Financial Crimes Lawyer Somerset County — Defending Against Fraud & Theft Charges
Financial crimes in Somerset County, New Jersey, are prosecuted as indictable offenses under N.J.S.A. Title 2C, carrying severe penalties. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for charges like fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering. Our financial crimes lawyer Somerset County team understands the technical evidence involved. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Financial crimes, often called white-collar crimes, involve deceptive practices for financial gain. In New Jersey, these are governed by the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice (N.J.S.A. Title 2C). Offenses range from theft by deception and credit card fraud to securities fraud and money laundering. The severity of the charge depends on the amount of money involved and the specific method used. A conviction can result in prison time, massive fines, restitution orders, and a permanent criminal record that hinders future employment.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a unique perspective to defending financial cases. Mr. Sris’s background in accounting and information systems provides a critical advantage in dissecting financial evidence, tracing transactions, and challenging the prosecution’s case.
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ToggleOfficial Legal Resources
For the official text of New Jersey’s criminal statutes, visit the New Jersey Legislature website. For information on court procedures in Somerset County, refer to the Superior Court of New Jersey, Somerset Vicinage website.
- Initial Investigation: Law enforcement (local police, State Police, or a state agency) investigates alleged financial misconduct, often through subpoenas for records.
- Charging Decision: The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office reviews the evidence and decides whether to file an accusation (for 4th degree crimes) or seek a grand jury indictment (for 1st-3rd degree crimes).
- Arraignment & Bail: You will be formally charged in Superior Court. New Jersey uses a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) score, not cash bail, to determine pretrial release conditions.
- Discovery & Negotiation: Your attorney will review all evidence. Many cases are resolved through plea negotiations, potentially involving restitution or entry into the Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program for first-time offenders.
- Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial in Somerset County Superior Court, where the state must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows state guidelines, which consider the degree of the crime and any prior record.
In Somerset County, financial crimes like theft by deception (N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4) are graded by the amount involved: over $75,000 is a 2nd-degree crime (5-10 years prison); $500 to $75,000 is 3rd-degree (3-5 years); under $500 is a 4th-degree crime (up to 18 months).
| Offense (N.J.S.A.) | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft by Deception (2C:20-4) | 2nd to 4th Degree Crime | 5-10 yrs (2nd) to up to 18 mos (4th) | Up to $150,000 (2nd) | Professional licenses at risk | Restitution, felony record, asset forfeiture |
| Credit Card Fraud (2C:21-6) | 3rd or 4th Degree Crime | 3-5 yrs (3rd) to up to 18 mos (4th) | Up to $15,000 (3rd) | Professional licenses at risk | Restitution, felony record |
| Money Laundering (2C:21-25) | 1st to 3rd Degree Crime | 10-20 yrs (1st) to 3-5 yrs (3rd) | Up to $500,000 (1st) or 5x value | Professional licenses at risk | Restitution, felony record, asset forfeiture |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our combined attorney experience exceeds 120 years. We have a documented record of favorable outcomes in contested cases. Our approach is to thoroughly analyze financial evidence, challenge the prosecution’s methods, and protect your rights at every stage. For an affordable financial crimes lawyer Somerset County residents can consult, we offer clear fee structures.
Mr. Sris
Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney
Bar Admissions: Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York
A former prosecutor and firm founder with a background in accounting and information systems, Mr. Sris provides a distinct advantage in financial crime cases, focusing on defense strategy.
Our firm has extensive experience defending against financial allegations. While specific Somerset County results are part of our broader practice, our firm-wide track record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We have successfully challenged evidence in fraud and theft cases. Mr. Sris, our lead attorney for New Jersey criminal defense, provides strategic oversight on financial crime defenses.
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) 651-3900
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Somerset County courts. As a financial crimes lawyer near me Somerset County residents can rely on, we are accessible from Somerville, Bridgewater, and Franklin Township via I-287 and Route 22. We serve communities including Somerville, Bridgewater, Franklin Township, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, Warren Township, Watchung, Bernardsville, and Bedminster. 24/7 phone consultations are available at (888) 437-7747 — meetings are by appointment only.
Financial Crimes Defense FAQs in Somerset County
What is considered a financial crime in New Jersey?
It depends. New Jersey law defines many offenses as financial crimes, including theft by deception, forgery, credit card fraud, identity theft, embezzlement, money laundering, and securities fraud. The common element is an illegal act intended to result in financial gain or loss to another.
Can I go to jail for a first-time financial crime in Somerset County?
Yes. Jail time is possible, especially for 2nd or 3rd-degree crimes. However, for first-time offenders charged with 3rd or 4th-degree crimes, the Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program may offer a path to dismissal without jail, contingent on completing supervision and restitution.
What is the Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program for financial crimes?
PTI is a diversion program for first-time offenders charged with indictable crimes (felonies). If accepted by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, you complete 1-3 years of supervision, often including community service and restitution. Successful completion results in the dismissal of all charges.
How does a financial crimes lawyer defend these cases?
A defense strategy may involve challenging the intent to defraud, arguing a lack of knowledge, disputing the valuation of loss, proving authorization for transactions, or filing motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence. A lawyer scrutinizes the paper trail and forensic accounting.
What should I do if I’m under investigation for a financial crime?
Promptly contact a financial crimes lawyer Somerset County trusts. Do not speak to investigators without an attorney present. Preserve all relevant documents and electronic records. An attorney can advise you on your rights and may intervene before formal charges are filed.
For more information, see our New Jersey Criminal Defense overview. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Hunterdon County and Morris County. If you are facing other charges, explore our services for DUI defense in Somerset County or immigration law.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is subject to change. Consult an attorney for current legal advice.
Your case in Somerset County, New Jersey
Indictable charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division; disorderly-persons offenses are heard in the municipal court where the charge was filed. In Somerset County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage (13th Vicinage), 20 North Bridge Street, Somerville, NJ 08876, telephone (908) 231-7000, 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 New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, N.J.S.A. Title 2C. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Somerset 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: Somerset County NJ lawyers directory · Financial Crimes Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Financial Crimes Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Financial Crimes Defense Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.