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New Jersey Criminal Defense & Accident Lawyer
Former Prosecutor Working Tirelessly to Defend Clients in Middlesex County, Mercer County, Union County, Ocean County, and Burlington County, NJ
Having a lawyer who takes your case seriously is essential to getting positive results. I put the full weight of my legal knowledge, practical experience, and professional contacts behind every client I take on. I am a former prosecutor who understands the local court system and knows how to win cases.
At the Law Offices of Anthony J. Vecchio, LLC, we have a reputation for combining talent and expertise to bring you exceptional legal service. I have dedicated my entire career to protecting the rights of those accused of crimes and victimized by accidents.
If you have suffered an accident or facing criminal charges, experience and reputation matter. Take a minute to read the hundreds of five-star ratings and client success stories I have collected over the years. All of those clients were once in a position similar to yours—uncertain about the future and worried about how their case would impact the rest of their lives. We are here to stand by your side from investigation or arrest through to the resolution of your case. I provide compassionate, smart legal guidance throughout the entire New Jersey criminal process.
If you’re facing legal challenges—whether criminal charges or working to get compensation after an accident—reach out to my team today. Your consultation is free and 100% confidential.
Criminal Defense
Cases I Handle
I handle a broad range of criminal matters ranging from DUI to felonies. My criminal defense experience includes successfully defending charges such as:
Experience Matters
You also need a lawyer who understands what you are going through and knows how to get results. Every type of case can present unique complications. I draw upon my experience to overcome these difficulties whether you are facing:
- Driving while Intoxicated (DUI or DWI). While very serious, DUI charges in New Jersey are motor vehicle offenses not crimes. They are therefore handled in the Municipal Court for the town in which you were charged. I have been appointed as Municipal Prosecutor in 5 different municipalities. I have also defended hundreds of DUI cases of every variety.
- Domestic Violence. Domestic violence cases are rightly taken very seriously in New Jersey. A police officer must generally arrest someone accused of an act of domestic violence if any corroborative evidence exists. These cases need to be handled delicately. They can trigger not only criminal convictions but serious collateral consequences. This includes firearms forfeitures and immigration problems. I have prosecuted and defended many domestic violence cases. I have the experience needed to protect your rights and future.
- Shoplifting and Theft. Prosecuting shoplifting cases was one of my chief responsibilities as a prosecutor. Shoplifting cases are criminal offenses in NJ and carry the possibility of conviction and mandatory jail and community service. These cases need to be defended aggressively. This is particularly so for individuals that hold professional licenses like nurses and teachers. Shoplifting convictions can also have devastating penalties for anyone with immigration concerns.
- Weapons charges. Weapons charges in New Jersey are governed by a complex set of laws. The Graves Act and the Red Flag Law can each complicate your case. Many clients arrested on weapons charges face a much more severe set of penalties than they could have imagined. This can include mandatory prison time even for first-time offenders. I can help you navigate the system, understand your options and fight the case. This can include motion, trial, diversion, and the possibility of a Graves Act waiver.
- Traffic violations. Most people think that a traffic violation is a minor issue. In reality, traffic violations can add up to significantly impact your life. Your license could be suspended—or your insurance rates could increase so much that you might not be able to afford to drive. I handle all types of traffic-related offenses, from speeding and cell phone tickets to driving while suspended.
- Drug charges. Drug laws are changing in New Jersey and across the U.S. Some types of drug violations are handled differently in light of the opioid crisis and widespread legalization of marijuana (although simple marijuana possession remains an offense under NJSA 2C:5-10). I will explore every alternative to resolve your case as favorably as possible, including using options that might keep you out of jail depending upon the circumstances.
- Computer and Financial Crimes. I have experience defending computer hacking cases including data access and defacement. I have also successfully defended complex financial crimes. This includes cases involving money laundering, racketeering, and bank fraud.
