Song Law Firm · Practice Areas

New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer

Korean-speaking criminal defense attorneys for DWI/DUI, drug, assault, theft, domestic violence, and white-collar matters in NJ Municipal and Superior Courts. Free initial consultation. Confidential.

3Criminal Defense Attorneys
NJ · NYBar Admissions
EN · KODirect Communication
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01 · Our Team

A Three-Attorney Criminal Defense Team

Criminal charges affect your liberty, your employment, and your immigration status. Song Law Firm’s three-attorney team brings decades of trial and government experience to NJ Municipal and Superior Court matters — with Korean-language representation throughout.

Joseph D. Song

Joseph D. Song

Founding Member

Admitted in NJ, NY, TX, GA. Directs firm strategy on white-collar matters and immigration-sensitive criminal defense (CIMT analysis). Fluent in English and Korean.

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Howard Z. Myerowitz

Howard Z. Myerowitz, Esq.

Senior Associate Attorney

Former NJ Deputy Attorney General. J.D., Fordham. Tries DWI, drug, and felony cases to jury verdict. Deep familiarity with NJ Code of Criminal Justice (Title 2C).

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Roy H. Mossi

Roy H. Mossi, Esq.

Senior Associate Attorney

30+ years trial experience. NJ, NY, FL bar. Successfully argued before the NJ Supreme Court. Handles complex Municipal Court and Superior Court criminal matters.

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02 · Practice Scope

Criminal Matters We Handle

From Municipal Court DWI defense to Superior Court felony trials — full-spectrum NJ criminal defense under the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice (Title 2C).

DWI / DUI Defense

NJ DWI under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 carries mandatory minimums and ignition interlock for first offense. We challenge BAC accuracy (Alcotest 7110 calibration), field sobriety tests, and probable cause for the stop. Refusal charges under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.4a are separately defensible.

Drug Charges

Possession (N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10), distribution (2C:35-5), CDS within 1000 feet of school (2C:35-7). PTI (Pretrial Intervention) eligibility analysis. New marijuana law (CREAMM Act) and expungement consequences for prior convictions.

Assault & Domestic Violence

Simple assault (2C:12-1a) and aggravated assault (2C:12-1b). Domestic violence under N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17 with criminal charges and Final Restraining Order (FRO) defense in Family Court. Criminal contempt of FRO violations.

Theft & Burglary

Shoplifting (2C:20-11), theft by deception, identity theft (2C:21-17), burglary (2C:18-2). Grade depends on value: under $200 disorderly persons, $200–$500 fourth degree, $500–$75,000 third degree, $75,000+ second degree.

White-Collar Crime

Wire fraud, money laundering, tax fraud, embezzlement, healthcare fraud. Federal investigations (FBI, IRS-CI), grand jury subpoenas, target letters. Korean-American business owners and professional licensees facing professional consequences.

Municipal Court & Traffic

NJ Municipal Court handles disorderly persons offenses, motor vehicle violations, and DWI. Superior Court handles indictable offenses (felonies). Strategic decisions on which court the matter is resolved in often determine the long-term outcome.

03 · Timing Matters

When to Call a Criminal Defense Attorney

In a criminal matter, what happens in the first 24 to 72 hours often determines the outcome. Acting before you speak — to police, employers, or family — preserves your defenses.

1

Before Speaking to Police

You have the right to remain silent (Miranda) and the right to counsel. Polite refusal — “I want a lawyer” — stops questioning and protects every later defense.

2

After Arrest

Bail hearings happen within 48 hours in NJ. Counsel at first appearance can dramatically affect bail conditions, release status, and pre-trial detention motions.

3

If You Receive a Target Letter

A target letter means federal prosecutors are considering charges. Voluntary cooperation, proffer agreements, and timing are critical — and irreversible if mishandled.

4

If a Conviction Affects Status

Many crimes are CIMTs (crimes involving moral turpitude) — triggering deportation for non-citizens. Plea strategy must consider Padilla v. Kentucky duties from day one.

04 · Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions on criminal charges, court process, and rights — answered by our criminal defense team.

