Bergen County Lawyer for Retaliating Against a Witness, Victim, or Informant
Retaliating against a witness, victim, or informant is a serious felony in New Jersey, governed by N.J.S.A. 2C:28-5. If you are accused of witness retaliation in Bergen County, you face severe penalties that can include years in state prison. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those charged with witness intimidation in Bergen County.
New Jersey Law on Retaliating Against a Witness, Victim, or Informant
In New Jersey, the crime of retaliating against a witness, victim, or informant is defined under N.J.S.A. 2C:28-5. The statute makes it illegal to harm, threaten, or otherwise intimidate another person because they have testified, provided information, or are about to do so in an official proceeding or investigation. The law is designed to protect the integrity of the justice system by ensuring witnesses and victims can come forward without fear of reprisal.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
The firm was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who understands how the state builds these cases from both sides of the courtroom.
Official Legal Resources
- N.J.S.A. 2C:28-5 (official New Jersey Legislature site)
- Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen Vicinage
Defending Against Witness Retaliation Charges in Bergen County
Prosecutors in the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office take allegations of witness intimidation extremely seriously. A charge often follows an initial investigation for another crime, where the state believes you attempted to silence a potential witness. The key to defense is challenging the evidence of intent—proving you did not act with the purpose to retaliate for their involvement in a case.
- Initial Arrest & Complaint: You may be arrested and charged via complaint-warrant or summons. The case is filed in the Superior Court, Law Division-Criminal Part, in Hackensack.
- First Appearance & Detention Hearing: You will have a first appearance where the court advises you of the charges. Given the severity, the state may move for pretrial detention.
- Discovery & Investigation: Your attorney will obtain all evidence, including witness statements, recordings, or communications alleged to be threats. We investigate the relationship and context of the alleged act.
- Pre-Indictment Phase: The Prosecutor’s Office will present the case to a grand jury for indictment. A strong defense presentation can sometimes influence this stage.
- Post-Indictment Proceedings: After indictment, the case proceeds with status conferences, motion practice (e.g., to suppress evidence), and plea negotiations.
- Trial or Disposition: If a plea agreement is not in your best interest, we prepare for trial before a Bergen County jury, arguing the state has not proven intent to retaliate beyond a reasonable doubt.
Penalties for Witness Retaliation in New Jersey
In Bergen County, retaliating against a witness, victim, or informant is a second-degree crime, punishable by 5 to 10 years in New Jersey state prison and a fine of up to $150,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retaliating Against a Witness/Victim/Informant | Second-Degree Crime | 5 – 10 years (State Prison) | Up to $150,000 | Felony record, loss of professional licenses, firearms restrictions, immigration consequences for non-citizens. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in New Jersey Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our founding attorney, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who understands the tactics used by the state. We have represented clients across New Jersey, developing a deep understanding of local court procedures in vicinages like Bergen.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific results in Bergen County for this charge are not disclosed here, our firm-wide approach to complex criminal defense has secured favorable outcomes for clients. We meticulously analyze the evidence, challenge the prosecution’s case on intent, and explore all procedural and constitutional defenses.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Bergen County Witness Retaliation Defense Team
If you are under investigation or have been charged with retaliating against a witness, victim, or informant in Bergen County, immediate action is critical. Our New Jersey location serves clients at the Bergen County Courthouse in Hackensack. We are accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17.
We are a witness retaliation defense lawyer Bergen County resource for communities including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, and Bergenfield.
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) 334-7465
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
FAQs: Witness Retaliation Charges in Bergen County
What does “retaliating against a witness” mean in New Jersey?
It means harming, threatening, or intimidating someone because they testified, provided information, or were about to do so in an official proceeding. The key element is your intent to punish or deter their involvement in the justice system.
Is witness retaliation a felony in NJ?
Yes. Retaliating against a witness, victim, or informant is a second-degree crime, which is a felony in New Jersey. A conviction carries a mandatory state prison sentence of 5 to 10 years.
Can I go to jail for threatening a witness?
Yes, if the threat is made with the purpose of retaliation for their role in a case. Even if the underlying case is minor or dismissed, the retaliation charge is a separate, serious felony. You need a witness intimidation charge lawyer Bergen County immediately.
What should I do if I’m accused of witness intimidation?
Do not speak to law enforcement or anyone about the allegations. Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Anything you say can be used to prove your intent, which is the central issue in the prosecution’s case.
What are the defenses to a witness retaliation charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent to retaliate, mistaken identity, false allegations, and challenging the credibility of the alleged victim. An attorney can also examine whether your constitutional rights were violated during the investigation.
Where are these cases heard in Bergen County?
Charges for retaliating against a witness are indictable crimes (felonies) heard in the Superior Court, Law Division-Criminal Part, located at 10 Main Street in Hackensack, NJ.
Related Practice Areas: Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Bergen County | DUI Lawyer Bergen County
Other Locations: Civil Litigation Lawyer Atlantic County | Civil Litigation Lawyer Camden County
Hub Page: New Jersey Civil Litigation Lawyer
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.