Planning and Strategy
Criminal charges can carry penalties that include jail time, steep financial penalties, restitution, and even damage to your reputation. I fight to obtain a dismissal or not guilty verdict in every case. In some cases, alternative resolutions can help keep your criminal record clean. Depending on the facts, I will work with you to determine whether we can resolve your case through:
- Dismissal. The first goal in every criminal case is a straight dismissal. If you can successfully end a case before it gets going, a lot of damage can be avoided. A dismissal will allow a case to be expunged from your record on an expedited basis.
- Diversionary Programs. A diversionary program is an opportunity for some first-time offenders to have their cases dismissed after they meet certain conditions. These programs are not always easy to be accepted into. We have successfully admitted countless clients into such programs. I have also had clients entered into these programs after initial rejection through negotiation and appeal. These programs include:
- Pre-trial intervention
- Conditional dismissal
- Conditional discharge
- Veteran’s Assistance
- Drug Court
- Motion Practice. There is both an art and a science to motion practice. A creative attorney can raise procedural and evidentiary challenges to your case. This can result in getting a case thrown out without the risk of having to go to trial.
- Acquittal. I have taken to trial and won hundreds of cases. I have experience litigating cases in both bench trials and before juries.
Clearing Your Record
- Appeal. I had the very unique opportunity when I first became an attorney to clerk for a Superior Court Judge in the Appellate Division. After that, I was an attorney designated by the state to handle appeals for indigent criminal defendants. I have personally handled over 80 Appellate Division cases in private practice.
- Post-Conviction Relief. Post-conviction petitions seek to overturn wrongful convictions. I have handled many of these cases at the law division and on appeal.
- Record Expungements. Some of the most rewarding work I’ve done is helping individuals expunge their criminal records. In fact, many of my 5-start reviews are from former expungement clients. We get them done quickly and accurately. An expungement can give you a second chance in life and open up many career and personal opportunities.
Personal Injury
On the personal injury front, I fight to protect victims of negligence. That means winning fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. This includes injuries suffered from:
Car Accidents
- Passenger vehicle accidents. New Jersey has very strict rules that govern your ability to sue for a car accident. New Jersey is a “no fault” state. This means your own car insurance company typically pays for your personal injury. You may sue another driver for non-economic damages including pain and suffering only in certain cases. These cases involve serious and specific injuries. This law is commonly referred to as the “verbal threshold.”
- Motorcycle accidents. The very nature of motorcycles makes them prone to rendering injury. These accidents can result in catastrophic injury. There are usually comparative liability issues though which may complicate a case.
- Uber accidents or Lyft accidents and assaults. Far too many drivers are allowed to work for these companies. Many of their histories slip through their background checks. If you were sexually assaulted by an Uber or Lyft driver, the company may be held liable. This is especially the case if the individual was hired despite a criminal record. Similarly, the individual may have had a poor driving history and was nevertheless hired. This can create liability for the company if you are injured in a car accident in an Uber.
- Trucking accidents. Truck accidents often result in catastrophic injury. Accordingly, New Jersey law makes it a bit easier to sue for pain and suffering from a truck accident versus a passenger vehicle.
Lawsuits Based on Negligence
- Dog bites. New Jersey imposes “strict liability” for many dog bite injuries. This means an owner is strictly liable for any injury their dog causes. This can make recovery more achievable in comparison to other personal injury cases. Dog bites can cause serious injuries, pain, and scarring.
- Slip & fall accidents. These cases often pose liability challenges. The store or facility where you fell will almost certainly blame you for the accident. You need an attorney who will fight hard to establish fault.
- Workplace accidents. New Jersey has a comprehensive worker’s compensation scheme that governs lawsuits against an employer for a work related injury. You may however still sue a third party involved if their negligence contributed to you getting hurt.
Lawsuits Against Professionals
- Police brutality. If you are injured during an arrest, you may have a viable legal claim.
- Lawsuits against jails and state prisons. If you were injured by a corrections officer or guard at a prison, you should consider a lawsuit.
- Medical Malpractice. This is an extremely specialized area of law. A deep knowledge of both medical and legal issues is required. Doctors must typically agree to allow their insurance company to settle a malpractice claim. This can make settlement very difficult. You need an attorney with the resources and stamina to see kind of case through to trial.
