Jackson Criminal Defense Lawyer
A criminal charge can wreak havoc on your life, from your work to your marriage to your financial future. Don’t take chances with the outcome of your case and assume you can beat a charge because you know you didn’t commit the crime. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way.
Criminal defense attorney Anthony J. Vecchio was a former prosecutor and he knows all the tactics prosecutors use for bringing charges against a defendant. Now that insight is being used to develop strategic defenses for New Jersey clients facing criminal charges.
At the Law Offices of Anthony J. Vecchio, LLC, our years of experience, in-depth knowledge, and commitment to fighting for the rights of the accused have brought our criminal defense team five-star reviews. With a reputation for excellence and a track record of success, the Law Offices of Anthony J. Vecchio, LLC provide compassionate counsel and personal attention to each client. To learn more about the Law Offices of Anthony J. Vecchio, LLC, schedule a confidential consultation with a member of our team today.
Jackson Criminal Defense Attorney Has Extensive Experience Defending NJ Clients Against Wide Range Of Criminal Charges
At the Law Offices of Anthony J. Vecchio, LLC, we have extensive experience defending New Jersey clients against a wide range of criminal charges. These criminal charges include the following:
- Resisting Arrest
- Disorderly Conduct
- Assault
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of Alcohol or Drugs
- Homicide
- Domestic Violence
- Restraining Orders
- Shoplifting Charges
- Credit Card Fraud
- Robbery
- Trespassing
- Aggravated Assault
- Manslaughter Charges
- Harassment
- Right to Bail
- Burglary
- Vehicular Homicide
- Refusal to Submit to a Breathalyzer Test
- Terroristic Threats
- Ignition Interlock Violations
- Bad Check Charges
- Appeals
- Prescription Drug Charges
- Diversionary Programs
- Assault By Auto
- Juvenile crimes
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child
- Internet Crimes
- Municipal Court Jail Sentencing
- Police Brutality
- Drug possession
- Theft
- Sexual Assault
- Weapons Charges
At the Law Offices of Anthony J. Vecchio, LLC, our skilled team develops personalized defense strategies that result in dismissals. When you hire a criminal defense attorney, you are trusting them with your future. Don’t put your life in the hands of just any lawyer. Get the best criminal defense attorney possible. Contact the Law Offices of Anthony J. Vecchio, LLC to schedule a free consultation regarding your case.
Indictable Crimes In New Jersey Are Classified By Degrees
An indictable crime means that, in order for an individual to be charged with the crime, a grand jury must review the case, find there is enough evidence to support the charge, and require the defendant to stand trial for the crime. The indictment is a written statement prepared by the grand jury.
In New Jersey, indictable crimes are classified by degrees, from first degree through fourth degree. First degree crimes are the most serious crimes and fourth degree crimes are the least serious. Examples of each of these classifications are as follows:
- First degree crimes: manslaughter, rape, and murder
- Second degree crimes: burglary, drug crimes, sex crimes, aggravated arson, white collar crimes, and kidnapping
- Third degree crimes: possession of controlled substances, some robbery offenses, some offenses involving driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI)
- Fourth degree crimes: forgery, stalking, some DUI offenses, some robbery offenses
In classifying crimes according to this schedule, some crimes are classified based on whether the crime is a first or subsequent offense. Punishment for crimes are based on the crime’s classification; New Jersey establishes standard guidelines for each degree of indictable crimes.
Jackson Criminal Defense Lawyer Prepares Aggressive Defense Of The Charges Brought Against You
A skilled, aggressive, customized defense is the best weapon against the charges brought against you. And the Law Offices of Anthony J. Vecchio deliver just that and more. Recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star for Criminal Defense for six consecutive years, and named as a Super Lawyer for Criminal Defense in 2019, criminal defense attorney Anthony J. Vecchio knows how to win. With a record of having charges against his clients dismissed, successful reduction of the charges brought against his clients, and helping his clients avoid jail time, attorney Vecchio has a reputation for excellence.
The Law Offices of Anthony J. Vecchio, LLC offer a free confidential consultation to discuss your case; schedule your appointment with our office today.
