Blog: Criminal Defense

The moment a law enforcement officer clicks a pair of handcuffs into place, your entire world changes in an instant. Everything you have worked for, including your reputation, your career, and your personal liberty, is suddenly at risk of being taken away. The New Jersey legal system is a powerful and complex machine that moves forward with its own momentum whether you are ready for it or not. What you do in the first 24...

In today’s world, nearly everything we do leaves a digital trail. Photos, videos, private messages, comments, and even deleted posts may linger far longer than we expect. When someone becomes involved in a criminal investigation, the question often arises: can police use your social media against you in a New Jersey case? The answer is often yes. Law enforcement regularly turns to social media evidence during investigations, and prosecutors frequently rely on digital content as...

Being arrested or convicted of a crime can change your life in ways many people don’t expect. Even long after you’ve completed probation or served your sentence, a criminal record can follow you throughout New Jersey. It can impact everything from your career options to your housing applications, your education, your finances, and even your personal relationships. Because of these consequences, understanding how a criminal record can affect your future in New Jersey is essential...

Being accused of a crime you didn’t commit is one of the most terrifying experiences a person can face. Even if you know you’re innocent, the criminal justice system can feel overwhelming and unfair. False accusations can damage your reputation, your relationships, and even your career. If you ever find yourself in this situation, you need to know how to protect your rights, your future, and your freedom. The steps you take in the hours...

In New Jersey, a single AI-generated image, audio clip, or video could now land you in At Attorneys Hartman, Chartered, we understand how deeply unsettling these accusations can feel. If you are accused under this law, it matters that you grasp the life-changing penalties involved, how a case might be built against you, and the defense options available to protect your rights. What Are Deepfakes? “Deepfake” refers to AI-generated media that makes it appear...

If you or a family member has just been At Attorneys Hartman, Chartered, we guide clients through each decision with careful preparation and steady communication. This article outlines the New Jersey criminal court process from arrest through appeal, explains what to expect at key stages, and shows why timely, informed action can protect your rights. Step 1: Arrest, Charges, and Booking After an arrest, police decide whether to issue a complaint-summons or a complaint-warrant...

Think using a fake ID is just a prank or a way to get into a bar early? In New Jersey, being caught with false identification can lead to serious criminal charges. For many people, especially first-time offenders, it can be shocking how quickly one impulsive act can result in long-term legal consequences. If you’ve been At Attorneys Hartman, Chartered, we understand what you're going through. We represent individuals charged in both New Jersey's...

Being arrested in New Jersey can be an overwhelming and daunting experience. Whether it’s your first encounter with the legal system or not, the first 24 hours following an arrest are critical to your defense. The steps you take—or fail to take—can significantly impact the outcome of your case. This guide will walk you through what to expect, what to do, and what to avoid after an arrest in New Jersey, helping you safeguard...

If you’re facing Many defendants accept plea bargains thinking they’re making the right choice, only to face unexpected legal and personal consequences later. Before you accept any plea deal, make sure you fully understand: How plea deals work and why they’re offered. The hidden risks and long-term consequences of pleading guilty. Your rights and legal alternatives before making a life-changing choice. At What is a Plea Deal? A plea bargain is an agreement...

Miranda rights are one of the most critical protections afforded to individuals in the U.S. criminal justice system. If you’re arrested or questioned by law enforcement in New Jersey, knowing your Miranda rights can mean the difference between protecting your freedoms and unintentionally harming your defense. But what exactly are Miranda rights, and how do they apply in What Are Miranda Rights? Miranda rights stem from the 1966 Supreme Court case Miranda v...