Criminal Defense James M. Porfido Will FIGHT FOR YOU!

Put over 30 years of legal experience on your side. We always aim to achieve the best possible result for our clients. Contact us today and don't risk your future. 

Criminal Trial Attorneys in Morristown

What is a Defense Attorney?

A criminal defense attorney is a legal professional who specializes in defending individuals charged with criminal offenses. They help their clients navigate through the legal system by providing advice on the best course of action, developing strategies for mounting a successful defense, and representing them in court proceedings. 

Criminal defense lawyers also work to ensure that their clients' constitutional rights are protected throughout the process and seek to minimize any potential consequences of the charges. In addition, they may be able to negotiate reduced or dismissed charges if possible. In some cases, they can even get an acquittal or pardon from the court.

Defense attorneys often specialize in specific areas of law from DUI/DWI and drug laws to white-collar crimes and violent crimes, so it is important to find a legal professional who has experience handling your type of case. The lawyer can provide valuable guidance and advice on how to handle the charges, as well as represent you in court proceedings. With their knowledge and expertise, criminal lawyers can often make the difference between winning or losing a case. 

Defending Those Accused of Crimes in Morris County & Throughout Northern New Jersey

Morristown criminal defense attorney James M. Porfido has nearly 25 years of experience in the field of criminal law. He is certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a criminal trial attorney and has been selected by New Jersey Monthly for inclusion in the Super Lawyers list for his criminal defense work. He is a former prosecutor who now uses his knowledge of the system to defend clients charged with a wide range of crimes.

Request your initial consultation by calling the firm at (973) 370-9788 today.

We Help Clients Enact Post-Conviction Relief

If you have a criminal conviction in your past and it is holding you back, we may be able to help you clean up your record through an expungement. Similarly, if you feel you were convicted in error, talk to us about the possibility of appealing the decision.

Schedule a Consultation with an Experienced Morris County Criminal Defense Lawyer As Soon As Possible

Prompt action in criminal cases is critical. If you are under investigation or have been charged with a crime in northern New Jersey, call attorney James M. Porfido right away to learn about your rights. Call (973) 370-9788, or contact us online 

Are You Facing Criminal Charges in Morris County?

Under Mr. Porfido’s leadership, our firm mounts strong, intelligent defenses on behalf of those charged with:

  • Juvenile crimes ranging from underage drinking and MIP (N.J.S.A. 2C:33-15 and 2C:33-16) to criminal mischief and property crimes.
  • Drug charges involving illicit drugs like cocaine and meth, as well as prescription drugs.
  • White collar crimes, including fraud, racketeering, embezzlement, and more.
  • Traffic violations such as driving while suspended, reckless driving, and driving without insurance.
  • DUI/DWI, whether you are a first-time offender or repeat offender.
  • Theft crimes, including burglary, robbery, and related charges such as breaking and entering.
  • Internet crimes such as identity theft, child pornography, and more.
  • Sex crimes, including rape, sexual assault, prostitution, solicitation, and many other accusations.
  • Gun and weapon charges, including felon in possession and assault with a deadly weapon.

What do Criminal Defense Lawyers Do?

Criminal defense lawyers in New Jersey play a vital role in protecting the rights and interests of individuals accused of criminal offenses. Our primary objective is to ensure a fair legal process and advocate for their clients' best possible outcomes. Here's an overview of what Morristown criminal defense lawyers do:

  • Legal Representation and Guidance: Defense lawyers provide legal representation to individuals accused of crimes. We offer legal advice, explain the charges, potential consequences, and guide their clients on the best course of action.
  • Case Assessment and Strategy Development: They thoroughly analyze the case, evaluating the evidence, witness statements, and legal procedures. Based on this assessment, we create a strategic defense plan to challenge the prosecution's case and protect their client's rights.
  • Negotiation with Prosecution: Defense lawyers negotiate with the prosecution to seek favorable outcomes for their clients, such as reduced charges, plea bargains, or alternative sentencing options.
  • Courtroom Representation: We represent their clients in court during arraignment, pre-trial hearings, trial, and sentencing. We present arguments, cross-examine witnesses, and challenge the prosecution's evidence.
  • Protection of Rights and Due Process: Our criminal defense lawyers ensure that their clients' constitutional rights are protected, including the right to a fair trial, the right to remain silent, protection from unlawful searches and seizures, and the right to legal counsel.
  • Appeals and Post-Conviction Relief: If necessary, they can pursue appeals or post-conviction relief to challenge the verdict or sentence, seeking a more favorable outcome for their clients.