About Jackson, New Jersey
Jackson, New Jersey is located in Ocean County. Home to 56,706 residents, a portion of Jackson Township is situated within the New Jersey Pine Barrens. The majority of the crimes reported in Jackson in 2018 were property crimes, with 360 incidents reported. Larceny and theft totaled 263 reported incidents in 2018, followed by 73 reported burglaries. Reported violent crimes totaled 27 incidents and there were 24 reported motor vehicle thefts.
Why Jackson Township Has Aggressive Criminal Enforcement
Jackson Township’s 80+ officer police force handles a jurisdiction that spans nearly 100 square miles and includes major commercial corridors, dense residential neighborhoods, and high-traffic destinations like Six Flags Great Adventure and the Jackson Factory Outlets. The combination of a large transient population and active enforcement means arrest rates are consistently high relative to comparable municipalities.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, which handles all indictable matters, is one of the more aggressive prosecutorial offices in the state. Having a Jackson Township criminal defense lawyer who has worked alongside — and against — prosecutors in this system is a genuine advantage when it comes to negotiating outcomes and presenting your defense.
Other Jackson Twp Defense Services We Offer
Learn More about our Jackson Twp DUI Practice
Learn More about of Jackson Twp Traffic ticket practice
Frequently Asked Questions — Jackson Township Criminal Defense
| Q: What is the difference between a disorderly persons offense and an indictable crime in NJ? |
| A: Disorderly persons offenses (DPs) are New Jersey’s equivalent of misdemeanors, heard in Municipal Court. They carry up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Indictable crimes (like third or fourth degree offenses) are the equivalent of felonies, heard in Superior Court, and carry 18 months to 5+ years in state prison depending on the degree. |
| Q: Can a criminal charge be expunged in New Jersey? |
| A: Yes, many convictions and arrests can be expunged after the applicable waiting period (typically 5 years for disorderly persons, 6 years for indictable crimes, with some exceptions). Expungement erases the record from most background checks. Attorney Vecchio handles expungements in addition to active defense matters. |
| Q: Do I need a lawyer for a disorderly persons charge in Jackson Municipal Court? |
| A: Absolutely. Even a DP conviction creates a permanent criminal record in New Jersey. The case moves fast in Municipal Court and the prosecution is represented by experienced counsel. Going in without an attorney dramatically reduces your chances of a favorable outcome. |
| Q: What is Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) and do I qualify? |
| A: PTI is a diversionary program in NJ Superior Court for first-time indictable offenders. Successful completion results in dismissal of the charges with no conviction. Eligibility depends on your prior record, the nature of the charge, and other factors. Attorney Vecchio will assess your eligibility and advocate for your admission. |
| Q: How does having a former prosecutor as my defense attorney help me? |
| A: Attorney Vecchio spent years evaluating criminal cases from the prosecution’s perspective across eight different NJ municipalities. He knows exactly how prosecutors assess their cases, where the evidence is typically weak, what arguments resonate in plea negotiations, and what to expect in court. That insight is a direct advantage for every client he defends. |
| Q: Will I have to go to court for my criminal charge in Jackson Township? |
| A: For many disorderly persons matters, Attorney Vecchio can appear on your behalf, meaning you do not have to take time off work for routine court appearances. For more serious matters and hearings where your presence is required, we will prepare you fully for what to expect. |
| Q: Can a criminal charge affect my professional license in New Jersey? |
| A: Yes. Many licensed professions in NJ — including nursing, teaching, contracting, real estate, and law — require reporting of criminal charges and convictions. A conviction can trigger a licensing board investigation. We address professional license exposure from the very first consultation. |
We defend criminal charges throughout Ocean County, including Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lakewood, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Brick Township, and Criminal Defense Lawyer in Toms River. See also our New Jersey Criminal Defense page.
Se habla español: Abogado de Defensa Criminal en Jackson
Anthony J. Vecchio, Esq.
New Jersey DUI & Criminal Defense Attorney
Former Municipal Prosecutor
Law Office of Anthony J. Vecchio, LLC
Last updated: October 6, 2026
