ometimes a driver who plead guilty to a criminal or motor vehicle traffic ticket will need to file a motion to vacate their guilty plea. Sometimes a person pleads guilty without an attorney, then later receives a license suspension from DMV/MVC. Occasionally, an attorney can vacate an uncounselled guilty plea where no factual basis was put on the court tape recording. Our office represents people charged with criminal and disorderly persons offenses. We provide representation throughout New Jersey. Criminal charges can cost you. If convicted, you can face jail, high fines, Probation over 18 months and other penalties. Don't give up! Our Law Office can provide experienced attorney representation for traffic and criminal offenses. Our website www.njlaws.com provides information on criminal offenses we can be retained to represent people.
If the matter is a criminal charge, the court is required to: 1. first addressing the defendant personally and determining by inquiry of the defendant and, in the court's discretion, of others, 2. that the plea is made voluntarily with understanding of the nature of the charge 3. the consequences of the plea
The following is a portion of a legal motion and brief we filed with a municipal court to vacate a guilty plea and obtain a more favorable plea:
Please accept this Letter Brief in Support of Motion to Vacate Guilty Plea and Return to Trial Calendar. My client was charged with a minor motor vehicle violation. My client never appeared in court and, without the benefit of counsel, mailed in a check to pay the fine. My client was not aware he would suffer points and surcharges and a possible suspension. We request the court vacate the paid fine by mail, and restore this case to the court calendar. Please let both my office and the defendant know if this Motion has been granted. It would have been impossible for the court to take a factual basis for a guilty plea as required by Rule 7:6-2.
Under Court Rule 7:6-2. Pleas, Plea Agreements
(a) Pleas Allowed, Guilty Plea. (1) General. A defendant may plead not guilty or guilty, but the court may, in its discretion, refuse to accept a guilty plea. The court shall not, however, accept a guilty plea without 1. first addressing the defendant personally and determining by inquiry of the defendant and, in the court's discretion, of others, 2. that the plea is made voluntarily with understanding of the nature of the charge 3. the consequences of the plea 4. that there is a factual basis for the plea
My client advises me that he did not understand the nature of the charge, the consequences of the plea, nor a factual basis.
Rule 7:10-2. Post-Conviction Relief
(a) Petition for Relief. A person convicted of an offense may, pursuant to this rule, file with the municipal court administrator of the municipality in which the conviction took place, a petition for post-conviction relief captioned in the action in which the conviction was entered. If the municipal matter is a criminal charge, the court is required to: 1. first address the defendant personally and determine by inquiry of the defendant and, in the court's discretion, of others, 2. that the plea is made voluntarily with understanding of the nature of the charge 3. the consequences of the plea
(b) Limitations and Exclusiveness.
(2) A petition based on any other grounds shall not be accepted for filing more than five years after entry of the judgment of conviction or imposition of the sentence sought to be attacked, unless it alleges facts showing that the delay in filing was due to defendant's excusable neglect.
(c) Grounds. A petition for post-conviction relief is cognizable if based on any of the following grounds:
(1) substantial denial in the conviction proceedings of defendant's rights under the Constitution of the United States or the Constitution or laws of New Jersey; ... (4) any grounds previously available as a basis for collateral attack on a conviction by habeas corpus or any other common law or statutory remedy.
(d) Bar of Grounds Not Raised in Prior Proceedings; Exceptions.
(1) The defendant is barred from asserting in a proceeding under this rule any grounds for relief not raised in a prior proceeding under this rule, or in the proceedings resulting in the conviction, or in a post conviction proceeding brought and decided prior to the adoption of R 3:224, or in any appeal taken in any of those proceedings, unless the court on motion or at the hearings finds that: (A) the grounds for relief not previously asserted could not reasonably have been raised in any prior proceeding; (B) enforcement of the bar would result in fundamental injustice; or (C) denial of relief would be contrary to the Constitution of the United States or of New Jersey.
We will the court grant the motion to Vacate Guilty Plea and Return to Trial Calendar. In addition, under Rule 3:9-2 and the legal commentary set forth in NJ Practice, Vol. 31, Sec 415, this motion should be granted.
The following are portions of the Superior Court Rules regarding post conviction Motions:
3:22-1. Petition for Relief
Any person convicted of a crime may, pursuant to this rule, file with the county clerk of the county in which the conviction took place a petition for post-conviction relief captioned in the action in which the conviction was entered.
