New Jersey Harassment Attorneys

Dedicated Legal Servants, Fighting to Protect Our Clients From Unfair Outcomes

Harassment is an offense in New Jersey and prohibits a wide variety of actions. Harassment charges in our state are commonly considered a less serious charge than terroristic threats and assault. Harassment is also enumerated in the Domestic Violence Act and is commonly used as a basis to get a restraining order in New Jersey. Unfortunately, such allegations are sometimes overblown by the alleged victim. Even worse, police may use these charges in order to interfere with the legal rights of a target individual. Put simply, you need a New Jersey harassment lawyer on your side.

At The Bianchi Law Group, our dedicated team of criminal defense attorneys can help you fight back against serious charges. Harassment allegations often cite alarming conduct and repeatedly committed acts, but such accusations rarely paint the full picture. Regardless of the situation you find yourself in, you’re entitled to a legal defense. Our law firm will fight to help you avoid a permanent criminal record, and if a conviction is unavoidable after a harassment complaint, we’ll strive to secure the best possible outcome with a plea agreement.

Every situation is unique, so let us review your case during a free consultation today.

Former Harassment and Domestic Violence Prosecutors

The Bianchi Law Group is made up of a team of former trial prosecutors who have handled the investigations and prosecutions of most crimes in New Jersey and will defend you for all federal and state crimes in New Jersey, including harassment and other domestic violence-related harassment charges. We know how prosecutors approach cases when they believe a defendant intended to annoy, alarm, or harass another individual. That’s because we’ve prosecuted these cases before, so we know all the tactics used by the government.

Of course, we’ve also spent years representing clients charged with this criminal offense. Put simply, we know how the law works from both sides — and this makes us uniquely qualified to secure favorable outcomes for our clients. Harassment charges cover a broad range of illegal activities, but in many cases, prosecutors are grasping at straws when they try to levy these charges. Fortunately, all our law firm has to do is establish reasonable doubt. Under the law, a conviction would be unconstitutional at that point. Don’t take this on alone. Contact a New Jersey harassment attorney at our law firm today.

Certified Criminal Trial Attorneys by the New Jersey Supreme Court

Partners Robert A. Bianchi and David J. Bruno are also both certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as Criminal Trial Attorneys. In New Jersey, the New Jersey Supreme Court has a certification committee that classifies certain New Jersey Lawyers as Certified Trial Attorneys. The process requires the prospective attorneys to satisfy strict criteria, including extensive jury trials, a primary focus on criminal law, an application submission, a peer review process, a character and background check, and passing a written examination.

Only 250 of over 98,000 lawyers (less than 1%) are designated as certified criminal trial attorneys by the New Jersey Supreme Court. This should be an important factor in finding a New Jersey harassment attorney to represent you. Many New Jersey Lawyers describe themselves as trial attorneys, but most do not have the New Jersey Court’s distinction as Certified Criminal Trial Attorney. If authorities believe your actions constitute harassment, they’ll do everything they can to secure a conviction — but with a Certified Trial Attorney on your side, you may have a fighting chance.

Our harassment lawyers in New Jersey are on standby and ready to assist. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.

What Are the Harassment Penalties Under New Jersey Law?

While harassment can take many forms — from creating a hostile work environment to sending offensive messages at extremely inconvenient hours — the potential penalties are fairly standard. However, keep in mind that the severity of the allegations can affect how a case is charged. Additionally, the underlying actions that constitute harassment could also be illegal (e.g., groping and other offensive touching), and this could result in additional charges. Those who are only charged with harassment could see the following penalties:

Petty Disorderly Persons Offense

Harassment is a petty disorderly persons offense in New Jersey unless the actor, in committing criminal harassment, was serving a term of imprisonment or was on parole or probation as the result of a conviction of any indictable harassment offense under the laws of this State, any other state or the United States, in which case the harassment is a fourth-degree crime. N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4. Petty Disorderly Person offenses can be punishable by up to 30 days in County Jail. The Sentencing Judge may also order fines and restitution as prescribed by N.J.S.A. 2C:43-3 for all convictions for Harassment in New Jersey.

Indictable Offense

If a person commits harassment while in prison or on probation or parole due to indictable offenses, the charges against them can be upgraded to a fourth-degree offense under New Jersey’s harassment statute, N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4, and could be sentenced to up to 18 months in prison. Even worse, an indictable harassment conviction will leave an offense on your record. This can create difficulties and significant hurdles in your life years after the fact. Whether you’re charged with harassment as a disorderly persons offense or an indictable offense, having New Jersey harassment lawyers on your side is critical.

Contact The Bianchi Law Group today.

What Are the Best Legal Defenses for Harassment Charges in New Jersey?

When someone finds themselves charged with a crime, they often feel as if a conviction is unavoidable. This partially explains why over 95% of all criminal cases in America are resolved with plea deals. However, you should never make the mistake of believing that a conviction is a foregone conclusion. Even if the prosecutor threatens to increase charges if you don’t accept a deal, it’s critical to have a harassment attorney in New Jersey review your case. As it turns out, there are many potential defenses that could help you avoid a conviction:

• Lack of intent
• Actions had a legitimate purpose
• First Amendment protections
• No offensive contact or threat occurred
• Reasonable communication timing
• No intent to alarm or annoy with coarse language
• Consent of the alleged victim
• False allegations
• Mistaken identity
• No pattern of conduct
• Procedural errors
• Constitutional violations
• Insufficient evidence
• Statutory requirements not met
• The defendant has an alibi
• Lack of witness credibility

Facing criminal harassment charges is a scary situation. Fortunately, a conviction is sometimes avoidable. Keep in mind that none of these defense strategies will work in every case. The appropriate defense will depend entirely upon the unique circumstances of the situation. A New Jersey harassment attorney can help you decide which approach works best for you — or if another strategy is in order. Don’t take on the system alone. Our legal team is here and ready to assist.

Contact Our Trial Ready New Jersey Harassment Lawyers

Like in all of our cases handled at the Bianchi Law Group, our experienced team of former prosecutors  are there to make sure the Government can prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. If our law firm cannot resolve the case with a dismissal or a fair and just plea bargain, the lawyers at The Bianchi Law Group will not hesitate to select a jury and take the case to trial. That is what we do and what distinguishes us from other attorneys.

We are former prosecutors, trial-tested, and certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as certified criminal trial attorneys. We will not hesitate to go to trial when doing so is in the best interest of our clients. Harassment cases can be complex, but even when they’re straightforward, the potential penalties can be life-altering. Whether you’re accused of stalking, sexual harassment, unwelcome conduct, or any other illegal actions, we’re here to help you fight back.

Contact us at (862) 292-4442 today to schedule your free consultation. Our New Jersey harassment lawyers are ready to diligently advocate on your behalf.