When You Need Aggressive Criminal Defense, You Need Livingston Attorney James Patton
Whether you have a first-time shoplifting charge, your second DUI, you are being investigated for a violent assault or you have been charged with a federal crime, you need the strongest defense possible. Obviously you want to stay out of jail, keep your record clean and minimize fees, fines, court costs or other expenses.
I am attorney James Patton, and I understand what you are going through. As a former federal prosecutor and an Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan, I also understand how the other side thinks. With ten of my 30 years of legal experience devoted to prosecution, I have unique insight into how both New Jersey state and federal authorities bring charges and how they argue cases.
I am now solely focused on criminal defense, both as a Livingston public defender, federal public defender and in my own practice.
Notable case: I secured a client's acquittal in a federal court case involving international drug conspiracy charges. Fellow defendants, not represented by me, were convicted.
Skilled Defense for All Criminal Charges
I believe in working as a team with my clients, keeping them active in the process, and giving them the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. My years of experience as a lawyer have shown me that this approach is what has allowed me to have a record of success. I am here to zealously defend clients throughout Essex County and surrounding areas who are facing a wide range of criminal charges, including:
- Municipal court charges like traffic violations
- Misdemeanors like shoplifting, burglary and first time DUI offenses
- Drug crimes including possession, distribution, manufacturing and trafficking
- Sex crimes like rape (including date rape and statutory rape), molestation, and sexual assault
- Federal crimes
- White collar crimes and fraud
- State felonies including multiple DUIs and homicide
A Criminal Defense Approach That Works
I have a process that I general follow when building a strong defense case. I personalize it to your specific situation, of course, but the basic steps are:
- Thorough investigation of the facts and circumstances of your arrest, looking for any possible defenses or violations of your constitutional rights
- Anticipate prosecution strategies and prepare arguments to rebut them
- Minimize possible consequences by pursuing diversion programs or seeking reduced/dropped charges
I offer a free initial consultation and accept evening and weekend appointments. You may call 973-577-7180 to schedule an appointment at my Livingston, New Jersey, location or send me an e-mail.