Criminal defense Lawyers

Criminal Defense Lawyers for Serious Charges

If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation, you’re already at a disadvantage. Prosecutors have the state’s resources. Police already believe you’re guilty. The system is not built to give you the benefit of the doubt. That’s where we come in.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we defend people charged with serious crimes in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including federal and multi-jurisdictional matters. Whether you’re facing a felony indictment, a municipal court complaint, or a grand jury subpoena, we move quickly — with the legal strategy and courtroom experience you need to protect your freedom, your future, and your record.

Criminal Defense Services We Provide

We handle a wide range of felony and misdemeanor matters, including:

• White Collar Crimes
  (fraud, embezzlement, public corruption, wire/mail fraud)
• Violent Offenses
  (aggravated assault, robbery, weapons charges, attempted murder)
• Sex Crimes
  (sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a minor, child pornography)
• Drug Charges
  (possession, distribution, trafficking, CDS in a motor vehicle)
• Theft & Property Crimes
  (burglary, shoplifting, credit card fraud, auto theft)
• Juvenile Charges
  (school-based offenses, assault, drug possession, underage weapons)
• Domestic Violence Allegations
  (TROs, FROs, harassment, criminal contempt, stalking)
• Expungement & Post-Conviction Relief
  (clearing criminal records, sentence reduction, appeals)

We also represent professionals and college students whose charges carry licensing, immigration, or Title IX consequences.

What Sets Our Defense Apart

We don’t just “go through the motions.” Our approach is aggressive, strategic, and tailored to your specific case:

• Early intervention: We work behind the scenes with prosecutors and investigators before charges are filed.
• Thorough analysis: We scrutinize police reports, search warrants, witness statements, and forensic evidence.
• Pretrial leverage: We file suppression motions, challenge identification procedures, and exclude illegal evidence.
• Client protection: We manage public exposure, court appearance strategy, and reputational risk.
• Trial readiness: If the state won’t offer a fair deal, we’re prepared to go to trial with a credible, complete defense.

Whether you’re facing one bad night or a long-term investigation, we treat every case like it matters — because it does.

Frequently Asked Questions: Criminal Charges in NJ

Do I need a lawyer if I haven’t been arrested yet?

Yes. If you’ve been contacted by police or served a subpoena, you’re already at risk. We intervene early to protect your rights and shape the case before charges are filed.

Can charges be dropped before court?

Sometimes. We negotiate pre-indictment resolutions, dismissals, and downgraded charges — but only if we get involved early enough.

What happens if I’m convicted of a felony in New Jersey?

A felony conviction can lead to prison, fines, probation, and the loss of civil rights (voting, firearm ownership). It can also affect immigration, employment, and custody rights. We do everything we can to avoid that outcome.

Do you handle federal criminal cases?

Yes. We represent clients facing federal indictments, grand jury subpoenas, and white collar investigations in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Can I clear my record after the case is over?

Possibly. We handle expungements and post-conviction relief petitions for eligible cases. Timing and eligibility depend on your record and charge type.

Your Freedom Is the Priority. We Treat It That Way.

Being charged with a crime doesn’t make you guilty — but waiting too long to get help can make it harder to recover. At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we take on complex criminal cases with urgency, discretion, and a defense strategy focused on results.

Call 856-209-3111 or contact us online for a confidential criminal defense consultation.