Criminal Law

Aggressive New Jersey Criminal Defense Trial Attorney, Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C.

Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. is your steadfast and trusted ally in the face of criminal charges filed in either Federal (US District) or the State (Superior) Courts, providing robust defense representation for both violent and non-violent crimes. With a track record of success in handling a wide array of cases, we assertively protect our clients’ rights and vigorously challenge the prosecution’s case.

Federal Criminal Defense Attorney in the United States District Courts for the District of New Jersey located in Camden County (Camden), Essex County (Newark) and Mercer County (Trenton).

Federal Criminal Defense Attorney in New Jersey 

Federal crimes are very serious offenses and carry harsh penalties. Because the stakes are so high, It is very important to retain a highly competent and experienced federal criminal attorney as soon as possible to strongly defend you against the charges imposed. Choosing the right federal criminal defense attorney is the difference between facing significant prison time and fines or walking free. New Jersey federal criminal defense attorney Clifford E. Lazzaro has extensive expertise in defending federal criminal cases. He carefully builds legal strategies and provides zealous defense counsel to individuals charged with federal crimes. 

Being Investigated by the Federal Government in NJ? 

If you become aware that you are being investigated by the Federal government, or worse, charged, whether by the Federal Bureau of Investigation “FBI”, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms “ATF” or the Drug Enforcement Administration “DEA”, we strongly urge that you speak to a criminal defense attorney immediately to further understand your options and how best to protect yourself. The potential exposure you face if convicted in Federal Court will typically be far worse than that in State Court. If you unfortunately find yourself in this type of situation and would like to set up an initial consultation with Clifford E. Lazzaro, then please contact our office (732)-866-1600. 

What type of Charges does the Federal Government Typically Prosecute? 

There isn’t necessarily any specific type of case that the Federal Government chooses not to prosecute or defer to the State Court as a matter of policy. Some of the most common 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 

How Does Sentencing work in Federal Court? 

Any individual sentenced to a term of incarceration in Federal Court will be required to do at least 85% of their sentence before they can be released, in contrast to most New Jersey State Court incarceration sentences, whereby most of those sentences are flat sentences. That means that an individual sentenced to a custodial term in the Federal System will be far more likely to do significant more time than that of an individual sentenced in State court. Furthermore, the Federal System has what is known as Federal Sentencing Guidelines, these in essence create guidelines for a sentencing judge to work off of when determining an appropriate sentence.  

Contact Experienced Federal Criminal Lawyer in New Jersey 

If you or a loved one is the subject of a federal investigation, charged with a federal crime or facing a federal indictment in New Jersey, we strongly urge that you speak to a criminal defense attorney immediately. Although the legal concepts that underlie the federal criminal justice system are similar to that of the State court, the process is extremely different than that of State Court, that is why it is imperative to make sure you speak to an attorney who has experience in Federal Court. If you would like an initial consultation with a criminal defense lawyer at Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. please call 732-866-1600. 

State Cases at the New Jersey Superior Court Level

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.

We approach each case with a combination of strategic and unwavering dedication, working tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for our clients.

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.

At Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C., our primary mission is to seek dismissal of charges whenever possible. We leave no stone unturned in scrutinizing the prosecution’s case, identifying weaknesses, and exploiting opportunities for dismissal or reduction of charges. If dismissal is not achievable, we explore alternative avenues to mitigate sentencing exposure, including negotiation for favorable plea deals or participation in diversionary programs such as Drug Court or PTI.

Should your case proceed to trial, our lead attorney, Clifford E. Lazzaro, will fiercely advocate for your innocence. We meticulously prepare your defense, leveraging our extensive trial experience and in-depth knowledge of criminal law to maximize your chances of acquittal before a jury. From challenging witness credibility to contesting the validity of search warrants, we leave no aspect of the prosecution’s case unchallenged.

In addition to our aggressive defense tactics, we also assert affirmative defenses where applicable, such as self-defense, defense of others, diminished capacity, insanity, necessity, duress, and statute of limitations. We routinely engage experts for reports and trial testimony whenever necessary. We believe in leaving no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice for our clients.

We also regularly represent clients who are charged with criminal offenses before the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey in Camden, Newark and Trenton. We have also represented clients charged with criminal offenses before the United States District Court for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York as well as the United States District Court for the Eastern (Philadelphia) and Middle (Harrisburg) Districts of Pennsylvania.

Contact Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. Today

We’ve represented clients in the following areas of New Jersey – Union County (Elizabeth), Essex County (Newark), Hudson County (Jersey City), Middlesex County (New Brunswick), Monmouth County (Freehold), Bergen County (Hackensack), Atlantic County (Mays Landing and Atlantic City), Somerset County (Somerville), Sussex County (Newton), Hunterdon County (Flemington), Ocean County (Toms River), Burlington County (Mt. Holly) and Passaic County (Paterson).

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.