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.

After gaining invaluable courtroom trial experience as an Assistant Prosecutor in the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office for four years and then as a Special Deputy Attorney General for the State of New Jersey for one year, Clifford E. Lazzaro established his boutique law firm, Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C., in 1997. His law firm is focused on the areas of criminal law including trials and appeals, family and matrimonial law and municipal court matters.

Clifford E. Lazzaro began his legal career as an Assistant Prosecutor in the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office from 1988 to 1992 and also served as a Special Deputy Attorney General for the State of New Jersey from 1991 to 1992. During his time in the Prosecutor’s Office, he presented over a 1,000 cases to the Grand Jury and conducted approximately 30 jury trials and over 15 bench trials. Clifford E. Lazzaro has been a criminal defense attorney since 1992. Clifford E. Lazzaro graduated from New York University in 1981, where he received his BA. and from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center in 1985, where he received his JD.

Tough Representation from a Smart, Experienced Attorney

From the time his law firm was established, Clifford E. Lazzaro has demonstrated a high level of expertise in effectively handling each aspect of the court process, from negotiation to litigation. He delves into the unique facts of each case and develops innovative strategies to achieve the best results for each client. His dedication to personalized representation is shown in the results.

Practice Areas:

Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. has an active Criminal Trial practice.
Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. has an active Family and Matrimonial Law practice.
Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. has an active Appellate and Post Conviction Relief (PCR) practice.
Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. has an active Municipal Court practice.

Criminal Defense

Clifford E. Lazzaro is an experienced criminal defense trial attorney engaged in the full-time practice of all criminal matters in all jurisdictions of the New Jersey Superior Court and the New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania Federal Courts.

Newark Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. regularly handles criminal cases throughout New Jersey as well as the Federal District Court of New Jersey, and the Federal District Court of New York, Eastern District and Southern District. The firm has also argued matters before the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals. Some of the most common federal crimes that we see being prosecuted in Federal Court are: 

Mail Fraud 

Wire Fraud

Healthcare Fraud

Internet Fraud

Romance Fraud

Apartment Rental Fraud

Money Laundering

Drug Trafficking 

Tax Evasion 

Conspiracy to Defraud the United States

Firearms Offenses 

Racketeering Influenced Corruption Act (RICO)

Travel Act Bribery

Child Pornography 

Bank Robbery 

Aggravated Identity Fraud

Identity Theft 

Human Trafficking 

State Criminal Defense Attorney before the New Jersey Superior Court

Our firm has extensive experience 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.

The firm concentrates on Criminal Defense matters involving Racketeering, Drug Distribution Offenses and Suppression Motions regarding Illegal Searches and Seizures inside a home, business or automobile; Suppression Motions Challenging the admissibility of Coerced and Involuntary Statements; Admissibility of Recorded Evidence (Wiretaps); Audio Tape and Video Tape Admissibility; Drug Possession Offenses; Racial Profiling; Aggravated Sexual Assault; Sexual Assault; Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact; Sexual Contact; All Sex Crimes Involving Allegations of Child Abuse; Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006; Megan’s Law; Tier Classification Hearings; Endangering the Welfare of a Child; Distribution of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography; Internet Crimes; Prostitution Crimes; Murder; Aggravated Manslaughter; Manslaughter; Death By Auto or Vessel While Intoxicated; Assault By Auto; Eluding; Robbery; Aggravated Assault; Terroristic Threats; Weapons Offenses; Kidnapping; Criminal Restraint; Stalking; Theft Related Offenses; Burglary; Receipt of Stolen Property; Joyriding; Bad Checks; Computer Crimes; Aggravated Identity Theft; Credit Card Fraud; Bank Fraud; Wire Fraud; Mail Fraud; Stock Fraud; White Collar Crime; Money Laundering; Federal and State Criminal Tax Violations; RICO; Gambling Offenses; Asset Seizure and Forfeiture; Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) Applications; Drug Court Applications; Intensive Supervision Program (ISP) Applications; and Trials and Appeals.

Our Approach In Criminal Cases:

Clifford E. Lazzaro aggressively defends the rights of the accused at every stage of the criminal proceedings. The accused should always invoke his or her Fifth Amendment Right to remain silent whenever the police seek to question that person. No matter how great the pressure the police place on a person to induce that person to make an incriminating statement, or any type of statement at all, the person should exercise his or her right to remain silent and immediately contact a lawyer.

