Attempt to Commit a Felony Lawyer in Gloucester County, NJ — What Are Your Defenses?
An attempt to commit a felony in Gloucester County is a serious indictable offense prosecuted under N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1. The charge applies when you take a substantial step toward committing a serious crime but do not complete it. A conviction can carry penalties nearly as severe as the completed felony.
New Jersey Law on Attempt Crimes
In New Jersey, the crime of attempt is defined by statute. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1, a person is guilty of an attempt to commit a crime if, acting with the kind of culpability otherwise required for the commission of the crime, they purposely engage in conduct that constitutes a substantial step in a course of conduct planned to culminate in the commission of the crime. The law does not require that the crime be completed, only that the defendant’s actions go beyond mere preparation.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Gloucester Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a foundational understanding of how prosecutors build attempt cases, which often hinge on interpreting intent and the significance of a defendant’s actions.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the attempt statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1 (official New Jersey Legislature site). For local court procedures, visit the Gloucester Vicinage website.
Local Defense Strategy in Gloucester County
In Gloucester County Superior Court, attempt charges are filed by the County Prosecutor’s Office. These cases often involve undercover operations or intercepted communications. A key local procedural fact is that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that your actions were a “substantial step”—mere talk or preliminary planning is typically insufficient. Our attempted felony defense lawyer Gloucester County team scrutinizes the evidence for this critical gap.
- Case Assessment: We immediately obtain all discovery, including police reports, witness statements, and any electronic evidence, to evaluate the strength of the “substantial step” allegation.
- Motion to Dismiss: If the state’s evidence shows only preparation, not a substantial step, we file a motion to dismiss the attempt charge for insufficient evidence.
- Negotiation: We engage with the prosecutor to seek a reduction to a disorderly persons offense or a diversion program, especially for first-time offenders.
- Trial Preparation: If the case proceeds, we build a defense focusing on lack of intent or that the actions stopped voluntarily, which can negate the required culpability.
Potential Penalties for Attempting a Felony
In Gloucester County, an attempt to commit a felony is generally graded one degree lower than the most serious crime attempted, but a crimey of the first degree attempt remains a second-degree crime with severe consequences.
| Crime Attempted | Attempt Grade | Incarceration | Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Degree Felony (e.g., Murder, Aggravated Sexual Assault) | 2nd Degree Crime | 5-10 years in prison | Up to $150,000 |
| 2nd Degree Felony (e.g., Robbery, Aggravated Assault) | 3rd Degree Crime | 3-5 years in prison | Up to $15,000 |
| 3rd Degree Felony (e.g., Theft, Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose) | 4th Degree Crime | Up to 18 months | Up to $10,000 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Attempt Charge
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 case results firm-wide, we have the depth to handle attempt cases. Our founding attorney, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who understands how the state builds its case from the initial evidence. We provide a strong, case-specific defense for every client.
Our Approach to Attempt Cases
Our defense begins by attacking the core of an attempt charge: whether the alleged actions truly constitute a “substantial step.” We work with investigators and, if needed, experienced witnesses to reconstruct events and challenge the prosecution’s narrative. For an incomplete crime defense lawyer Gloucester County, the goal is often to demonstrate that our client abandoned the plan or never possessed the requisite intent to complete the felony.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-9900
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Gloucester County courts. We are accessible via I-295, Route 55, and the NJ Turnpike. If you need an attempt to commit a felony lawyer Gloucester County near Woodbury or Washington Township, we offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only. We serve communities throughout Gloucester County including Deptford, Monroe Township, Mantua, West Deptford, Glassboro, Woolwich, Harrison Township, and Pitman.
Attempt to Commit a Felony Charges: Frequently Asked Questions
Is “attempt” considered a serious crime in New Jersey?
Yes. An attempt to commit a felony is treated as a very serious indictable offense (New Jersey’s term for a felony). It is graded just one degree lower than the completed crime itself, meaning a second-degree attempt conviction still carries the potential for years in state prison.
What is the main difference between preparation and a “substantial step”?
It depends on the facts. Preparation involves planning or acquiring tools for a crime. A “substantial step” is an action that strongly corroborates the defendant’s criminal intent and goes beyond mere preparation, such as traveling to the scene with a weapon or making a concrete offer to an undercover officer. This distinction is often the central fight in an attempt case.
Can an attempt charge be dismissed if I changed my mind?
Possibly. New Jersey law recognizes the defense of “renunciation.” If you can prove you voluntarily and completely abandoned your criminal plan before the crime was committed, and did so due to a change of heart (not because of increased difficulty or fear of getting caught), it may be a valid defense. An experienced attempt to commit a felony lawyer Gloucester County can evaluate if this applies.
What should I do if I’m under investigation for an attempted crime?
1. Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney. 2. Contact a criminal defense lawyer as early as possible. 3. Preserve any evidence that shows your intent or lack thereof. Early intervention by a lawyer can prevent charges from being filed or shape the evidence before an indictment.
Where will my attempt case be heard in Gloucester County?
Attempt to commit a felony charges are indictable offenses in New Jersey. Your case will begin in the Superior Court, Gloucester Vicinage, located in Woodbury. It will be prosecuted by the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office.
For more information on related defenses, see our pages on New Jersey Sex Crime Defense or Sex Crime Lawyer in Camden County. For other legal needs in the area, consider a Business Lawyer in Gloucester County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding your attempt to commit a felony charge.
Gloucester County cases follow the same route as the rest of the state, and our page on attempt to commit a felony defense lawyer in Virginia explains each stage.
If your case reaches beyond Gloucester County, our page on attempt to commit a felony cases across Virginia sets out what to look for at each stage.
Your case in Gloucester County, New Jersey
Immigration matters are federal: removal cases for New Jersey residents are heard at the Newark Immigration Court and applications are decided by USCIS. County criminal charges that can affect immigration status are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Gloucester County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Gloucester Vicinage (15th Vicinage), 70 Hunter Street, Woodbury, NJ 08096, telephone (856) 853-3200, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Gloucester County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Gloucester County NJ lawyers directory.