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New Jersey Criminal Defense Trial Attorney and Family Law Attorney with Proven Results, Clifford E. Lazzaro PC

Firm Overview

Clifford E. Lazzaro P.C. was founded by attorney Clifford E. Lazzaro in 1992 and is known for rigorously representing clients facing criminal charges as well as clients facing family law matters. With over three decades of legal experience, including time spent as an assistant prosecutor for the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and as a special deputy attorney general for the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office before entering private practice, Clifford E. Lazzaro offers invaluable insight into navigating the criminal justice judicial system. His courtroom and trial experience has been put to good use at the firm to assist many clients through even the most difficult and complex cases. He is the criminal defense trial attorney and family law trial attorney you can rely on.

Firm Focus

With a focus on criminal law, family law, appellate law and municipal court matters, our firm is equipped to handle a wide range of legal matters. Whether you’re dealing with a serious criminal charge which may go to trial before a jury, going through a complicated and messy divorce, need assistance with an appeal or a DUI charge in Municipal Court, Clifford E Lazzaro, PC is ready to stand by your side and fight for your rights. We represent clients in Atlantic County (Atlantic City and Mays Landing), Bergen County (Hackensack), Essex County (Newark), Hudson County (Jersey City), Hunterdon County (Flemington), Mercer County (Trenton), Middlesex County (New Brunswick), Monmouth County (Freehold), Morris County (Morristown), Ocean County (Toms River), Passaic County (Paterson), Somerset County (Somerville), Sussex County (Newton) and Union County (Elizabeth).

Monmouth County, New Jersey Criminal Defense Trial Attorney Protecting Your Rights

If you are facing a federal or state criminal investigation or have been charged with a crime, having a strong advocate at your side from the start is critical. When you work with our lead attorney Clifford E. Lazzaro, you can trust that he will aggressively defend your rights and freedom through every step of the process.

Our firm has extensive experience with a proven track record of success in navigating complex legal landscapes, handling cases under the following areas:

  • Murder, Aggravated Manslaughter, Manslaughter, Attempted Murder, Felony Murder, Death by Auto, Assault by Auto, Aggravated Assault, Robbery, Carjacking. All No Early Release Act (NERA) offenses.
  • Aggravated Sexual Assault, Sexual Assault, Criminal Sexual Contact. Megan’s Law offenses, NERA applicability and TIER Classification Hearings.
  • Child Pornography including Distribution of Child Pornography, Possession of Child Pornography and Internet Crimes.
  • Lengthy Narcotics investigations involving wiretaps for Drug offenses including Distribution of Controlled Dangerous Substances, Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substances, Leader of a Narcotics Network, Maintenance of a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility, Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), Possession of a Weapon in furtherance of Drug Distribution.
  • Weapons Offenses including Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose. Includes NERA offenses and Graves Act sentencing exposure.
  • Domestic Violence and Restraining Order Hearings.
  • Trials including Motions to Suppress Physical Evidence Seized in violation of the 4th Amendment, Motions to Suppress Wiretaps, Motions to Suppress Statements in violation of Miranda Rights, Motions to Suppress Suggestive Identifications based upon Police Misconduct, Motions to Dismiss Indictments.
  • Sentencings and Appeals. Defending against discretionary and mandatory extended terms.
  • Driving While Under the Influence (DUI)

Deportation Consequences for non-US citizens if Convicted of Felony Offenses or Indictable Offenses in Federal or State Court in New Jersey or a DUI or Simple Assault in Municipal Court or a Final Restraining Order in Superior Court

If you are not a United States Citizen and are convicted of a felony offense in a United States District Court in New Jersey (Newark, Trenton or Camden) or are convicted of an indictable offense in the Superior Court of New Jersey or are found guilty of DUI or a simple assault in Municipal Court or if a Final restraining Order (FRO) is issued against you on a domestic violence case in the Superior Court of New Jersey, you may be deported from the United States and that is why it is very important to hire experienced and trusted legal counsel like Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. while the charges are pending. If you gained entry to the United States and want to remain in the United States, it is important to have experienced counsel like Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. defend and represent you to avoid being convicted of a crime and deported. Give Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. a call at (732) 866-1600 or email us at celesquire@msn.com.