- Legal Malpractice. Mistakes happen in every profession due to human error. When mistakes are made by your attorney, the effects can be disastrous. Most attorneys carry legal malpractice insurance for this reason. Typical claims include missed statutes of limitations in civil cases.
Intentional Acts
- Assault. Many insurance companies disclaim coverage for intentional acts such as assault. Recovery can therefore be difficult. These cases usually come down to coverage rather than liability. However, a better case can usually be made if you are assaulted at a club, bar, or restaurant. If the facility created the circumstances that contributed to the assault, they may be found liable for negligence.
I Fight to Get Results for Clients Both Inside and Outside the Courtroom
Pre-Suit
- Treatment. If you have been injured in a car accident, or through the negligence of another like a dog attack or slip and fall, you need help now. Many injuries require emergent or immediate treatment. Treatment providers include doctors, surgeons, and other medical professionals. It can be difficult to know what treatments are in your medical best interest and how they impact each other. It can be even more difficult to navigate the insurance process and obtain coverage and payment for your medical treatment. An experienced personal injury attorney can guide you through this.
- Investigation. Your injury likely occurred on someone else’s property, whether it be public like a highway, or private like a grocery store. There may be other victims in your case and many diverse parties at fault. A thorough investigation is required in personal injury cases. This includes scene photographs and measures. Also required are detailed witness statements. Forensic and financial investigation may also be needed. You need an attorney who knows how to get these tasks done properly.
- Outside Professional Expertise. Many personal injury cases involve myriad issues spanning diverse fields. This can mean medical specialists and experts. This may also include engineers, accident reconstructionists, and forensic accountants. An experienced personal injury usually has a network of qualified outside professionals.
Lawsuits
- Demand Accountability. Once a thorough investigation is completed and your injuries have been treated, it’s time to obtain justice. Effective advocacy at this point includes sending demand letters and settlement brochures to those responsible for your injuries. A proper lawsuit will be initiated when appropriate by filing a complaint in Superior Court or Federal District Court.
- Settlement. Entire books and courses are dedicated to effective negotiation. This can’t occur until your case is properly valued. You need an attorney who knows how to convince the other side to come to bargaining on terms that are favorable to you and that appropriately compensate you.
- Trial. There are two general things an attorney must have to be successful at trial. Talent and experience. There is no substitute for either.
Accessibility
Your case requires the attention it deserves. We are constantly in touch with all clients throughout their cases. In today’s fast-paced environment, you need access to your attorney. The days of leaving messages or waiting days for returned emails are over. My office has a 24-hour return policy for all calls and email. Usually we respond to all inquiries from current and potential within minutes. We are available via phone, email, and text message around the clock.
Reasonable Fee Structure and Free Consultations
My goal is to make the progress of your case as simple and painless as possible. Whether you are facing criminal charges or a motor vehicle violation, or recovering from an accident, I offer every client a free initial consultation. During that consultation, we will:
- Talk about what happened
- Analyze options in your case
- Create a plan for moving forward
- Answer any initial questions you have
- Give you clear answers regarding fees and payment
I charge reasonable, competitive flat fees and also accept major credit cards. Schedule a free consultation to discuss options in your case today. If your case does not fit my practice, I am happy to offer referrals to other attorneys better suited for your particular situation.
Call Today for a Free and 100% Confidential Consultation
New Jersey prosecutors want to convict the people they have arrested. Insurance companies want to limit the amount of money they must pay you. Their reputations—and even their jobs—may depend upon it. Because I have worked in the prosecution’s office, I understand their tactics. I also know how to build a strong case to counter those tactics. Keeping your record clean is my top priority and I have the experience and resources to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Choosing the right defense or injury lawyer to plan your case strategy can mark a turning point for many clients. I know that your future is at stake and I take my responsibility seriously. When you choose to retain my legal services, I go to work immediately, putting my years of legal experience and knowledge of the courts to work for you.
To schedule a free case review, call my office or contact me online today. I am available 24/7 and have several centrally located office locations including Woodbridge and Freehold.
