criminal charge
Find the Right Defense for Your Case
Criminal charges can affect your record, your work, your family, and your peace of mind. Knowing what you’re facing is the first step toward protecting what matters. James M. Porfido provides strategic counsel and expert analysis across the full range of NJ criminal charges.
CASES HANDLED
Counsel & Expert Analysis Across the Full Range of NJ Criminal Charges
Every case is unique. James M. Porfido provides strategic consultation, expert analysis, and referral to Einhorn Barbarito for representation tailored to the facts of your case, the court handling it, and the stakes involved.
DUI / DWI
A DWI charge can affect far more than driving privileges. Penalties under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 may bring fines, surcharges, license suspension, insurance consequences, and mandatory court proceedings.
02 – Drug Offenses
Drug Possession
Possession cases under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10 often turns on how the evidence was found, who had control over the substance, and whether the surrounding facts support the charge.
Drug Distribution
Distribution allegations under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5 are more serious than simple possession charges and may expose a person to heavier penalties, broader investigations, and more complex legal issues.
Assault
An assault accusation under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1 may arise from a dispute, confrontation, or incident that escalates quickly. The severity often depends on the injuries alleged and the surrounding circumstances.
Domestic Violence
Matters under the NJ Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (N.J.S.A. 2C:25-19) often involve both legal and personal disruption. In many cases, criminal allegations and restraining order proceedings move forward at the same time.
Weapons Charges
Weapons offenses under Chapter 39 of the NJ Code (N.J.S.A. 2C:39) are treated seriously and can carry severe penalties, even where the issue centers on possession or technical compliance.
Theft & Fraud
Charges under Chapter 20 of the NJ Code (N.J.S.A. 2C:20) can affect far more than a criminal record, including finances, employment, and professional standing.
White Collar Crimes
White collar allegations often involve business records, transactions, communications, or financial activity that require close review and careful attention to detail.
Federal Crimes
A federal investigation or charge usually follows a different path than a state-level criminal matter, with distinct procedures under the U.S. Code and often higher stakes.
Juvenile Defense
Matters under the NJ Code of Juvenile Justice (N.J.S.A. 2A:4A) can affect school, family life, and future opportunities in ways that require thoughtful handling.
Expungements
For many people, an old arrest or conviction continues to create problems long after the case is over. Expungement under N.J.S.A. 2C:52 may provide a path toward clearing an eligible record.
Probation Violations
A probation violation under N.J.S.A. 2C:45-3 can place an existing sentence or prior plea terms at risk and often requires prompt attention.
Restraining Orders
Restraining order matters under N.J.S.A. 2C:25-29 can affect housing, family relationships, daily life, and related criminal proceedings from the outset.
Sex Crimes
Few allegations carry consequences as immediate and serious as a sex crime accusation. Charges under N.J.S.A. 2C:14 carry both criminal penalties and collateral consequences including Megan’s Law registration.
Traffic Violations
Certain traffic matters under Title 39 can lead to more than fines or points, especially where driving privileges, insurance costs, or related charges are involved.
Appeals
When a prior case was affected by legal error, procedural problems, or unfair rulings, an appeal under the New Jersey Court Rules (R. 2:1 et seq.) may offer an avenue to challenge the outcome.
Municipal Court Defense
Municipal court matters may involve DWI charges, traffic offenses, disorderly persons allegations, and other lower-level criminal issues that still deserve careful attention.
Your case
Don’t see your charge? Every matter is unique.
Call for a confidential consultation to discuss the specific facts of your case.
DUI / DWI
A DWI charge can affect far more than driving privileges. Penalties under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 may bring fines, surcharges, license suspension, insurance consequences, and mandatory court proceedings.
Traffic Violations
Certain traffic matters under Title 39 can lead to more than fines or points, especially where driving privileges, insurance costs, or related charges are involved.
Drug Possession
Possession cases under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10 often turns on how the evidence was found, who had control over the substance, and whether the surrounding facts support the charge.
