Carjacking and Robbery

New Jersey Carjacking, Robbery Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer, Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C.  

Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. 4400 US Highway 9, Suite 1000, Freehold, NJ 07728 Phone: (732) 866-1600 Fax: (732) 848-6823 Email: celesquire@msn.com www.lazzarolaw.net By Appointment Only

Attorney Clifford E. Lazzaro of Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. routinely robbery cases throughout the Superior Courts of New Jersey and provides rigorous and high-quality representation to his clients. Mr. Lazzaro has an adept knowledge of the elements of a case that must be proven to prosecute a defendant of robbery, and therefore understands the potential defenses to assert to disprove these elements. A defense can be so convincing that it leads to a defendant’s sentence being reduced or downgraded. A solid defense strategy can even lead to the dismissal of your case altogether.  For example: 

• In an Essex County Superior Court case, the defendant was charged with first degree robbery, third degree aggravated assault and third degree terroristic threat. The victim gave a sworn statement to defense counsel which led to the case being downgraded and remanded to Municipal Court. At the Municipal level, Mr. Lazzaro exposed the weakness of the case and as a result, the State moved to dismiss the case for lack of prosecution. State v. D.P. 

• In a Middlesex County Superior Court Case, a Juvenile was charged with and pled guilty to first degree armed robbery, second degree armed robbery and distribution of CDS. At sentencing, the State recommended an 8 year indeterminate sentence in a youth facility. Mr. Lazzaro submitted a comprehensive sentencing memorandum outlining the mitigating factors to the Court and produced witnesses at the sentencing hearing. The Court sentenced the juvenile to a 3-year indeterminate sentence over the objection of the State. State v. D.G. 

Understanding Robbery Charges In New Jersey 

Robbery is a serious crime in Union County, New Jersey, defined as the unlawful taking of property from another person with the use of force or threat of force. It’s a crime against both property and person, making it a serious offense with significant penalties. 

The offense of robbery can be a first degree or second degree charge. N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1 generally defines “robbery” as the commission of a theft through force or threat of force. A key issue to raise when defending a robbery charge is the fact that the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was “in the course of committing a theft” when force was used. This means that force must have exercised during the attempt, commission, or immediate flight from the theft. 

New Jersey’s Robbery Statute N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1 describes the various forms of robbery, each with its own set of elements and potential penalties. 

• Robbery: The basic definition involves the use of force or threat of force to take property from another person. 

• Armed Robbery: This occurs when a deadly weapon is used during the robbery. 

• Carjacking: A specific type of robbery that involves taking a motor vehicle by force or threat of force. 

Facing carjacking or robbery charges in New Jersey can be a terrifying experience. It’s crucial to have an experienced and knowledgeable attorney on your side when facing robbery charges who can fight for your rights and protect your future. Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. is dedicated to providing the aggressive defense you need. We will: 

• Thoroughly Investigate the Case: We will leave no stone unturned in our investigation, obtaining all discovery from the State, examining all evidence, including witness statements, surveillance footage, and any forensic evidence. We will also interview potential witnesses and explore any leads that could support your defense. 

• Challenge the Prosecution’s Case: We will rigorously scrutinize the evidence against you, cross-examine witnesses, and challenge the prosecution’s theory of the case. We will look for any inconsistencies, biases, or procedural errors that could weaken their case. 

• File Appropriate Motions: We will file all appropriate motions including but not limited to motion to suppress statements, motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss the indictment, and motions to suppress identification. 

• Identify and Pursue Legal Defenses: We will tailor a defense strategy to your unique circumstances, exploring all available legal options. 

• Negotiate with Prosecutors: We will work tirelessly to negotiate with the prosecution to seek reduced charges, alternative sentencing options, or dismissal of the case if possible. We have a proven track record of success in negotiating favorable outcomes for our clients. 

• Provide Aggressive Representation in Court: If your case goes to trial, we will provide you with experienced and zealous representation in court. We will fight for your rights, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and present a compelling case in your defense. 

Contact an Experienced Atlantic County, Bergen County, Burlington County, Camden County, Essex County, Hudson County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Passaic County, Somerset County, Sussex County and Union County Carjacking and Robbery Criminal Defense Trial Attorney, Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C.

If you or a loved one is the subject of a robbery charge, it is imperative to make sure you speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney. At Clifford E. Lazzaro P.C., our New Jersey robbery lawyer, Clifford E. Lazzaro, has over 30 years of experience aggressively fighting for the rights of his clients. If you or your family member was charged with a robbery offense, he is ready to help. If you would like an initial consultation with a criminal defense lawyer at Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. please call 732-866-1600. 

Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. 4400 US Highway 9, Suite 1000, Freehold, NJ 07728 Phone: (732) 866-1600 Fax: (732) 848-6823 Email: celesquire@msn.com www.lazzarolaw.net By Appointment Only