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A Strong Defense Against Felony And Misdemeanor Charges

There is no such thing as a minor criminal charge. Every charge you face has the potential to drastically alter your life.

When this much is at stake, you need an attorney you can trust. From homicide and sex offenses to driving under the influence and license suspensions, the attorneys at Wilhelm & Roemersma, P.C., are capable of handling any and all criminal cases.

Our team has successfully defended numerous clients against a wide array of criminal charges at trial, and our experience has resulted in a practical knowledge of local criminal courts. In effect, we have earned a reputation as ethical, diligent and successful criminal defense lawyers who will always be honest about your situation and put your best interests first.

We Will Defend Your Rights

Hiring the appropriate criminal defense attorney is a decision you should feel comfortable with, which is why we offer free initial consultations so you can get to know us. Our attorneys will meet with you to discuss your situation, the best course of action, and what to expect in the coming days and months. If you work with us, we will stand by you at every stage of the process, advocating for your rights and interests.

From our office in Phillipsburg, our attorneys represent clients in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Please call our office at 908-454-3200 to schedule a consultation, or you can reach us online with any questions you may have.

Criminal Defense Areas We Handle

At Wilhelm & Roemersma, P.C., our attorneys offer strong defense for many types of criminal charges. Each case is different, and having skilled lawyers by your side ensures the court hears you fairly while protecting your rights. Below, we describe the main areas where we help our clients.

Traffic offenses

When you are charged with a traffic violation such as speeding, driving with a suspended license or reckless driving, you could be facing steep fines, the loss of your driving privileges or even incarceration.

Every situation is different, and the consequences of a traffic violation will vary depending on the offense. However, the criminal justice system seeks quick resolutions to criminal matters, and our attorneys will work vigorously to defend your best interests.

DUI/DWI charges

Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges are common but serious. A conviction may lead to losing your driver’s license, paying large fines, attending alcohol education classes or even serving jail time. Our attorneys closely examine police reports, sobriety test methods and breath or blood test results to find flaws in the prosecution’s case. We work hard to protect your ability to drive and reduce the impact of a DUI/DWI charge.

Felony defense

Felony charges are the most serious in the criminal justice system. They can lead to long prison sentences, hefty fines and the loss of rights like voting or owning a firearm. Common felonies include violent crimes, drug trafficking, theft and major fraud. A felony conviction can change your life forever. For this reason, our attorneys build robust defenses, question evidence and protect your rights at every step. We fight hard to reduce or dismiss charges whenever possible.

Juvenile defense

When a minor faces criminal charges, the juvenile justice system handles the case. This system emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment, but consequences can still affect a young person’s future, such as their education or job prospects. Our attorneys represent juveniles accused of crimes like theft, assault, drug possession or underage drinking. We work to keep cases in juvenile court and seek outcomes that support the child’s future opportunities.

Misdemeanor defense

Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, but they still matter. Convictions for crimes such as simple assault, petty theft or disorderly conduct can lead to jail time, probation or harm to your job and reputation. Our attorneys work tirelessly to negotiate plea deals, seek dismissals or find alternatives that lessen the long-term effects of a misdemeanor charge.

We Also Assist Clients With

Ignition interlock device requirements

Many DUI convictions require an ignition interlock device, which stops a vehicle from starting if it detects alcohol on the driver’s breath. This device can be costly and inconvenient, making it harder to work or travel. Our attorneys explain ignition interlock laws, challenge unfair requirements and aim to shorten the time you need the device. We focus on defending your rights while helping you meet state requirements.

IDP and ARD programs

The Ignition Diversion Program (IDP) and Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) offer alternatives to standard penalties for some DUI or other charges. These programs may allow first-time offenders to avoid a lasting criminal record by completing conditions such as alcohol treatment, probation or community service. Our attorneys assist with the application process, clarify if you qualify, and push for your inclusion in these programs when appropriate.

Potential Penalties And Consequences Of Criminal Charge

The exact penalties depend on the type and severity of the offense, but most fall under one of three categories:

Indictable crimes (felonies)
Disorderly persons offenses (misdemeanors)
Petty disorderly offenses

Here are some of the main penalties and their impacts:

Jail or prison time: Indictable crimes can lead to several years in state prison, while disorderly persons offenses may result in up to six months in county jail.
Fines and restitution: Convictions can come with steep fines and may require the defendant to pay restitution to victims for losses or damages.
Driver’s license suspension: Certain offenses, like DUI or drug-related crimes, can lead to temporary or permanent loss of driving privileges.

If facing criminal charges, our experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyer can negotiate reduced penalties, secure dismissals or even achieve acquittals depending on the circumstances of the case.

The Criminal Case Process

New Jersey follows a series of structured steps, each designed to protect the accused’s constitutional rights. The pattern is:

Arrest and charges: Law enforcement arrests the suspect and files formal charges based on evidence gathered during the investigation.
First appearance and bail: The accused appears before a judge to hear the charges and may request release on bail or other conditions.
Pre-indictment phase: For indictable (felony-level) offenses, the case may go before a grand jury to decide whether enough evidence exists to move forward.
Discovery and investigation: Both parties exchange evidence. The defense attorney examines police reports, witness statements and any video or forensic evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Pretrial motions: The defense may file motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, dismiss charges or limit what can be used at trial.
Plea negotiations or trial: Many cases resolve through plea agreements. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial, where the defense challenges the state’s evidence before a judge or jury.
Sentencing and appeals: If convicted, the defendant is sentenced according to state guidelines.

The process can be complex, time-sensitive and emotionally draining. We can help protect your rights, fight for fair treatment and seek the best possible outcome.

We Can Help

Nothing is guaranteed, which is why you need an experienced attorney to defend your rights. Our attorneys will meet with you to discuss your situation, the best course of action, and what you can expect throughout the duration of your case.

Please call our office at 908-454-3200 to schedule a consultation, or you can reach us online with any questions you may have.