Drug Distribution
Distribution allegations under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5 are more serious than simple possession charges and may expose a person to heavier penalties, broader investigations, and more complex legal issues.
Assault
An assault accusation under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1 may arise from a dispute, confrontation, or incident that escalates quickly. The severity often depends on the injuries alleged and the surrounding circumstances.
Theft & Fraud
Charges under Chapter 20 of the NJ Code (N.J.S.A. 2C:20) can affect far more than a criminal record, including finances, employment, and professional standing.
01 – Sex Crimes
Sex Crimes
Few allegations carry consequences as immediate and serious as a sex crime accusation. Charges under N.J.S.A. 2C:14 carry both criminal penalties and collateral consequences including Megan’s Law registration.
Federal Crimes
A federal investigation or charge usually follows a different path than a state-level criminal matter, with distinct procedures under the U.S. Code and often higher stakes.
Juvenile Defense
Matters under the NJ Code of Juvenile Justice (N.J.S.A. 2A:4A) can affect school, family life, and future opportunities in ways that require thoughtful handling.
01 – Post-Conviction
Expungements
For many people, an old arrest or conviction continues to create problems long after the case is over. Expungement under N.J.S.A. 2C:52 may provide a path toward clearing an eligible record.
Probation Violations
A probation violation under N.J.S.A. 2C:45-3 can place an existing sentence or prior plea terms at risk and often requires prompt attention.
Appeals
When a prior case was affected by legal error, procedural problems, or unfair rulings, an appeal under the New Jersey Court Rules (R. 2:1 et seq.) may offer an avenue to challenge the outcome.
Municipal Court Defense
Municipal court matters may involve DWI charges, traffic offenses, disorderly persons allegations, and other lower-level criminal issues that still deserve careful attention.
CASES HANDLED
Counsel & Expert Analysis Across the Full Range of NJ Criminal Charges
DUI / DWI
A DWI charge can affect far more than driving privileges. Penalties under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 may bring fines, surcharges, license suspension, insurance consequences, and mandatory court proceedings.
02 – Drug Offenses
Drug Possession
Possession cases under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10 often turns on how the evidence was found, who had control over the substance, and whether the surrounding facts support the charge.
Drug Distribution
Distribution allegations under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5 are more serious than simple possession charges and may expose a person to heavier penalties, broader investigations, and more complex legal issues.
Assault
An assault accusation under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1 may arise from a dispute, confrontation, or incident that escalates quickly. The severity often depends on the injuries alleged and the surrounding circumstances.
Domestic Violence
Matters under the NJ Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (N.J.S.A. 2C:25-19) often involve both legal and personal disruption. In many cases, criminal allegations and restraining order proceedings move forward at the same time.
Weapons Charges
Weapons offenses under Chapter 39 of the NJ Code (N.J.S.A. 2C:39) are treated seriously and can carry severe penalties, even where the issue centers on possession or technical compliance.
07 – Property
Theft & Fraud
Charges under Chapter 20 of the NJ Code (N.J.S.A. 2C:20) can affect far more than a criminal record, including finances, employment, and professional standing.
White Collar Crimes
White collar allegations often involve business records, transactions, communications, or financial activity that require close review and careful attention to detail.
Federal Crimes
A federal investigation or charge usually follows a different path than a state-level criminal matter, with distinct procedures under the U.S. Code and often higher stakes.
Juvenile Defense
Matters under the NJ Code of Juvenile Justice (N.J.S.A. 2A:4A) can affect school, family life, and future opportunities in ways that require thoughtful handling.
Expungements
For many people, an old arrest or conviction continues to create problems long after the case is over. Expungement under N.J.S.A. 2C:52 may provide a path toward clearing an eligible record.
Probation Violations
A probation violation under N.J.S.A. 2C:45-3 can place an existing sentence or prior plea terms at risk and often requires prompt attention.
Restraining Orders
Restraining order matters under N.J.S.A. 2C:25-29 can affect housing, family relationships, daily life, and related criminal proceedings from the outset.