The criminal defense strategy after a person has been formally charged with a criminal offense is to seek dismissal of the charges. Criminal charges can sometimes be dismissed through a motion for probable cause (pre-indictment), a motion to dismiss the indictment, a motion to suppress evidence, administrative dismissal by the Prosecutor’s Office or Pre-Trial Intervention. A Guilty Plea should never be considered unless diligent efforts are made to have the case dismissed. When those diligent efforts are unsuccessful in achieving dismissal of tile charges, a person should consider a guilty plea or a trial by jury. A plea of guilty should never be considered when the person charged is innocent. In this country, the accused is entitled to a presumption of innocence and the burden is on the Government or the State to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Having experienced and aggressive counsel like Clifford E. Lazzaro by your side at trial is essential to maximizing the accused’s chances of acquittal. Clifford E. Lazzaro has the skill and experience to influence a jury and lead the jury to a Not Guilty Verdict when the Government or State fails to meet its burden of proof of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A Guilty Plea is sometimes entered when the evidence of guilt is overwhelming against the accused.

In this instance, a guilty plea is entered for damage control purposes. A guilty plea can limit the number of criminal charges and reduce the sentencing exposure on most cases. On federal cases, experienced counsel can argue that sentencing should be outside the advisory sentencing guideline system when the nature and circumstances of the offense and the history and characteristics of the defendant justify same. In addition, statutory increases in the guideline offense level sometimes are not justified when they do not properly reflect the defendant’s culpability. Clifford E. Lazzaro, Esq. has handled numerous Fourth Amendment Suppression Hearings involving illegal searches and seizures of drugs, weapons, US Currency as well as challenging the legality of electronic data warrants (wiretaps). We have also handled numerous suppression hearings involving suggestive identifications of defendants (Wade Hearings) made by the police.

Clifford E. Lazzaro has handled child pornography cases on both state and federal levels. The dispositions on those cases speak for themselves. Needless to say, the firm has much experience in this area. If you are charged with child pornography or other sex offenses which have Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 or Megan’s Law implications, call for an appointment. In United States vs. L B, the defendant was charged and plead guilty to one count of possession of child pornography pursuant to 18 USC 2252A (a) (5) (B), a Class C felony. The defendant was found to be in possession of over 600 images of child pornography stored on a computer hard drive and also over 600 images of child pornography stored on a computer disc on June 29, 2006. The defendant faced up to 10 years in federal custody and a fine of up to $250,000.00. The Total Offense Level under the federal sentencing guidelines was 24 and the Guideline Range for imprisonment was 51 to 63 months. As a result of defendant’s Pre-Sentence Report Memorandum, the Court imposed a variance to a level 19 and the defendant was sentenced on April 8, 2008 to a term of 30 months. The sentence imposed by the Court was below the advisory guideline range of 51 to 63 months because of the nature and circumstances of the offense and the characteristics of the defendant did not properly reflect the defendant’s culpability. Clifford E. Lazzaro negotiated the plea and argued at the sentencing in the above matter.

If you’re facing criminal charges, don’t leave your future to chance. Consult with Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. today to take control of your defense and protect your rights. With our lead attorney, Clifford E. Lazzaro by your side, you can rest assured that your case is in capable hands. Give Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. a call at (732) 866-1600 or email us at celesquire@msn.com.

Monmouth County, Middlesex 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

Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and Final Restraining Order Hearings (FRO)

When someone has filed a domestic violence complaint against you, the court will issue a temporary restraining order against you and schedule a final restraining order hearing. Assuming that the case has not been dismissed or otherwise resolved between you and the plaintiff, the family part of the superior court will hold a FRO hearing. A FRO hearing functions much like a civil trial. However, FRO hearings are decided by a judge, not a jury. In order to issue a final restraining order, the judge will need to find two elements:

1. A predicate act of domestic violence has occurred.

2. A final restraining order is necessary for the plaintiff’s protection.

• The plaintiff bears the burden of proof on both elements and must present evidence and witnesses in support of his or her claim for a FRO. A plaintiff must meet the “preponderance of the evidence” burden of proof. In other words, he or she must prove it is more likely than not that the allegations are true.
• You will have the opportunity to review the plaintiff’s evidence and cross-examine witnesses. You will also have the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses of your own, whom the plaintiff may also choose to cross-examine. If the judge finds that the plaintiff has met his or her burden of proof on both elements, the trial court will issue the final restraining order. You should not go into a FRO hearing without an experienced attorney on your side. If you have a FRO issued against you, you will be fingerprinted and listed on a domestic violence registry. You will also lose your right to carry a firearm.