If you are charged with a serious criminal offense on a federal or state case in New Jersey or have been served with a temporary restraining order, Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. can help you. Give us a call at (732) 866-1600 or email us at celesquire@msn.com.

Monmouth County, New Jersey Divorce and Family Law Attorney

If you need experienced legal representation for a divorce, child custody, or child support issue, contact the law firm of Clifford. E. Lazzaro P.C. Clifford E Lazzaro will provide the best possible legal representation for your family law needs.

Our expertise covers a wide range of family law matters, including:

  • Divorce and property division
  • Pendente lite (temporary alimony) emergent support
  • Grounds for divorce
  • Divorce mediation
  • Alimony in divorce
  • Legal Separation
  • Family law mediation
  • High net worth divorce case
  • Modifications to child support and custody orders
  • Prenuptial agreements
  • Post-nuptial agreements
  • Post-divorce judgement issues
  • Restraining orders and domestic violence

Our lead attorney, Clifford E Lazzaro, concentrates in matrimonial law and offers clients a specific insight into what they are facing in a a high net worth divorce case, child custody or child support case. Whether you are preparing for divorce, seeking alimony, the modification of a family court order or protecting yourself from someone else, Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. can help. Give us a call at (732) 866-1600 or email us at celesquire@msn.com.

Monmouth County, New Jersey Municipal Court Attorney

Disorderly Persons Offenses Are Heard in Municipal Court:

Criminal offenses that are essentially equivalent to misdemeanors are known as disorderly persons offenses in New Jersey. Disorderly persons offenses are punishable by a maximum of 6 months (180 days) in the county jail, plus a fine not to exceed $1,000. When a disorderly persons charge is filed against a person in New Jersey, it is handled in the municipality where the offense occurred. Some of the most common disorderly persons offenses handled in this court include simple assault, theft, shoplifting and criminal trespass.

Traffic Offenses Are Heard In Municipal Court:

Whether you’re facing traffic violations, such as speeding or reckless driving, our lead attorney, Clifford E. Lazzaro can provide skilled representation to help you navigate the complexities of traffic court.

DUI Offenses Are Heard In Municipal Court:

  • New Jersey DUI arrests are considered a very serious offense and judges are not lenient on people who are convicted. Penalties for a drunk driving conviction are severe.
  • Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. also handles cases involving Driving under the Influence of Drugs, Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, and Refusal to Submit to a Breathalyzer Test.
  • Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. has filed suppression motions challenging the constitutionality of Blood Warrants in DUI cases.
  • Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. has hired and utilized DUI and DRE (Drug Recognition Expert) experts for expert reports and as expert witnesses at trial.
  • Clifford E Lazzaro has successfully represented clients who were not convicted of their DUI offense or offenses after trial.

If you require legal representation on any matter pending in a Municipal Court in New Jersey, please contact Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. for assistance. Give us a call at (732) 866-1600 or email us at celesquire@msn.com.

Monmouth County, New Jersey Appeals and Post-Conviction Relief  Attorney

If you have been convicted of a crime you can challenge the conviction through an appeal or post-conviction relief. These processes differ depending on whether your case was heard by New Jersey’s state court system or a federal court. Clifford E. Lazzaro brings more than 30 years of experience in evaluating the options available in your case as well as the likelihood of success.

Appeals in Federal and State Court Cases

An appeal is a direct challenge to a judge or jury’s ruling in a case. There are many factors that are grounds for an appeal. Appeals are generally based on:

  • Procedural problems. Judges are responsible for deciding what instructions and legal concepts juries are allowed to hear. These decisions play a great part on the outcome of any trial. We challenge a judge’s decisions when they had a prejudicial effect.
  • Evidentiary issues. When a judge improperly allows or excludes evidence, there may be grounds to appeal your case.
  • Questions of law. Sometimes a judge interprets a law incorrectly. In other cases, a judge may have correctly applied a law that we believe is unconstitutional. In these cases, an appeal lets us put those decisions in front of a higher authority.
  • Ineffective assistance of counsel. The ineffectiveness of trial counsel can serve as a basis for appeal.