Sex Crimes
Few allegations carry consequences as immediate and serious as a sex crime accusation. Charges under N.J.S.A. 2C:14 carry both criminal penalties and collateral consequences including Megan’s Law registration.
Traffic Violations
Certain traffic matters under Title 39 can lead to more than fines or points, especially where driving privileges, insurance costs, or related charges are involved.
Appeals
When a prior case was affected by legal error, procedural problems, or unfair rulings, an appeal under the New Jersey Court Rules (R. 2:1 et seq.) may offer an avenue to challenge the outcome.
Municipal Court Defense
Municipal court matters may involve DWI charges, traffic offenses, disorderly persons allegations, and other lower-level criminal issues that still deserve careful attention.
Your case
Don’t see your charge? Every matter is unique.
Call for a confidential consultation to discuss the specific facts of your case.
DUI / DWI
A DWI charge can affect far more than driving privileges. Penalties under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 may bring fines, surcharges, license suspension, insurance consequences, and mandatory court proceedings.
Traffic Violations
Certain traffic matters under Title 39 can lead to more than fines or points, especially where driving privileges, insurance costs, or related charges are involved.
Drug Possession
Possession cases under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10 often turns on how the evidence was found, who had control over the substance, and whether the surrounding facts support the charge.
Drug Distribution
Distribution allegations under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5 are more serious than simple possession charges and may expose a person to heavier penalties, broader investigations, and more complex legal issues.
Assault
An assault accusation under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1 may arise from a dispute, confrontation, or incident that escalates quickly. The severity often depends on the injuries alleged and the surrounding circumstances.
Theft & Fraud
Charges under Chapter 20 of the NJ Code (N.J.S.A. 2C:20) can affect far more than a criminal record, including finances, employment, and professional standing.
01 – Sex Crimes
Sex Crimes
Few allegations carry consequences as immediate and serious as a sex crime accusation. Charges under N.J.S.A. 2C:14 carry both criminal penalties and collateral consequences including Megan’s Law registration.
Federal Crimes
A federal investigation or charge usually follows a different path than a state-level criminal matter, with distinct procedures under the U.S. Code and often higher stakes.
Juvenile Defense
Matters under the NJ Code of Juvenile Justice (N.J.S.A. 2A:4A) can affect school, family life, and future opportunities in ways that require thoughtful handling.
01 – Post-Conviction
Expungements
For many people, an old arrest or conviction continues to create problems long after the case is over. Expungement under N.J.S.A. 2C:52 may provide a path toward clearing an eligible record.
Probation Violations
A probation violation under N.J.S.A. 2C:45-3 can place an existing sentence or prior plea terms at risk and often requires prompt attention.
Appeals
When a prior case was affected by legal error, procedural problems, or unfair rulings, an appeal under the New Jersey Court Rules (R. 2:1 et seq.) may offer an avenue to challenge the outcome.
Municipal Court Defense
Municipal court matters may involve DWI charges, traffic offenses, disorderly persons allegations, and other lower-level criminal issues that still deserve careful attention.
Why Choose Porfido?
Counsel When the Stakes Are High
James M. Porfido brings the perspective of a former Morris County prosecutor, three decades of NJ criminal practice, and the analytical clarity of an author and law professor. That combination helps clients understand what they face, what the State may try next, and where leverage can be created.
From the first consultation, the approach is disciplined, direct, and built around achieving the strongest possible outcome under the circumstances. When formal trial representation is needed, James coordinates with experienced defense counsel to ensure your matter is handled with the same discipline.
- NJ Supreme Court Certified Criminal Trial Attorney since 1995
- Former Assistant Prosecutor, Morris County (8 years)
- Author of Unequal Justice; Adjunct Law Professor at Seton Hall
- Referrals to experienced defense attorneys for trial representation
Case Studies
Real Case Outcomes for Real Clients
Every criminal case is different, but experience matters. James M. Porfido has handled a wide range of matters across New Jersey courts and works to pursue the strongest possible outcome based on the facts, the law, and the circumstances of each client.