Victims and Sentencing in NJ Criminal Cases

Criminal Defense Sentencing Lawyer in Paterson, New Jersey

Alissa Hascup represents clients throughout New Jersey, including Wayne, Paterson, Newark, Passaic and Essex counties, who have been charged with criminal offenses such as kidnapping, aggravated assault, terroristic threats, and resisting arrest.

Ms. Hascup is an experienced criminal defense attorney who has successfully handled thousands of cases in New Jersey, in Superior Court (indictable/felony level offenses) and Municipal Court (disorderly persons/misdemeanor level offenses). Additionally, she is a former domestic violence prosecutor. During the course of her career with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Offices, she handled cases ranging from homicide (murder) and sexual assault, to robbery and criminal mischief. Now she is fighting for you.

If you have pleaded guilty to or been found guilty of a crime in New Jersey, the consequences can be severe. It is critical for you to have an experienced attorney represent you at Sentencing and argue aggressively for the best possible result. Contact Alissa Hascup day or night for an initial consultation, which is always provided free of charge.

Victims & Sentencing in New Jersey: N.J.S.A. 52:4B-36

The Crime Victim’s Bill of Rights has been codified under N.J.S.A. 52:4B-36. It mandates that the victims of crime in the State of New Jersey have certain rights. Included among those rights are:

• The right to be compensated for a loss;
• The right to be advised of case progress and final disposition;
• The right to submit a written statement about the impact of the crime to a representative of the County Prosecutor’s Office; and
• The right to make, prior to sentencing, an in-person statement directly to the Sentencing Court concerning the impact of the crime.

How will this impact your case

The victim will likely be contacted by the County Prosecutor’s Office during the pendency of the case and his/her input will be requested regarding plea offers and sentencing recommendations. The victim will likely be advised of all scheduled court proceedings and has a right to be present. The victim will be invited to speak at sentencing, or submit a written statement to be read at the time of sentencing.

How will this impact you

The Sentencing Court will consider the concerns of the victim and/or the victim’s family, but the Court can not and will not impinge on the defendant’s constitutional rights. State v. Means, 191 N.J. 610, 620 (2007).

When the balance of competing interests between the crime victim and the defendant is struck, the greatest protection goes to the criminal defendant whose liberty is at stake. State v. Moore, 188 N.J. 182, 211 n.13 (2006).

Contact a Passaic NJ Criminal Sentencing Defense Lawyer Now

If you find yourself in a situation where you or a loved one have been charged with a crime as a result of a domestic violence or other related incident, a conviction may have serious consequences. Don’t underestimate the impact that the right defense attorney can have at Sentencing. Alissa Hascup understands the importance of limiting your exposure to the greatest extent possible. Ms. Hascup is prepared to use her extensive experience and knowledge of the law to your advantage.

Contact the Law Office of Alissa Hascup anytime for your free initial consultation. Call Ms. Hascup to discuss your case, or fill out the online contact form to arrange a meeting at her office.