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Criminal Defense

Criminal cases usually involve the police accusing an adult with violating the law, either a misdemeanor criminal offense and/or felony crime. Common examples of offenses and crimes include possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, use of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS), being under the influence of drugs, underage possession of alcohol, theft, shoplifting, disorderly conduct, improper behavior, bad checks, simple assault, harassment, resisting arrest, hindering apprehension or prosecution, obstruction or obstructing administration of law, criminal mischief, trespassing, unlicensed entry of structure, and defiant trespass. In New Jersey, misdemeanors are referred to as disorderly persons offenses or petty disorderly persons offenses and the accusations are filed in municipal court. The potential penalties and consequences of criminal cases are serious, such as jail, large fines, suspended license, probation, community service, surcharges, restitution to the victim, immigration problems, and employment issues. Mr. Appel is an experienced criminal defense lawyer. He meets with the client, interviews any potential defense witnesses, reviews all of the police reports and records in order to prepare and present a persuasive defense.