3:22-2. Grounds
A petition for post-conviction relief is cognizable if based upon any of the following grounds:
(a) Substantial denial in the conviction proceedings of defendant's rights under the Constitution of the United States or the Constitution or laws of the State of New Jersey;
(b) Lack of jurisdiction of the court to impose the judgment rendered upon defendant's conviction;
(c) Imposition of sentence in excess of or otherwise not in accordance with the sentence authorized by law.
(d) Any ground heretofore available as a basis for collateral attack upon a conviction by habeas corpus or any other common-law or statutory remedy.
3:22-3. Exclusiveness of Remedy; Not Substitute for Appeal or Motion
Except as otherwise required by the Constitution of New Jersey, a petition pursuant to this rule is the exclusive means of challenging a judgment rendered upon conviction of a crime. It is not, however, a substitute for appeal from conviction or for motion incident to the proceedings in the trial court, and may not be filed while such appellate review or motion is available.
3:22-4. Bar of Grounds Not Raised in Prior Proceedings; Exceptions
Any ground for relief not raised in a prior proceeding under this rule, or in the proceedings resulting in the conviction, or in a post-conviction proceeding brought and decided prior to the adoption of this rule, or in any appeal taken in any such proceedings is barred from assertion in a proceeding under this rule unless the court on motion or at the hearing finds (a) that the ground for relief not previously asserted could not reasonably have been raised in any prior proceeding; or (b) that enforcement of the bar would result in fundamental injustice; or (c) that denial of relief would be contrary to the Constitution of the United States or the State of New Jersey.
3:22-5. Bar of Ground Expressly Adjudicated
A prior adjudication upon the merits of any ground for relief is conclusive whether made in the proceedings resulting in the conviction or in any post-conviction proceeding brought pursuant to this rule or prior to the adoption thereof, or in any appeal taken from such proceedings....
3:22-7. Docketing; Service on Prosecutor; Assignment for Disposition
The clerk shall make an entry of the filing of the petition in the proceedings in which the conviction took place, and, if it is filed pro se, shall forthwith transmit a copy thereof to the prosecutor of the county. If the petition is filed by an attorney, that attorney shall serve a copy thereof on the prosecutor before filing and shall file proof, certification or acknowledgment of service with the petition. The clerk shall promptly notify the Assignment Judge or judge designated by the Assignment Judge of the filing of the petition, who shall forthwith refer the matter for disposition to a trial judge.
3:22-8. Contents of Petition; Verification
The petition shall be verified by defendant and shall set forth with specificity the facts upon which the claim for relief is based, the legal grounds of complaint asserted, and the particular relief sought. The petition shall include the following information: (a) the date, docket number, and content of the indictment or accusation upon which the conviction was based and the county where filed; (b) the date and content of the sentence or judgment complained of and the name of the presiding judge; (c) any appellate proceedings brought from the conviction, attaching a copy of opinions therein; (d) any previous post-conviction proceedings relating to the same conviction, giving date and nature of claim and date and nature of disposition, and concerning any appeal therefrom, together with copies of opinions therein, trial and appellate; (e) whether petitioner was represented by counsel in any of the proceedings aforementioned, naming the counsel in each such proceeding, and stating whether counsel was in each instance retained or assigned; (f) whether and where defendant is presently confined. Argument, citations and discussion of authorities shall be omitted from the petition, but may be submitted in a separate memorandum of law.
3:22-9. Amendments of Pleadings; Answer or Motion by Prosecutor
Amendments of pleadings shall be liberally allowed. Assigned counsel may as of course serve and file an amended petition within 25 days after assignment. Within 30 days after service of a copy of the petition or amended petition, the prosecutor shall serve and file an answer thereto or move on 10 days' notice for dismissal. If a motion for dismissal is denied the State's answer shall be filed within 15 days thereafter. The court may make such other orders with respect to pleadings as it deems appropriate.
3:22-10. Presence of Defendant at Hearing; Preference
The proceedings shall be given preference and be determined promptly. A defendant in custody may be present in court in the court's discretion and shall be entitled to be present when oral testimony is adduced on a material issue of fact within the defendant's personal knowledge.
3:22-11. Determination; Findings and Conclusions; Judgment; Supplementary Orders
In making final determination upon a petition, either on motion for dismissal or after hearing, the court shall state separately its findings of fact and conclusions of law, and shall enter a judgment, which shall include an appropriate order or direction with respect to the judgment or sentence in the conviction proceedings and any appropriate provisions as to rearraignment, retrial, custody, bail, discharge, correction of sentence, or as may otherwise be required.
