Criminal Lawyer in Bergen County, New Jersey — What Are Your Defense Options?
A criminal charge in Bergen County, New Jersey, is a serious matter under N.J.S.A. Title 2C, with disorderly persons offenses carrying up to 6 months in jail. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for clients at the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage. Our firm has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
New Jersey Criminal Law and Your Case
New Jersey’s criminal code, found in Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes Annotated (N.J.S.A.), classifies offenses differently than many other states. Instead of misdemeanors and felonies, New Jersey uses the terms “disorderly persons” and “petty disorderly persons” offenses for less serious crimes, and “indictable crimes” (first through fourth degree) for more serious offenses. All indictable crimes are handled in the Superior Court, while disorderly persons offenses are typically heard in Municipal Court. The specific penalties and procedures are governed by statutes like N.J.S.A. 2C:1-4 and the Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2017, which fundamentally changed the bail system.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of New Jersey’s criminal statutes, refer to the official New Jersey Legislature website (N.J.S.A. Title 2C). For information on court procedures and locations in Bergen County, visit the New Jersey Courts website for the Bergen Vicinage.
Local Court Process in Bergen County
Your case path depends on the charge. Disorderly persons offenses start in one of Bergen County’s Municipal Courts. Indictable crimes begin with a complaint and are transferred to the Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen Vicinage, located at 10 Main Street in Hackensack. A critical local fact is New Jersey’s 2017 bail reform. The state abolished cash bail, replacing it with a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) system. Your release before trial is now based on a computerized risk score evaluating flight risk and danger to the community, not your ability to pay money.
- Initial Appearance & PSA: After arrest, you will have a first appearance where a judge reviews the PSA score to decide on release conditions.
- Case Routing: Your case is routed to either Municipal Court (disorderly persons) or the Bergen County Superior Court Criminal Division (indictable crimes).
- Discovery & Negotiation: Your attorney obtains all evidence from the prosecution and begins negotiating for reductions, PTI, or other favorable resolutions.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if your rights were violated.
- Resolution or Trial: The case is resolved through a plea agreement, diversion program, or proceeds to a bench or jury trial.
- Sentencing or Dismissal: If convicted, your attorney advocates for minimal penalties. Successful PTI completion results in a full dismissal.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges in New Jersey
In Bergen County, criminal penalties range from fines for petty disorderly persons offenses to decades in state prison for first-degree indictable crimes, with no parole under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA) for violent offenses.
| Offense Level (NJ) | Classification | Incarceration Maximum | Fine Maximum | License Impact | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petty Disorderly Persons | Misdemeanor Equivalent | 30 days | $500 | Possible for certain offenses | Criminal record, possible probation |
| Disorderly Persons | Misdemeanor Equivalent | 6 months | $1,000 | Possible for certain offenses | Criminal record, probation, community service |
| 4th Degree Crime | Felony Equivalent | 18 months | $10,000 | Possible | State prison, NERA may apply, permanent felony record |
| 3rd Degree Crime | Felony Equivalent | 3-5 years | $15,000 | Possible | State prison, NERA may apply, permanent felony record |
| 2nd Degree Crime | Felony Equivalent | 5-10 years | $150,000 | Possible | State prison, presumption of imprisonment, NERA may apply |
| 1st Degree Crime | Felony Equivalent | 10-20 years | $200,000 | Possible | State prison, NERA may apply, most severe penalties |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s Experience in Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to aggressive, knowledgeable representation. We understand both sides of the courtroom, which informs our defense strategies. While we maintain a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes, we focus on the specific details and local procedures of your Bergen County case.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
SRIS actively practices in Bergen County. Our approach is collaborative, leveraging the experience of our entire team. While specific local results are part of our broader record, our firm-wide handling of 4,739+ documented case results demonstrates our extensive practice. We work toward outcomes such as dismissals, charge reductions, successful entry into diversion programs like Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI), and favorable plea agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Presence for Bergen County Residents
Our New Jersey location serves clients with matters at Bergen County courts. We represent individuals from Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst. If you are searching for a criminal lawyer near Bergen County or near the Garden State Plaza, we are accessible. We offer 24/7 phone consultations and meet with clients by appointment.
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
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New Jersey have cash bail?
No. NJ abolished cash bail in January 2017 under the Criminal Justice Reform Act. Pretrial release in Bergen County is determined by a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) — a computerized risk score, not money. There are no bail bondsmen in NJ.
What is Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) in Bergen County, New Jersey?
PTI is a diversionary program for first-time indictable (felony) offenders in Bergen County. Successful completion of 1-3 years of supervision results in complete dismissal of charges. Applications are processed through the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage. Conditional discharge is the Municipal Court equivalent for first-time drug possession.
Can I get my NJ criminal record expunged?
Yes. NJ allows expungement after waiting periods: 5 years for indictable crimes, 2 years for disorderly persons. NJ’s Clean Slate law expanded eligibility. PTI completions result in automatic dismissal. Petitions are filed in Bergen County Superior Court.
What is a disorderly persons offense in Bergen County, NJ?
A disorderly persons offense is NJ’s equivalent of a misdemeanor — up to 6 months jail/$1,000 fine. Heard in Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage. Petty disorderly persons: up to 30 days/$500. Indictable crimes (felonies) are heard in Bergen County Superior Court.
Should I talk to the police without a lawyer?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions until you have legal counsel. Anything you say can be used against you, even if you believe you are explaining things away.
What is the difference between a criminal defense lawyer and a public defender?
Both provide legal defense. A public defender is a government-employed attorney assigned if you cannot afford a private lawyer. A private criminal defense attorney, like those at our firm, allows you to choose your specific counsel, often providing more time and resources dedicated directly to your case.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing charges in a neighboring area, our firm also serves clients as a criminal attorney in Hunterdon County, NJ. For different legal issues in Bergen County, you may need a DUI attorney or a family law lawyer. For a broader view of our practice, visit our New Jersey criminal defense hub page.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.
Under N.J. Stat. § 14A:1-1, state law governs this practice area.