Indictable Offense Lawyer in Bergen County, NJ — Your Defense Strategy
An indictable offense in Bergen County is New Jersey’s equivalent of a felony, prosecuted in Superior Court under N.J.S.A. Title 2C with penalties ranging from 18 months to 20 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for these serious charges. Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ documented case results. You need an experienced indictable offense lawyer Bergen County to handle this high-stakes process.
What Is an Indictable Offense in New Jersey?
New Jersey law classifies crimes into two main categories: disorderly persons offenses (misdemeanors) and indictable offenses (felonies). An indictable offense is a serious crime that requires a formal accusation by a grand jury, known as an indictment, before prosecution can proceed in the Superior Court. These crimes are graded by degree, from first degree (most serious) to fourth degree.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has built a practice focused on serious criminal defense. Our attorneys understand the gravity of an indictable charge and the specific procedures of the Bergen County court system.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to the New Jersey Statutes Annotated (N.J.S.A.) Title 2C (official New Jersey Legislature). Court procedures and forms are managed by the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage.
The Indictable Offense Process in Bergen County
Facing an indictable charge in Bergen County initiates a multi-stage process in the Superior Court, located at 10 Main Street in Hackensack. Unlike disorderly persons cases in Municipal Court, indictable offenses involve a grand jury review. A key local procedural fact is New Jersey’s 2017 bail reform, which abolished cash bail. Your pretrial release is determined by a computerized Public Safety Assessment (PSA) score measuring flight risk and danger, not your ability to pay.
- Initial Arrest & Complaint: You are arrested and charged with an indictable crime. A complaint is filed, and a first appearance is scheduled in Superior Court.
- Detention Hearing: Under NJ’s bail reform, the court holds a hearing to decide if you will be released pretrial or detained based on the PSA risk score.
- Grand Jury Presentation: The prosecutor presents evidence to a grand jury. If they vote for an indictment, your case proceeds formally.
- Pre-Indictment Disposition: Your attorney may negotiate a resolution (like Pre-Trial Intervention) or file motions to dismiss before indictment.
- Post-Indictment Proceedings: After indictment, the case moves through discovery, pretrial conferences, and potentially a trial.
- Sentencing or Diversion: If convicted, you face sentencing under NJ’s guidelines. If eligible for and successful in PTI, charges are dismissed.
Penalties for Indictable Offenses in Bergen County
In Bergen County, an indictable offense carries severe penalties, including years of imprisonment, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and professional licenses.
| Offense Degree | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Degree | Indictable Crime | 10-20 years | Up to $200,000 | Professional license revocation likely | Presumption of imprisonment; parole ineligibility; Megan’s Law registration for sex crimes |
| 2nd Degree | Indictable Crime | 5-10 years | Up to $150,000 | Professional license revocation likely | Presumption of imprisonment; Graves Act mandatory minimum for firearms |
| 3rd Degree | Indictable Crime | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | Professional license suspension/revocation possible | Drug Court eligibility for certain offenses |
| 4th Degree | Indictable Crime | Up to 18 months | Up to $10,000 | Professional license suspension possible | PTI diversion often available for first-time offenders |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Indictable Charges
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our combined attorney experience exceeds 120 years. We approach indictable offense defense with a focus on the specific rules of Bergen County Superior Court. For clients seeking an affordable indictable offense lawyer Bergen County, we provide clear fee structures and dedicated representation. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate over 93%.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our defense strategies are informed by extensive experience. While every case is unique, our firm-wide dedication is to achieving a favorable outcome. We have secured dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable plea resolutions in serious cases. For example, our team has successfully argued for case dismissals prior to indictment and negotiated admissions into diversionary programs like Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) for eligible clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Defense for Bergen County Residents
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) 455-5120
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing charges at the Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack. The courthouse is accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17. If you are searching for an indictable offense lawyer near me Bergen County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings scheduled by appointment. We represent clients from Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst.
Indictable Offense Defense FAQs
What is the difference between an indictable offense and a disorderly persons offense in NJ?
An indictable offense is New Jersey’s term for a felony, heard in Superior Court with potential state prison time. A disorderly persons offense is a misdemeanor, heard in Municipal Court with a maximum jail sentence of 6 months.
Does New Jersey have cash bail for indictable offenses?
No. NJ abolished cash bail in 2017. Pretrial release for indictable offenses in Bergen County is determined by a Public Safety Assessment risk score, not money. There are no bail bondsmen in NJ.
What is Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) for an indictable offense?
PTI is a diversion program for first-time indictable offenders. Successful completion of 1-3 years of supervision results in a complete dismissal of the charges. Applications are processed through the Bergen County Superior Court Criminal Division.
Can an indictable offense be expunged from my record in NJ?
Yes, but you must wait 5 years after completing your sentence, including probation and paying all fines. New Jersey’s Clean Slate law has expanded eligibility, but specific rules apply. Petitions are filed in Bergen County Superior Court.
Should I speak to the police if I’m under investigation for an indictable crime?
No. You have the right to remain silent. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately request to speak with an indictable offense lawyer Bergen County. Anything you say can be used against you.
For more information on related legal matters, see our pages on New Jersey Criminal Defense, Hunterdon County Criminal Defense, and Bergen County DUI Defense.
Page Last verified: March 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.
Your case in Bergen 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 Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, 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 Bergen 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: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · Indictable Offense Defense Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Indictable Offense Defense Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.