3:22-12. Limitations
A petition to correct an illegal sentence may be filed at any time. No other petition shall be filed pursuant to this rule more than 5 years after rendition of the judgment or sentence sought to be attacked unless it alleges facts showing that the delay beyond said time was due to defendant's excusable neglect.
Conclusion
It is well established that the prosecution of a defendant for criminal and traffic offenses are serious matters. In such a proceeding the burden of proof is upon the state to establish all elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Plea bargaining is permitted in most cases handled by attorneys. Never attempt to represent yourself if you are facing serious charges.
Criminal and traffic offenses carry penalties which will effect your client for the rest of his life. The space limits of this article do not allow detailed explanation of the extensive caselaw on penalties. Criminal and traffic law and defenses are explained in greater details in other articles on www.njlaws.com. Call 732-572-0500 to schedule a confidential consultation
Consequences of a Criminal Guilty Plea
1. You will have to appear in open court and tell the judge what you did that makes you guilty of the particular offense(s)
2. Do you understand that if you plead guilty:
a. You will have a criminal record
b. You may go to Jail or Prison.
c. You will have to pay Fines and Court Costs.
3. If you are on Probation, you will have to submit to random drug and urine testing. If you violate Probation, you often go to jail.
4. In indictable matters, you will be required to provide a DNA sample, which could be used by law enforcement for the investigation of criminal activity, and pay for the cost of testing.
5. You must pay restitution if the court finds there is a victim who has suffered a loss and if the court finds that you are able or will be able in the future to pay restitution.
6. If you are a public office holder or employee, you can be required to forfeit your office or job by virtue of your plea of guilty.
7. If you are not a United States citizen or national, you may be deported by virtue of your plea of guilty.
8. You must wait 5-10 years to expunge a first offense. 2C:52-3
9. You could be put on Probation.
10. In Drug Cases, a mandatory DEDR penalty of $500-$1,000, and lose your driver's license for 6 months - 2years. You must pay a Law Enforcement Officers Training and Equipment Fund penalty of $30.
11. You may be required to do Community Service.
12. You must pay a minimum Violent Crimes Compensation Board assessment of $50 ($100 minimum if you are convicted of a crime of violence) for each count to which you plead guilty.
13. You must pay a $75 Safe Neighborhood Services Fund assessment for each conviction.
14. If you are being sentenced to probation, you must pay a fee of up to $25 per month for the term of probation.
15. You lose the presumption against incarceration in future cases. 2C:44-1
16. You may lose your right to vote.
The defense of a person charged with a criminal offense is not impossible. There are a number of viable defenses and arguments which can be pursued to achieve a successful result. Advocacy, commitment, and persistence are essential to defending a client accused of a criminal offense.
Jail for Crimes and Disorderly Conduct:
If someone pleads Guilty or is found Guilty of a criminal offense, the following is the statutory Prison/Jail terms.
NJSA 2C: 43-8 (1) In the case of a crime of the first degree, for a specific term of years which shall be fixed by the court and shall be between 10 years and 20 years;
(2) In the case of a crime of the second degree, for a specific term of years which shall be fixed by the court and shall be between five years and 10 years;
(3) In the case of a crime of the third degree, for a specific term of years which shall be fixed by the court and shall be between three years and five years;
(4) In the case of a crime of the fourth degree, for a specific term which shall be fixed by the court and shall not exceed 18 months.
2C:43-3 Fines have been increased recently! 2C:43-3. Fines and Restitutions. A person who has been convicted of an offense may be sentenced to pay a fine, to make restitution, or both, such fine not to exceed:
a. (1) $200,000.00 when the conviction is of a crime of the first degree;
(2) $150,000.00 when the conviction is of a crime of the second degree;
b. (1) $15,000.00 when the conviction is of a crime of the third degree;
(2) $10,000.00 when the conviction is of a crime of the fourth degree;
c. $1,000.00, when the conviction is of a disorderly persons offense;
d. $500.00, when the conviction is of a petty disorderly persons offense;
If facing any criminal charge, retain an experienced attorney immediately to determine you rights and obligations to the court. Current criminal charge researched by Kenneth Vercammen, Esq. 732-572-0500
