24/7 call for a free consultation 212-300-5196

AS SEEN ON

EXPERIENCEDTop Rated

YOU MAY HAVE SEEN TODD SPODEK ON THE NETFLIX SHOW
INVENTING ANNA

When you’re facing a federal issue, you need an attorney whose going to be available 24/7 to help you get the results and outcome you need. The value of working with the Spodek Law Group is that we treat each and every client like a member of our family.

Client Testimonials

5

THE BEST LAWYER ANYONE COULD ASK FOR.

The BEST LAWYER ANYONE COULD ASK FOR!!! Todd changed our lives! He’s not JUST a lawyer representing us for a case. Todd and his office have become Family. When we entered his office in August of 2022, we entered with such anxiety, uncertainty, and so much stress. Honestly we were very lost. My husband and I felt alone. How could a lawyer who didn’t know us, know our family, know our background represents us, When this could change our lives for the next 5-7years that my husband was facing in Federal jail. By the time our free consultation was over with Todd, we left his office at ease. All our questions were answered and we had a sense of relief.

schedule a consultation

Blog

What specialty certifications do criminal defense lawyers have in New Jersey?

March 21, 2024 Uncategorized

What specialty certifications do criminal defense lawyers have in New Jersey?

Finding the right criminal defense lawyer in New Jersey can be tough. There’s so many options out there – how do you know which lawyer has the right skills and experience to handle your specific case? One way to identify highly qualified criminal defense attorneys in New Jersey is to look for lawyers who have earned specialty certifications from the New Jersey Supreme Court.

The New Jersey Supreme Court offers specialty certification in criminal trial law, which provides a stamp of approval that the lawyer has demonstrated sufficient levels of experience, education, knowledge and skill in criminal trial practice. Only about 250 lawyers out of over 98,000 attorneys in New Jersey have earned certification as a criminal trial attorney from the Supreme Court – so it’s a pretty select group!

Why Choose a NJ Certified Criminal Trial Attorney?

Here’s some of the key benefits of hiring a NJ certified criminal trial lawyer for your case:

  • Rigorous vetting process – Lawyers have to meet stringent requirements to earn certification, including at least 5 years experience, continuing education, peer review, and passing a comprehensive exam on criminal trial law.
  • Substantial trial experience – Certification helps identify lawyers who regularly handle criminal trials and hearings, not just plea bargains.
  • Specialized expertise – Certified attorneys have demonstrated specialized knowledge in key areas of criminal law and procedure.
  • Recognition by the Supreme Court – Certification is an endorsement of the lawyer’s skills and qualifications in criminal defense.
  • Higher ethical standards – Lawyers must demonstrate good moral character to achieve certification.
  • Ongoing education – Certified lawyers are required to keep their knowledge current through continuing education.

Bottom line – certification means the lawyer has the experience, knowledge, skills and ethics to provide excellent representation in criminal matters. Choosing a certified criminal trial attorney gives you confidence you have someone qualified fighting for your rights.

Certification Requirements in New Jersey

So what does it take to earn certification from the New Jersey Supreme Court as a criminal trial attorney? The requirements are pretty stringent. According to the Supreme Court Board on Attorney Certification, lawyers must:

  • Be licensed in New Jersey for at least 5 years
  • Take a certain number of continuing legal education courses relevant to criminal trial practice in the 3 years prior to applying
  • Show substantial involvement in litigation and criminal trials
  • Get positive peer reviews of their skills and reputation from other attorneys and judges
  • Pass a comprehensive written exam on criminal trial law

In addition, lawyers must pay an application fee, provide detailed information on their experience and qualifications, and agree to abide by certain standards to maintain certification. Certification is valid for 5 years, after which lawyers must apply again and meet the requirements to stay certified.

The certification process is overseen by the Board on Attorney Certification and the Criminal Trial Law Certification Committee. This helps ensure only the most qualified attorneys that meet the standards are granted certification in criminal trial law.