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.

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, disorderly conduct 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.
The offenses listed below are some of the most common traffic violations that are prosecuted in municipal court. All of these offenses will result in points being added to your driving record if you are found guilty.

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.

New Jersey Criminal Appeals and PCR Attorney

If you’ve been convicted of a crime in Superior Court or been convicted of a disorderly persons offense in Municipal Court and you believe that your conviction should be overturned, contact the law offices of Clifford E Lazzaro, PC.  Did the judge make a mistake in how the trial was conducted? Was there a mistake in the jury instructions? Was the evidence insufficient? Did you enter a guilty plea based on incorrect information provided by your attorney? Your chances for overturning that conviction will be significantly enhanced with experienced Appellate and Post-Conviction Relief (PCR) lawyers. The law firm of Clifford E Lazzaro, PC has handled appeals of convictions in the federal, state and municipal courts throughout New Jersey, as well as PCRs in the NJ state and municipal courts. 

Handling an appeal or PCR requires different skills and strategic considerations than trial practice. In an appeal or PCR, the focus is no longer on examining witnesses and making arguments at trial. In these proceedings, success depends on legal issues that a skilled appellate/PCR advocate can identify from the trial record, and, in the case of a PCR, from outside witnesses and sources. Effective advocacy demands a formulation of the issues that is focused on what is important to the judges deciding the case.  An appellate lawyer conducts thorough legal research; analyzes the legal issues in light of the trial record; and then presents the facts and those issues and arguments selected for appeal concisely in a persuasive appellate brief. Likewise, a PCR lawyer must consider the record of the case, as well as outside evidence, often relating to the actions of prior counsel.

The Submission of an Excellent Brief is Essential to Effective Appellate or PCR Practice

A well written brief is critical to success. In fact, appellate and PCR briefs are subject to intense scrutiny by the judges who will decide the case. As one appellate court explained, appellate work is “not the recycling of trial briefs” but instead “entails rigorous original work in its own right” and “offers counsel probably their best opportunity to craft work of original, professional, and, on occasion, literary value.”

Experienced appellate and PCR advocates have emphasized the importance of winnowing out weaker arguments and focusing on one central issue if possible, or at most on a few key issues. Selecting the most promising issues for review has assumed a greater importance in an era when the time for oral argument is strictly limited in most courts and when page limits on briefs are widely imposed.

We Make Certain That Your Rights Are Preserved In An Appeal

First, we will make sure that you meet all deadlines for filing your appeal or PCR. Thereafter, we will carefully interview you and review the transcript of your trial or guilty plea. If you are pursuing a PCR, we will obtain your legal files and interview essential witnesses. Our more than 30 years of criminal defense experience helps us to narrow the issues in your appeal or PCR matter, and our superior legal research and writing abilities will further advance your cause. 

You can be assured that if you hire Clifford E Lazzaro, PC as your appellate or post-conviction relief counsel, no stone will be left unturned in the pursuit of justice.

ving or Operating a Motor Vehicle in an Unsafe Manner, Speeding, Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Bodily Injury, Driving on the Suspended List, Operation of a Motor Vehicle without Insurance, Impoundment of Motor Vehicle; and Trials and Appeals.

Your Legal Counsel in New Jersey

Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. represents clients in the following areas in New Jersey:

• Atlantic County (Mays Landing and Atlantic City)
• Bergen County (Hackensack)
• Burlington County (Mt. Holly)
• 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)
• Union County (Elizabeth)

Use of Experts on Criminal and Family Law Cases

The firm routinely works with experts in various fields on Criminal Defense and Family Law matters. We have employed the services of forensic accountants on matrimonial, criminal and criminal tax cases as well as forensic psychologists and forensic psychiatrists on Tier Classification Hearings (Megan’s Law) and Competency to Stand Trial Hearings. We have also utilized the services of DNA experts as well as experts in the field of recorded evidence. The firm regularly employs the services of private investigators (mostly retired investigators of County Prosecutor Offices) who work closely with us in defense of our clients on criminal cases. The investigators utilized by the firm have many years of experience and are responsible for interviewing witnesses and taking witness statements under oath in the presence of a court reporter. They may also be called upon to administer polygraph examinations of certain clients and testify as a defense witness at trial.

In short, Clifford E Lazzaro, PC utilizes the best available resources to achieve the most favorable results on behalf of its clients.