Charged With First, Second, Third or Fourth Degree Crime in Freehold NJ
Dealing With The Monmouth County Courthouse and Judges Due To First, Second, Third or Fourth Degree Charges in Freehold NJ?
The Monmouth Vicinage of the Superior Court (a.k.a. Monmouth County Superior Court) has jurisdiction over all indictable offenses, as well as all proceedings involving restraining orders. The related courthouse is located at 71 Monument Street in Freehold, New Jersey, and the Criminal Part is responsible for adjudicating all charges that constitute a serious first, second, third or fourth degree crime, as well as the appeal of municipal court decisions. If you were arrested for a criminal violation like burglary, criminal sexual contact, possession of an illegal weapon or distribution of CDS in any form, your case will be forwarded to this court for handling. Understanding the difference between degrees of crimes is critical—first degree offenses carry 10-20 years in state prison, while fourth degree crimes typically result in up to 18 months.
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall are adapt in defending charges of this nature and several have even been employed in the court system in Freehold, including serving as law clerks for judges and within the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office. Our local, dedicated criminal lawyers are admitted to practice in all New Jersey courts and bring decades of experience to every case. In fact, our former prosecutors and experienced defense lawyers have been representing individuals charged with offenses at this venue for over 100 years combined. A Monmouth County criminal defense attorney near you is available in our Freehold NJ Office immediately at 732-462-1197. The consultation is free. We offer same day appointments, confidential representation, and personalized attention to address your specific defense strategy needs.
Criminal Division of the Monmouth County Superior Court
There are presently seven (7) judges that sit in the Criminal Division of the Monmouth County Superior Court. The Honorable Anthony J. Mellaci is the Presiding Judge and Mary Ann McGevna is the Criminal Division Manager. The following is a list of the other judges who sit in Criminal:
- Honorable David F. Bauman, J.S.C.
- Honorable Richard W. English, J.S.C.
- Honorable Honora O’Brien Kilgallen, J.S.C.
- Honorable Joseph W. Oxley, J.S.C.
- Honorable Ronald Lee Reisner, J.S.C.
- Honorable John R. Tassini, J.S.C.
These judges are responsible for conducting all arraignments, motions, case management conferences and trials of indictable crimes, for example, eluding, assault by auto, aggravated assault, identity theft or intent to distribute marijuana. At your arraignment, the court will advise you of the charges, and your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence or negotiate a plea bargain on your behalf. Judge Mellaci handles all pre-indictment conferences, as well as other matters, at the courthouse. During these conferences, your defense team investigates the criminal complaint, reviews discovery, and the attorney explains legal options including whether charges can be dismissed or reduced. The Criminal Division does not handle Juvenile Delinquency or Final Restraining Order hearings as those are left to the Family Division. Honorable Kathleen A. Sheedy, P.J. (Family), is the Presiding Judge over the Family Division and also handles most, if not all, juvenile criminal charges.
Here is an instruction video showing how to find the Monmouth County Court:
Although pre-sentencing and Pretrial Intervention interviews are often conducted at the courthouse, probation is located elsewhere. Pretrial Intervention (PTI) is a diversionary program that allows first-time offenders to avoid a criminal record through supervised probation and completion of program requirements. The probation office for adult supervision is located at 2407 Route 66, Ocean Township, New Jersey 07712 (732-869-5600). The Chief Probation Officer is Cee Okuzu. Juvenile reporting is managed through probation located at 30 Mechanic Street, Freehold, New Jersey 07728 (732-677-4800). Myra Carter is the supervisor of juvenile probation.
Call Our Freehold Office For Assistance Defending Against Monmouth County Judges
The defense of a complex criminal charge at the Superior Court is not for novices. A conviction will result in a felony record and penalties that include state prison. If you’re wondering what to do if arrested, the answer is simple: contact an aggressive criminal lawyer immediately to protect your rights and begin building your defense strategy. It is therefore important that you do your research wisely in order to ensure that you have every chance of escaping a negative outcome. Should you accept a plea deal? That depends on the strength of the evidence against you, potential penalties, and whether your attorney can successfully argue for case dismissal or acquittal at a jury trial or bench trial. At The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, we can offer a cache of qualifications that are unique in terms of size and concentration of experience in defending first degree, second degree, third degree and fourth degree crimes in Freehold. Our team includes eight attorneys, several of whom are former prosecutors, and is equipped to handle just about any charge you may be facing—from weapons charges and drug charges to violent offenses requiring strategic motion practice expertise and proven courtroom experience.
Our firm protects client rights through aggressive defense tactics. We challenge evidence, cross-examine witnesses, file motions to suppress, and litigate complex cases with a track record of success. Whether you need representation at a bail hearing, grand jury proceeding, or court appearance, our attorneys counsel clients through every stage. We advise on bail amount expectations, how long your case will take, what evidence the prosecutor has, and how to prepare for court. Available 24/7 for emergency services, we provide compassionate, strategic counsel from a first-time offender perspective or for those facing serious federal charges. Contact our locally based team to discuss expungement options, warrant issues, detention concerns, or bond matters. Our successful defense attorneys negotiate favorable outcomes, advise clients to make informed decisions, and deliver personalized service with a proven track record.
