Violent Crime Attorney in Bridgewater

Your Trusted Defense & Legal Guidance for Violent Crime Charges in Bridgewater, NJ

When you face an accusation of a violent crime in Bridgewater, you need support from seasoned attorneys with real courtroom experience and community knowledge. 

At Roberts & Teeter, LLC, we approach every case with prompt attention and hands-on service. We tailor our defense strategies to match your specific situation, navigating the unique processes followed by law enforcement and courts in the Bridgewater area.

Because we focus our practice on criminal law, we understand the approaches local prosecutors in Somerset County may take, and we use this awareness to position your defense.

For aggressive defense against violent crimes, choose Roberts & Teeter, LLC. We offer affordable services and free consultations. Call a dedicated violent crime attorney in Bridgewater at (732) 607-5553 or reach out online for immediate help.

Understanding New Jersey Violent Crime Statutes

In New Jersey, a violent crime is not a single statute but a category of offenses defined by N.J.S.A. Title 2 that involves the use or threat of force. The specific charge determines the sentence exposure.

Key Violent Crime Offenses

• Aggravated Assault: This offense can range from a Third-Degree Crime (up to 5 years) to a Second-Degree Crime (5 to 10 years). It is often charged when the defendant uses a deadly weapon or causes serious bodily injury to another person.
• Robbery: A First- or Second-Degree Crime that involves theft accompanied by force, injury, or the threat of injury.
• Kidnapping: A First-Degree Crime involving unlawfully removing or confining a victim.
• Manslaughter: A First- or Second-Degree Crime involving the unlawful killing of another human being without malice (intent to kill).

Successfully defending against any of these severe felonies requires a violent crime attorney in Bridgewater with deep experience in New Jersey's criminal code.

The Double Threat: NERA and Graves Act

The penalties for violent crimes in New Jersey are uniquely severe because of two mandatory sentencing laws that stack prison time.

The No Early Release Act (NERA)

NERA applies to most First- and Second-Degree violent crimes (where the defendant causes serious bodily injury or uses a deadly weapon).

• Mandatory 85% Rule: If NERA applies, the defendant must serve 85% of the court-imposed prison sentence before becoming eligible for parole. For a 10-year sentence, this means serving 8 years and 6 months in prison.
• Applicability: NERA applies to crimes like Aggravated Assault, Robbery, Manslaughter, and Kidnapping.

The Graves Act

The Graves Act applies when any of the qualifying violent crimes are committed while in possession of, or using, a firearm.

• Mandatory Minimums: The Graves Act mandates a minimum period of parole ineligibility (often 42 months or more) that must be served.
• Waiver Challenge: Avoiding this mandatory prison time requires a complicated Graves Act Waiver—a process that must be approved by the prosecutor and the court. Our firm fights aggressively to secure this waiver whenever possible.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Violent Crime Defense

Roberts & Teeter, LLC provides a focused, strategic defense designed to counter the severity of New Jersey's sentencing structure.

• Motions to Suppress: We scrutinize police reports and constitutional procedures to identify illegal searches, unlawful arrests, or Miranda violations. Successfully suppressing evidence is often the fastest path to having a violent crime case dismissed.
• Alibi and Mistaken Identity: Our firm conducts a thorough investigation to confirm alibis, challenge unreliable eyewitness identification, and secure evidence from surveillance footage or cell phone data that places you elsewhere at the time of the offense.
• Charge Mitigation: We leverage weaknesses in the State's case to negotiate a plea to a non-NERA or non-Graves Act offense (e.g., Simple Assault or Disorderly Conduct). This mitigation saves the client from the 85% parole ineligibility and the mandatory prison time.
• Client Accessibility and Support: We ensure that top-tier legal defense is available by offering affordable services and 24/7 availability. We also provide free and virtual consultations to secure immediate counsel without delay.

Personal Representation & Direct Attorney Access from Start to Finish

At Roberts & Teeter, LLC, you work directly with attorneys Michael Brett Roberts and Matthew Teeter, not with associates or junior staff. As a boutique firm focused strictly on criminal defense in New Jersey, we handle each case personally and give you the benefit of our deep experience as violent crime defense lawyers in Bridgewater. Clients receive regular, honest communication, timely updates, and an in-depth understanding of the specific legal issues affecting their case.

Our attorneys take pride in treating each client as a true partner in their defense. Many clients express confidence knowing their case stays in the hands of trusted professionals from beginning to end. Because we manage each matter ourselves, we respond quickly when sudden changes or urgent legal questions arise. 

This dedicated model not only builds trust, but also allows us to address sensitive details or complicated legal circumstances that may impact violent crime charges in Somerset County. For individuals facing high-stakes allegations, having seasoned attorneys who know the Bridgewater legal environment can make all the difference in achieving the best possible result.

How Our Team Approaches Violent Crime Defense in Bridgewater

Our attorneys conduct a thorough review of every case, ensuring all available information becomes part of your evaluation.

• Local experience: We understand the procedures Somerset County courts follow, and we know how Bridgewater prosecutors and judges evaluate violent crime allegations. This helps us build defense strategies that reflect the realities of local legal practice.
• Thorough case review: We examine police reports, physical and digital evidence, and statements to identify potential inconsistencies or issues in the investigation that can play a crucial role in your violent crime defense in Bridgewater.
• Collaboration with experts: We may consult private investigators or psychologists to clarify facts and strengthen certain aspects of your defense, especially where complex evidence or behavioral factors are in play.
• Personalized strategies: We consider your individual background, the details of the situation, and every unique factor to build an informed approach aimed at your specific goals.

Violent crime cases often come down to physical evidence, timelines, and witness testimony. Bridgewater police and Somerset County authorities each have established investigative methods, and knowing how evidence is collected and evaluated locally can change the course of a case. 

We look for opportunities to challenge any errors or procedural issues in the investigation. Our team adapts each approach to fit the facts at hand, never using a one-size-fits-all defense. If your case raises issues of self-defense or mistaken identity, we thoroughly review relevant facts and advise on how best to present them within the local framework.

Take the First Step with a Violent Crime Defense Lawyer in Bridgewater

If you or a loved one have been accused of a violent crime in Bridgewater, reach out for a confidential, no-cost consultation with Roberts & Teeter, LLC. You will connect directly with a violent crime attorney in Bridgewater who listens to your situation, explains your legal options, and guides you through the important decisions ahead. We offer focused criminal law experience and client-centered support, always with an understanding of local legal procedures. 

Call (732) 607-5553 or reach out online to schedule your consultation and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.