Criminal Attempt Lawyer Bergen County — What Are Your Defenses?
A criminal attempt charge in Bergen County is a serious indictable offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1, graded one degree lower than the target crime. A Criminal Attempt lawyer Bergen County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. defends you against these charges at the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage.
New Jersey Law on Criminal Attempt
In New Jersey, a person is guilty of criminal attempt under N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1 if, acting with the kind of culpability otherwise required for 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. A substantial step is conduct strongly corroborative of the actor’s criminal purpose. For example, purchasing materials to make a bomb with the intent to use it would be a substantial step toward attempted murder.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1 (official New Jersey Legislature site). Court information and procedures can be found at the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage website.
Bergen County Court Process for Attempt Charges
Attempt charges are indictable crimes (felonies) heard in the Superior Court, Criminal Division, in Hackensack. The prosecution must prove you took a substantial step toward committing a crime with the specific intent to complete it. Defenses often focus on lack of intent or that the actions did not constitute a substantial step. In Bergen County, prosecutors rigorously pursue these charges, making early intervention by a skilled criminal charge defense lawyer Bergen County critical.
- Arrest or Summons: You may be arrested or receive a summons to appear for an initial hearing.
- First Appearance: You will be advised of the charges and your rights. The court will address detention under NJ’s bail reform.
- Pre-Indictment Phase: Your attorney negotiates with the County Prosecutor’s Office, potentially seeking a downgrade or dismissal before grand jury presentation.
- Grand Jury: The prosecutor presents evidence to a grand jury to secure an indictment.
- Post-Indictment Arraignment: You are formally arraigned on the indictment in Superior Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your lawyer files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges and engages in discovery.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: The case proceeds to a plea agreement or a trial before a judge or jury.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Attempt in NJ
In Bergen County, a criminal attempt conviction carries penalties one degree lower than the completed crime, meaning a first-degree target crime becomes a second-degree attempt, with significant prison time.
| Target Crime Grade | Attempt Grade | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Degree (e.g., Murder) | 2nd Degree | 5-10 years | Up to $150,000 | Felony record, loss of professional licenses, firearm restrictions. |
| 2nd Degree (e.g., Robbery) | 3rd Degree | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | Felony record, immigration consequences, difficulty finding employment. |
| 3rd Degree (e.g., Aggravated Assault) | 4th Degree | Up to 18 months | Up to $10,000 | Indictable criminal record, collateral consequences. |
| 4th Degree | Disorderly Persons Offense | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | Criminal record. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Bergen County Attempt Charge
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to complex criminal defense. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the high stakes of an attempt charge and provide a strong, strategic defense.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific results are confidential, our firm’s approach in Bergen County focuses on early, aggressive defense. We challenge the prosecution’s evidence of intent and the “substantial step” element, often seeking downgrades or dismissals before indictment. We have successfully defended clients against a range of attempt charges, from attempted theft to more serious allegations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Attempt Defense Near Hackensack & Bergen County
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Bergen County. We are accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17, making it convenient for residents of Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, and surrounding communities. If you need a criminal attempt lawyer near the Bergen County Courthouse, we can help.
24/7 Phone Consultations — Meetings By Appointment Only
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Criminal Attempt Charges in NJ
What does the prosecution need to prove for a criminal attempt conviction?
Two things: specific intent to commit the underlying crime, and that you took a “substantial step” toward committing it. Mere preparation is not enough; the step must strongly confirm your criminal purpose under N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1.
Can I be charged with attempt even if the crime was impossible to complete?
Yes. New Jersey law allows for a conviction of criminal attempt even if the crime was factually impossible to complete, as long as you believed it was possible and took a substantial step. This is known as “legal impossibility” vs. “factual impossibility.”
Is a criminal attempt charge a felony in New Jersey?
Yes. Criminal attempt is an indictable crime (New Jersey’s term for felony). It is graded one degree lower than the target crime and is heard in Superior Court, not Municipal Court.
What are common defenses to an attempt charge?
Common defenses include lack of specific intent, abandonment/renunciation (you voluntarily gave up the plan), police entrapment, or that your actions did not constitute a “substantial step” as defined by law. An experienced criminal case representation lawyer Bergen County can evaluate the best defense for your situation.
Does New Jersey have cash bail for attempt charges?
No. NJ abolished cash bail. Pretrial release for an indictable attempt charge is determined by a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) risk score. The court may release you with conditions or order detention pending trial.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
The same rules apply outside Bergen County, and our page on criminal attempt charges across New Jersey walks through each stage.