Facing the prospect of criminal charges can be confusing, overwhelming, and often frightening. Although our laws are meant to protect defendants as “innocent until proven guilty,” the reality is that our law enforcement institutions and courts can be less than accommodating to people facing charges. Criminal defense lawyer Theodore B. Weiss has over 25 years of experience navigating the courtrooms of Camden and Burlington counties, and the surrounding areas of New Jersey. He has defended many individuals under prosecution in communities such as Burlington, Marlton, Mt. Holly, Mt. Laurel, Trenton, Maple Shade, Moorestown, and Willingboro.
Most crimes require both an act and a specific state of mind. For instance, sustaining a conviction of shoplifting requires that the defendant both acted to steal an item and intended to steal it. The crime cannot occur if the defendant did not actually take any action to commit it, or if the defendant did not intend to steal the item but took it accidentally or in error. In order for a defendant to be found guilty of a crime, a prosecutor must prove every element of the offense charged, including the act and mental state, “beyond a reasonable doubt.” This is a very high standard of proof, and a qualified criminal defense attorney will make sure that the prosecution cuts no corners in making its case.
There are strong constitutional protections that may be applicable, depending on the circumstances of a specific case. For example, the police must have a valid warrant in most situations when they search a person’s residence. If they do not, and if one of the exceptions to this rule does not apply, any evidence obtained by that unlawful search can be excluded from consideration at trial. Sometimes, the inability to use key evidence can seriously weaken the prosecution’s case, leading them to either drop the charges or offer a more favorable plea.
As an experienced criminal defense attorney, Mr. Weiss has represented defendants in many different types of cases, ranging from minor offenses such as traffic violations and shoplifting to much more serious crimes such as homicide, drug offenses, DUIs, and domestic violence. While some of these crimes may require limited time before a judge, many require countless hours of preparation and trial time and necessitate a sophisticated defense strategy that not everyone has the ability to craft.
In addition to representing adults in a wide range of criminal matters, Attorney Weiss believes strongly in the importance of providing quality representation to juveniles who are facing the prospect of a conviction. At such a young age, these defendants may be subjected to years of stigma due to a criminal record, as well as lost educational and job opportunities. For this reason, he dedicates a part of his practice to representing children who have been wrongly charged with criminal activity, or are facing harsh punishments disproportional to minor illegal acts, such as shoplifting, that they are accused of committing.
If you have recently been charged with a criminal offense, it is imperative that you seek legal representation as soon as possible. Long before trial occurs, an attorney can help you evaluate your situation, determine if police treated you properly, and negotiate with state or federal prosecutors. Criminal defense attorney Theodore B. Weiss has the knowledge and experience to effectively advocate for individuals throughout Burlington County and the surrounding communities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He will seek out all possible avenues to protect your rights. Many of our clients come from the Philadelphia and South Jersey areas. For more information, please contact us at (856) 779-9670 or online.