Overall, criminal defense lawyers in New Jersey are essential legal advocates who protect the rights and interests of individuals accused of criminal offenses, striving for a fair and just resolution throughout the legal process.

Meet Your Attorney

At James M. Porfido, Attorney at Law, LLC, in Morristown, we bring the requisite experience in and out of the courtroom to provide our clients the aggressive advocacy necessary to protect their rights in a wide range of criminal defense matters.

Our law office provides highly personalized legal guidance that seeks to either gain an acquittal, mitigate charges or minimize penalties. Every legal strategy is designed to suit the unique facts of each case and develops in close consort with each client.

Mr. Porfido has over 30 years of experience in criminal law. He is certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a Criminal Trial Attorney and was selected for inclusion in New Jersey Super Lawyers from 2008 through 2017. He is a former prosecutor who now uses his system knowledge to defend clients charged with a wide range of crimes.

Testimonials

Opinions From Those Who Matter Most
  • “Mr. Porfido came highly recommended to me when I found myself in need of representation in Federal court. I was impressed by his legal skill & knowledge. It was also apparent to me through this process that he was highly respected by his peers.”

    - M.M.
  • “Mr. Porfido always followed up and answered my emails and calls no matter the time. He also showed great compassion and concern for me and my children through the whole case and even after.”

    - N.K.
  • “James is by far the best attorney I’ve worked and I have referred friends and family to the Porfido Law Firm for years. The staff is extra friendly and James helped my friend with his expungement which allowed him to get the job he wanted after colle”

    - R.M.
  • “I've used his services on two occasions and each time his entire staff was very helpful, professional and swift in handling my situation, I couldn't have asked for a better outcome and I absolutely highly recommend James!”

    - T.A.
  • “Great experience. Handles himself extremely well in front of the judge. Very knowledgeable and gets the job done. Would highly recommend him to my friends.”

    - J.R.

    Our Values

    What Our Work Means To Us
    • Each Client Receives Personalized Strategy
    • Over 30 Years of Legal Experience
    • Our Firm is Top-Rated & Award-Winning
    • Relentless Advocacy for All Clients

    Contact

    Schedule a Consultation with an Experienced Morris County Criminal Defense Lawyer As Soon As Possible

    Prompt action in criminal cases is critical. If you are under investigation or have been charged with a crime in northern New Jersey, call attorney James M. Porfido right away to learn about your rights. Call (973) 370-9788, or contact us online.

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    Consequences of Violent Offenses

    The penalties for assault and other violent crimes are serious. Simple assault is generally considered a disorderly person offense punishable by up to $1,000 in fines. If the simple assault was committed under the following circumstances, the offense can raise to a fourth degree crime punishable by up to 18 months in prison and up to $1,000 in fines:

    • while working as an employee in care facility against an institutionalized elderly person; or
    • while in the presence of a child under 16 years of age at a school or community sponsored youth sports event (regardless of whether the defendant knew of the minor’s age).

    The penalties for aggravated assault depend on the specific nature of the aggravated assault, as offenses are classified at different levels of crimes with varying penalty levels. Aggravated assault offenses range from a lower level crime of the fourth degree to a higher level crime of the second degree, which could result in some years in prison.

    Other violent offenses like domestic violence are also severely punished, and individuals who violate a restraining order against them could face charges for criminal contempt in the fourth degree. This could result in up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine. Second and subsequent offenses will require a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 30 days.