For information on court procedures and locations, visit the Union Vicinage section of the New Jersey Courts website.
Handling a Criminal Case in Union County
The procedural path for a criminal case in Union County depends on the charge’s severity. A key local fact is New Jersey’s complete abolition of cash bail; pretrial release is now determined by a computerized Public Safety Assessment score measuring flight risk and danger to the community, not ability to pay. For many first-time offenders, Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) offers a path to dismissal after supervision.
- Arrest and Initial Appearance: You will be processed and have a detention hearing where a judge decides release conditions based on the PSA risk score.
- Municipal or Superior Court Assignment: Disorderly persons cases go to the local Municipal Court. Indictable crimes are sent to the Union County Superior Court for potential grand jury indictment.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Your attorney will review all evidence (discovery) from the prosecutor and may negotiate for a plea reduction, PTI, or conditional discharge.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if your rights were violated.
- Trial or Resolution: The case proceeds to a bench or jury trial if no plea agreement or diversion program is reached.
- Sentencing or PTI Completion: If convicted, you face sentencing per N.J.S.A. guidelines. Successful PTI completion results in dismissal.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Offenses in New Jersey
In Union County, criminal penalties range from fines and probation for disorderly persons offenses to decades in state prison for first-degree crimes, with no parole under New Jersey law.
| Offense Level (N.J.S.A.) | Classification | Incarceration Maximum | Fine Maximum | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petty Disorderly Persons | Misdemeanor Equivalent | 30 days | $500 | Possible for certain offenses | Criminal record, probation |
| Disorderly Persons | Misdemeanor Equivalent | 6 months | $1,000 | Possible for certain offenses | Criminal record, probation, PTI possible |
| 4th Degree Crime | Felony Equivalent | 18 months | See statute | Possible | State prison, felony record, PTI possible |
| 3rd Degree Crime | Felony Equivalent | 3-5 years | See statute | Possible | State prison, felony record, PTI possible |
| 2nd Degree Crime | Felony Equivalent | 5-10 years | See statute | Possible | Presumption of imprisonment, state prison |
| 1st Degree Crime | Felony Equivalent | 10-20 years | See statute | Possible | Extended state prison term |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in New Jersey Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” approach means we use insights from our multi-state practice to benefit clients in New Jersey. We understand the distinct procedures of the Union Vicinage courts, from Elizabeth Municipal Court to the Superior Court complex on Broad Street.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
SRIS actively practices in New Jersey. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our defense strategies are case-specific to the unique aspects of New Jersey law, such as leveraging the PTI program for eligible clients or challenging the validity of a Public Safety Assessment score at a detention hearing.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Union County, NJ
Our New Jersey location represents clients at courts throughout Union County. We serve individuals in Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield. If you need a criminal defense attorney near the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth or your local municipal court, we are accessible.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003 | Local: (732) 651-3900
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations are available at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Criminal Defense in Union County
What is the difference between a disorderly persons offense and an indictable crime in NJ?
A disorderly persons offense is a misdemeanor-level charge tried in Municipal Court, with a maximum jail sentence of 6 months. An indictable crime is a felony-level charge prosecuted in Superior Court, with potential state prison time ranging from 18 months to 20 years.
How does bail work in New Jersey now?
New Jersey abolished cash bail in 2017. Pretrial release is decided by a judge based on a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) risk score. The system considers flight risk and danger to the community, not your ability to pay money. Release may come with conditions like monitoring or travel restrictions.
What is Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI)?
PTI is a diversion program for first-time offenders charged with certain indictable crimes. If you are accepted and successfully complete a period of supervision (typically 1-3 years), the criminal charges are dismissed and you may avoid a permanent conviction record. Eligibility and approval are not guaranteed.
Should I talk to the police if I am under investigation?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions without a lawyer present. Anything you say can be used against you, and investigators are trained to obtain statements that may harm your case.
Can a criminal defense attorney in Union County help with expungement?
Yes. A criminal defense law firm in Union County NJ can advise on expungement eligibility. In New Jersey, you generally must wait 5 years after completing your sentence for an indictable crime or 2 years for a disorderly persons offense before applying to have your record expunged, with specific legal requirements.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing other charges, our firm also handles DUI/DWI cases in Union County and family law matters. For a broader view of our criminal defense practice, visit our New Jersey criminal defense hub page. We also represent clients in neighboring areas like Somerset County and Bergen County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.
Under N.J. Stat. § 14A:1-1, state law governs this practice area.