Clifford E. Lazzaro successfully appealed his client’s conviction on one count of sexual contact and one count of child abuse on the grounds that the admission in evidence at the trial of a writing as an “excited utterance” under New Jersey Rule of Evidence 803(c)(2) as a hearsay exception was reversible error. In its Decision reversing the conviction, the Appellate Division addressed an issue not previously resolved in its reported jurisprudence. State v. A.C.

Post-Conviction Relief (PCR) as an Alternative to an Appeal

Both New Jersey and federal courts allow you to attack the validity of your conviction through a motion for post-conviction relief (PCR). The purpose of Post-Conviction Relief is to challenge your conviction, or, sometimes, your sentence. You may file for this relief in order to demonstrate that you were wrongfully convicted and that your constitutional rights were violated. The violation could have occurred at any phase of the criminal proceeding against you, including during the investigation, arrest, pre-trial, plea hearing, trial or sentencing.

Grounds for filing a PCR include a significant denial of a constitutional right either under the federal constitution or the constitution or statutes of New Jersey.

Under the court rules of New Jersey, there are five general categories under which courts grant post-conviction relief:

  • The defendant suffered a substantial deprivation of his or her state or federal constitutional rights, including a violation of procedural or substantive due process.
  • The trial court lacked jurisdiction to impose a judgment of conviction upon the defendant.
  • The sentence imposed exceeded or was otherwise not in accordance with the sentences authorized by law.
  • Trial counsel was ineffective for failing to file a direct appeal of the judgment of conviction upon the defendant’s timely request.
  • Any other ground previously recognized for relief under a petition of habeas corpus or another statutory or common law remedy from conviction.

Committed to Your Success

If you have already been convicted of a crime, it is essential that you exercise your rights to appeal your conviction immediately. Clifford E. Lazzaro P.C. appeals or challenges cases and verdicts based on ineffective assistance of counsel, new evidence or constitutional challenges. Contact Clifford E. Lazzaro P.C. for an evaluation of your case at (732) 866-1600 or email us at celesquire@msn.com.

Meet Clifford E. Lazzaro

Clifford E. Lazzaro has formidable trial skills honed over a 30-year period and can lead your case to a favorable outcome. At Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C., we understand that facing legal challenges can be overwhelming. That's why we're here to provide you with the expert legal representation and guidance you need to navigate through any situation with confidence.

Why Choose Us

Defending the Accused for 
30+ Years

Backed by a Proven Track Record

Thousands of Cases Handled

We Have Extensive Trial Experience

One of the Best Trial Attorneys in the State

Client Reviews

Discover what our clients have to say about their experiences with Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C.

Mr Lazzaro was referred to me from another attorney, in order to settle a family type dispute. His extensive knowledge and experience in family law provided me the peace of mind and confidence I needed when I entered that court room. Although...

Anonymous

Hard Working. I was charged in a federal criminal case with armed robbery and kidnapping. Mr. Lazzaro has worked tirelessly on my behalf. He got a bail package approved and then he negotiated a very good deal. It was a very complicated case with...

Anonymous

When You Need To Win. Hi.iam a 37yr old man who never been in trouble before.in 2009 I was accused of second degree sexual assault . As it was a shock wave in my life,I did not understand what was going on I was innocent. I went to Clifford's...

Anonymous

Great work of Cliff Lazzaro. I was facing 50 years on 2 first degree racketeering charges and one second degree witness tampering charge. Mr. Lazzaro was able to have both racketeering charges dismissed. He then negotiated a plea to third degree...

Anthony

Trustworthy. A remarkable attorney!!! I had third degree indictable charges for prescription fraud downgraded to disorderly persons due to Mr. Clifford Lazzaro's expertise. He is incredible making the right decisions for his clients and cares...

John

Great Attorney. I am writing a special review today. If you need an attorney please do yourself a favor and hire Mr. Lazzaro. Not only has he represented us in the past with a dismissal in a criminal drug case he also recently represented my...

