Violent Crimes Defense in Hamilton Township, NJ
Criminal Defense for Serious Charges in Mercer County
A violent crime charge in New Jersey puts everything at stake: your freedom, your record, and your future. The Law Office of Zapicchi & Liller, LLP is a criminal defense firm serving clients in Hamilton Township, Mercer County, and throughout New Jersey since 2010. From the first call, they give every client individual attention, study the facts before building any strategy, and work together on every file.
Time matters. The earlier an attorney is involved, the more options may be available before a case proceeds to indictment or trial.
Violent Crime Charges We Defend
The Law Office of Zapicchi & Liller, LLP defends clients facing a range of violent crime charges in Hamilton Township, NJ, including simple assault, aggravated assault, robbery, armed robbery, weapons possession for unlawful purpose, domestic violence with a violent component, and terroristic threats.
How a charge is classified matters significantly. New Jersey doesn’t use “felony” and “misdemeanor” — it uses “indictable offense” and “disorderly persons offense.” Simple assault can be a disorderly persons offense handled at Hamilton Township Municipal Court. Once a charge rises to aggravated assault, robbery, or another indictable offense, it leaves municipal court and moves to the Mercer County Superior Court in Trenton for grand jury action and prosecution. Aggravated assault alone can be charged from fourth degree up to second degree depending on the circumstances, including whether a weapon was used and the severity of injury.
What a Violent Crime Conviction Can Cost You in New Jersey
New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA) adds another layer of severity. NERA requires people convicted of certain violent crimes, including robbery, aggravated sexual assault, carjacking, and murder, to serve at least 85% of their sentence before parole eligibility is even considered. A 10-year sentence under NERA means at least 8.5 years served before any parole review.
The consequences extend beyond prison time. A conviction for an indictable crime can affect:
- Employment and professional licensing
- Housing applications
- The right to carry firearms, and voting rights while incarcerated
- Access to education and financial services
Certain violent crime convictions can’t be expunged from a New Jersey criminal record at all.
How We Approach Violent Crime Defense
No two violent crime cases are the same, and we don’t treat them that way. We study the specific facts of each matter before committing to any strategy, and both partners bring their perspectives to bear on serious criminal files.
Early involvement can affect outcomes. Before a grand jury indictment is issued, there may be an opportunity to negotiate with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office on charge classification or case direction.
We work toward the best available result given the actual facts of your situation.
If you’re facing violent crime charges in Hamilton Township or anywhere in Mercer County, don’t wait. Call The Law Office of Zapicchi & Liller, LLP at (609) 400-4404 or reach out to us online today.
Clients Who Came Back More Than Once
One reviewer noted this was their third matter with Mario. That's not luck, that's trust built case by case.
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Very professional, efficient, and aided the navigation in the sale of our home with excellence.Beacon D.
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They were all very responsive, professional, and so organized. Thank you for guiding us through what would have been a stressful process, but you all made it easy!Anet
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Mario is an excellent attorney. He makes you feel supported throughout the entire process.Karina G.
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Excellent lawyer, gets the job done.Alexis D.
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His professionalism, kindness, and willingness to go above and beyond truly stand out.Gideon a.
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I've got a few homes with these guys and I've never been disappointed.Matt C.
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Truly a life saver. If you're facing similar charges, call him and pay him — he's worth every penny!Daniel S.
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From the beginning, he was professional, knowledgeable, and made sure I understood what was happening with my case.adoran j.
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They are very knowledgeable and respectful of clients' needs.Moreno (.
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Hiring Mario Zapicchi was the best decision I made. I am deeply grateful for his professionalism and dedication.Steven
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We mostly worked with Lindsay Buszko, Paralegal, who was responsible, knowledgeable, and kind.Don S.