Newark
Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense in Newark, NJ

An arrest can leave you worried about your job, your family, and what happens next. You need clear answers about the charge and a plan for dealing with it.

Gina M. Wicik is a Newark, NJ criminal defense lawyer serving clients accused of assault, theft, drug offenses, weapons violations, and other charges. She reviews the evidence, explains your options, and works to protect your rights at each stage of the case.

Whether your matter is in Newark Municipal Court or Essex County Superior Court, the starting point is the same: understand the accusation and what the State must prove. You can also read about the firm’s New Jersey criminal defense services.

Request a free, confidential consultation to discuss your charge, your next court date, and your concerns.

Which Court Handles Your Case?

The charge on your paperwork helps determine which court will hear your case. Two courts commonly handle adult state-law charges arising in Newark.

Newark Municipal Court

Newark Municipal Court generally handles disorderly persons and petty disorderly persons offenses, along with separate traffic and municipal ordinance matters. Depending on the facts and charge, criminal matters may include simple assault, harassment, or lower-level shoplifting.

The court is at 31 Green Street, Newark, NJ 07102. Newark provides virtual court sessions, but always follow your own notice for the date, location, and appearance instructions. Check the official Newark Municipal Court page.

Essex County Superior Court

Indictable crimes arising in Newark generally proceed in the Criminal Division of Essex County Superior Court. These include first-, second-, third-, and fourth-degree charges, such as aggravated assault, robbery, and certain drug or weapons offenses.

If you are unsure where to appear, have your complaint and court notice reviewed before the hearing. Your home address does not determine which court handles the charge.

Criminal Charges We Defend

Gina represents clients facing a range of criminal allegations in Newark. The defense depends on the exact charge, the available evidence, and what happened before and during the arrest.

• Assault: Simple assault charges in New Jersey and more serious assault allegations. The evidence may raise questions about identity, injuries, or self-defense.
• Theft and shoplifting: Cases involving disputed ownership, intent, value, or identification. Receipts, witness accounts, and security footage can matter.
• Drug charges: Allegations involving possession or distribution. Important questions may include the search, the testing of the substance, and proof of possession.
• Weapons charges: Alleged unlawful possession or use of a weapon. Gina reviews how the item was found and the facts connecting it to the accused person.
• Domestic violence allegations: Criminal accusations arising from a qualifying relationship, which may also involve a separate restraining-order case.
• Other offenses: Harassment, criminal mischief, resisting arrest, and related allegations.

Facing a driving charge too? Learn about New Jersey DWI defense or New Jersey traffic ticket representation. Ordinary traffic violations and standalone NJ DWI charges are motor vehicle matters, not disorderly persons offenses; separate criminal charges can arise from the same incident.

Disorderly Persons Charges

A municipal court charge deserves careful attention. A disorderly persons conviction can mean penalties and a record that affects future opportunities, even though New Jersey does not classify it as an indictable crime.

The exact charge matters. Shoplifting and criminal mischief, for example, can fall into different categories depending on the facts. Gina reviews the complaint and explains what the prosecution must establish.

For eligible cases, she can also evaluate programs such as conditional dismissal, conditional discharge, or Pretrial Intervention. Each program has its own rules, exclusions, and approval process. Being a first-time defendant does not automatically qualify you, and some routes require a guilty plea or finding of guilt. Ask about eligibility and record consequences before deciding how to proceed.

Domestic Violence in Newark

A domestic violence allegation can affect where you live, who you may contact, and your family life before the criminal case is resolved. You may face a criminal charge and a separate civil restraining-order proceeding.

Follow every active court order, including any restriction on calls, texts, social media, or contact through another person. An invitation from the other person does not change the order. Only the court can modify its terms.

Gina reviews the allegations and available evidence, including messages, photographs, police reports, and witness accounts. She explains the issues that need attention and how the criminal case may relate to other proceedings.

If you have an upcoming hearing, gather your complaint, court notices, and any restraining-order paperwork for the consultation.