JSweeney

Cliff is the best! When I needed help to get out of trouble Cliff came through big time. He has good relationships with almost everyone in the state so he was able to push and push and get an amazing deal on my behalf. I will be forever grateful...

Ori

Wrong place wrong time, guilt by association. Careful who you give a ride. Gave my "friend" a ride to the pharmacy to fill "his Mother's" prescription and before I knew it I was under arrest for 3 felony charges. I was referred to Cliff Lazzaro...

Rudy

The BEST lawyer around! !f your looking for a really good lawyer! You’ve found him! Cliff is professional and knows his practice inside and out. Cliff saved my life. He gave me back my life! I was facing 20 years and we ended up walking out...

Anonymous

Phenomenal Attorney. Very knowledgeable and compassionate. You definitely would want him on your A team.

C Rich

Words can’t even explain how fantastic Clifford Lazzaro is. He got my entire case dismissed with prior charges pending. Shows that hes 100% trustworthy and truly cares for his clients.

Caitlin B

Trial Attorney. I was charged with aggravated assault and possession of a weapon for stabbing a person in the chest with a knife. After a 2 week trial, the jury was deadlocked. I trestified at trial that the victim pulled the knife against me...

Damon

EXCELLENT Attorney!! Mr. Lazzaro has been my attorney for many years and has also represented other family members. He has handled criminal and family matters and in both areas he has been able to obtain positive outcomes in all cases. If not...

Doreen

Best lawyer in NJ. Hiring Clifford Lazzaro to represent me was the best decision I ever made. I didn't know the legal process of restraining orders and if I didn't have him by my side I am sure I would have lost the case. He is very...

Granville

A criminal drug case. An ABSOLUTE PERFECT FIND!!!!! A routine traffic stop turned into a criminal drug case. Facing 5-15yrs and over $15,000 in fines and offenses. Perused the internet looking for that perfect attorney. My son, honor student...

Jacki L. S.

Cliff is simply the best in the business. His rates are a clear sign of knowledge, passion, and unparalleled results. The man knows magic

Jacob S

Without Mr. Lazzaro's legal representation, I would never have been granted my final restraining order. He is a very experienced trial attorney who prepared me prior to my testifying. He won my final restraining order hearing. Highly recommended

Jennifer

Clifford is an Angel. Just when I thought I had no other choice but to take do 2 years in a federal prison, I hired Cliff and he helped me understand what I was facing and the options I had. I looked at Cliff and said surprisingly “ I have...

Johanna

EXCELLENT Representation!!!! I had an ongoing, complicated case that spanned both criminal matters in superior court and related matters in family court. I was referred to Mr. Lazzaro by several friends who highly recommended him and were happy...

Lena

Get in Touch With Us

If you need an experienced attorney for criminal law, family law, or municipal court cases, you can count on Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. in Freehold, NJ. For a consultation, schedule an appointment today.

Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. Blog

May 24, 2024 By Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. Team Why Are Some Young Sex Offenders Held Indefinitely in NJ Facility? ANTOINE GOLDET, GEORGE STEPTOE | JANUARY 28, 2016 | Jhon Sanchez served his time for sex offenses committed when he was 13. But he’s still not...

May 24, 2024 By Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. Team The Sex Offender Act and the Avenel Evaluation State v. Logan Annotate this Case 244 N.J. Super. 137 (1990) 581 A.2d 909 THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, PLAINTIFF, v. JOHN LOGAN...

May 24, 2024 By Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. Team 2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes Title 2C – The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice Section 2C:39-5 – Unlawful Possession of a Weapon Can be a First Degree Offense-2C:39-5j 2C:39-5 Unlawful possession of weapons. 2C:39-5. Unlawful possession of weapons. a. Machine guns. Any person who knowingly has in his possession a...

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Mon - Fri: 8:30 am - 6 pm | Sat: 9 am - 2 pm | Sun: Closed

Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C.
4400 US Highway 9
Suite 1000

Freehold, NJ 07728

By Appointment Only

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  • Over 30+ Years of Experience
  • Available 24/7
  • Proven Track Record

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