Finding a NJ Certified Criminal Defense Lawyer

So how do you find a NJ lawyer that is certified in criminal trial law? Here are some tips:

  • Check the lawyer’s website or law firm bio – They will advertise if they have earned certification.
  • Call your county bar association – Many keep lists of certified attorneys by practice area.
  • Search lawyer directories – Some specialized directories, like Lawyer Legion, list certified criminal defense lawyers in NJ.
  • Ask the lawyer – Don’t be afraid to ask if an attorney is certified in criminal trial law.
  • Verify certification – You can verify certification status through the NJ Supreme Court.

It’s worth taking the time to find a certified criminal trial attorney in New Jersey. Certification provides meaningful insight into a lawyer’s skills and experience and can give you greater confidence they have the qualifications to deliver top-notch representation.

Benefits of Hiring a Certified Attorney

Here’s a quick recap of why it pays to hire a New Jersey criminal defense attorney with specialty certification in criminal trial law:

  • Extensive criminal trial experience and knowledge of criminal law and procedure
  • Recognized qualifications and positive peer reputation
  • Meets high ethical standards for certification
  • Ongoing specialty training and education
  • Commitment to staying up-to-date in the field through recertification
  • Prestigious credential signaling expertise in criminal defense

Not all criminal cases go to trial, but if yours does, having a certified criminal trial lawyer on your side can make a major difference. Their skills in motion practice, evidentiary procedures, plea negotiations, and trial advocacy can be invaluable.

Other Attorney Certification Programs

In addition to criminal trial law, the New Jersey Supreme Court offers certification in these other legal practice areas:

  • Civil trial law
  • Matrimonial law
  • Workers compensation law
  • Municipal court law

So when hiring an attorney in any of these areas, it’s worth looking for someone who has earned New Jersey Supreme Court certification. It signifies a lawyer’s distinguished qualifications in their specialty practice area.

Some counties and local bar associations also offer their own certification programs. For example, the New Jersey Association of Professional Mediators certifies attorneys in mediation skills. And the New Jersey State Bar Association offers specialist certification in several areas like elder law, business law, and real estate law.

Find the Right Lawyer for Your Case

Getting charged with a crime in New Jersey is scary. The consequences can disrupt your life and livelihood. That’s why it’s critical to find an experienced criminal defense lawyer you can trust to protect your rights. Choosing a lawyer certified in criminal trial law by the New Jersey Supreme Court helps ensure you have a highly skilled attorney on your side.

Every case is different, so be sure to discuss your specific charges and goals with potential attorneys. Look for someone who makes you feel comfortable and seems genuinely dedicated to securing the most favorable outcome. Specialty certification is a key indicator, but getting a good lawyer-client fit is also important.

With a top-notch certified criminal trial lawyer representing you, you can feel confident you have an accomplished legal advocate fighting for your best interests. So don’t settle for less than Supreme Court-certified counsel on your side. Quality representation from a credentialed criminal defense attorney can make all the difference in achieving a successful result in your case.

Key Takeaways

  • The New Jersey Supreme Court offers specialty certification in criminal trial law to identify highly experienced criminal defense lawyers.
  • Only about 250 lawyers have earned criminal trial certification out of over 98,000 attorneys in the state.
  • Certification signifies specialized expertise, extensive trial experience, positive peer reputation and high ethical standards.
  • Finding a certified criminal trial attorney provides confidence you have elite representation.
  • Be sure to verify a lawyer’s certification status with the New Jersey Supreme Court.
  • Certification is very meaningful, but make sure you have a good rapport with the lawyer as well.

Lawyers You Can Trust

Todd Spodek

Founding Partner

view profile

RALPH P. FRANCHO, JR

Associate

view profile

JEREMY FEIGENBAUM

Associate Attorney

view profile

ELIZABETH GARVEY

Associate

view profile

CLAIRE BANKS

Associate

view profile

RAJESH BARUA

Of-Counsel

view profile

CHAD LEWIN

Of-Counsel

view profile

Criminal Defense Lawyers Trusted By the Media

schedule a consultation
Schedule Your Consultation Now