About

Criminal and Civil Litigation

TRIAL ALTERNATIVES

There are many ways to resolve criminal cases without going through the normal course of indictment to trial, including diversionary programs, such as PTI (Pre-Trial Intervention), which if successful would result in the felony criminal charge(s) being dismissed, Conditional Discharge, which deals with misdemeanor or disorderly person's drug offenses, which also results in the charges ultimately being dismissed upon successful completion of the program, or Conditional Dismissal, which deals with non-drug disorderly offenses. 

There is also a program which can provide relief for people who are incarcerated in State Prison. This program is known as ISP (Intensive Supervisory Program.) ISP, when granted, allows for the release of a prisoner from State Prison. There are, however very strict requirements so to comply with ISP.

If you have a criminal matter or issue, no matter how small or how large you may think it is, and no matter what stage of the proceeding from initial investigation to post-conviction, please call our office for a free consultation.

Drug Crime Defense

The U.S. Controlled Substances Act sets the criteria for what constitutes criminal offenses in the manufacture, possession, sale, and abuse of drugs. According to state and federal laws, a controlled substance considered to be a drug can be:

The severity of the punishment for a drug crime depends on the type of substance, the quantity, the intent of possession, and local, state, and federal laws.

If you or someone you know has been arrested for a drug-related crime, we urge you to contact our office for representation and counsel. We're here to help.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE /RESTRAINING ORDER

In New Jersey, the Domestic Violence Act was created to protect spouses and significant others from domestic violence. Unfortunately, it is often attempted to be utilized to either obtain an order requiring the removal of a spouse from his or her home or, for some other reason, not necessarily related to domestic violence.

While restraining orders are civil in nature and not criminal, the ramifications are great. For example, if a restraining order is issued against someone, that person will not be permitted to possess a firearm while the restraining order is active. Often, alternatives such as civil restraints can be entered, which do not have the consequences or restrictions that a restraining order does. Accordingly, it is imperative to seek out the services and counsel of an experienced attorney to assist and represent you in these matters. Call The Law Office of W. Curtis Dowell right away to arrange a consultation.

DWI

If you are facing drunk driving charges, an experienced DWI lawyer can provide you with the representation that you need. When you are facing these charges, you need an experienced attorney on your side. At the Law Office of W. Curtis Dowell, we will ensure that you get the proper defense that you need.

In New Jersey, unlike some other states, DWI/DUI is not a criminal offense. It is a traffic offense and as such one is not entitled to a jury trial. Trials are conducted in the municipal court before a single judge.

DWI/DUI cases in New Jersey cannot be plea-bargained. Accordingly, it is imperative you have an attorney who is tough, diligent, and knowledgeable to best express to the police and prosecutor the weaknesses of their case in an effort to get the charge dismissed before trial, and who also possesses the trial experience necessary in the event the case goes to trial.

 

If you are looking for the least expensive lawyer to represent you, this may not be the law firm for you. Our fees, however, are very competitive and well below many firms in New Jersey but are commensurate with the service, experience, and results we provide for our clients.

When you have been accused of drunk driving in New Jersey, DWI lawyer services from the Law Office of W. Curtis Dowell can protect your rights and fight on your behalf. Call us for a consultation today.

EXPUNGEMENTS

New Jersey offers those with a record involving certain felonies, misdemeanors, disorderly person’s offenses, and local ordinances an opportunity to have the record of those events expunged. In essence, if a charge(s) is expunged, a person, for example, would be permitted to put on a job application that they have never been arrested or convicted for the crime or the offense expunged.

If you or someone you know is adversely affected by a prior conviction, call our law office to determine whether an expungement may be a viable alternative.

JUVENILE MATTERS

The juvenile justice system is not under the jurisdiction of the criminal court, but rather under the jurisdiction of the family court where the juvenile resides. The penalties, however, can be harsh and in some cases, result in incarceration, detention, or house arrest. In certain cases, juveniles may be subject to reporting under Meghan's Law or be subjected to being treated as an adult if the county prosecutor so moves.

For these reasons, it is vital that an experienced attorney be consulted immediately upon belief that a charge of delinquency may be filed. Call The Law Office of W. Curtis Dowell right away to arrange a consultation.

POST CONVICTION RELIEF (PCR)

Federal and State Law provide that a person has a right to apply for Post Conviction Relief (PCR) for issues involving ineffective assistance of counsel, illegal sentences, and for other reasons.  If you or someone you know thinks they may be eligible for PCR, please contact an experienced attorney immediately.

The longer you wait, the more difficult the application may become. Call The Law Office of W. Curtis Dowell right away to arrange a consultation.

TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS

Even minor traffic violations can raise your insurance premiums and result in a suspended license for multiple infractions. Being stopped and determined to be driving under the influence is a very serious matter that could put you in jail. Because of the seriousness of the issue, it's important to know your rights when it comes to traffic violations.

Also, if you've been arrested for a DWI/DUI, it's important to seek legal representation immediately. Our staff will make sure that you're treated fairly, and we'll fight for your rights. Call us today; we’re here to help.

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