What is the difference between NJ Municipal Court and Superior Court?
NJ Municipal Court handles disorderly persons offenses (misdemeanor-level), petty disorderly persons offenses, motor vehicle violations, and DWI. No jury trial; a municipal judge decides. Superior Court — Law Division, Criminal Part handles indictable offenses (felonies — first through fourth degree). Right to a jury trial. Many cases that start in Superior Court are eventually downgraded to Municipal Court via plea negotiations.
What penalties does NJ DWI carry?
Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50, a first DWI (BAC 0.08-0.10) carries a 3-month ignition interlock, $250-$400 fine, surcharges, and 12-48 hours at IDRC. BAC ≥ 0.10 or ≥ 0.15 increases penalties and license consequences. Second offense within 10 years: 1-2 years license loss, 2-90 day jail, ignition interlock 2-4 years. Third offense: 180-day mandatory jail, 8-year license loss, mandatory interlock.
What is Pretrial Intervention (PTI) in NJ?
PTI under N.J.S.A. 2C:43-12 is a diversionary program for first-time, non-violent offenders. If accepted and completed, the charges are dismissed without a conviction. Eligibility considers offense severity, defendant’s history, victim impact, and prosecutor’s recommendation. PTI lasts 1-3 years with conditions (treatment, community service, restitution). DWI and certain violent offenses are excluded.
I was charged with simple possession of marijuana. Will I be convicted?
Under the CREAMM Act (2021), possession of up to 6 ounces of marijuana by adults 21+ is legal in NJ. Prior pre-CREAMM possession convictions may be automatically expunged. Possession with intent to distribute remains a serious offense. If you were charged under old law for behavior that is now legal, expungement and dismissal are often available.
Will a NJ criminal conviction affect my immigration status?
Yes — often severely. Under federal immigration law (INA), many state criminal convictions trigger removal/deportation, especially Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT), aggravated felonies, controlled substance offenses, and crimes of violence. Under Padilla v. Kentucky (2010), your attorney has a constitutional duty to advise you of immigration consequences. Plea strategy must consider both criminal and immigration outcomes.
Can I expunge an old NJ criminal record?
Yes, in many cases. NJ Clean Slate Expungement (N.J.S.A. 2C:52-5.3) allows expungement of most non-serious convictions after a clean record period (typically 10 years, with shorter waits for specific offenses). Indictable expungement available for one conviction plus up to three disorderly persons offenses. Marijuana-related cases under CREAMM are often automatically expunged. Sex offenses and certain serious crimes are not eligible.
What should I do if I am arrested?
(1) Stay calm and do not resist, even if you believe the arrest is wrong. (2) Invoke your right to remain silent — “I am exercising my right to remain silent and I want a lawyer.” Do not explain. (3) Do not consent to searches. (4) Do not discuss your case on jail phones — calls are recorded. (5) Memorize counsel’s number: Song Law Firm 201-461-0031.
How does NJ bail work after the 2017 reforms?
NJ eliminated cash bail in 2017. Defendants are now released or detained based on a risk assessment conducted by Pretrial Services. Most defendants are released with conditions (no contact, no travel, drug testing). For serious offenses, prosecutors can file a motion for pretrial detention with a hearing within 5 days. Effective counsel at first appearance is critical.
I’m a professional (doctor, lawyer, accountant). Will a conviction affect my license?
Yes. NJ professional licensing boards independently review criminal convictions for moral turpitude, fraud, violence, and substance abuse. Even a conviction that is later expunged may need disclosure. Plea strategy should include licensure consultation. Federal exclusion (Medicare/Medicaid) is automatic for certain healthcare convictions under 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7.
How much does criminal defense cost?
Criminal defense is typically billed at flat fee for predictable matters (Municipal Court DWI, simple disorderly persons offenses) or hourly with retainer for indictable matters and federal cases. Flat fees often range from low four figures (Municipal) to mid-five figures (complex felony trial). Initial consultations are free and confidential.
I’m a juvenile (or my child is). Is juvenile court different?
Yes. NJ Family Court — Juvenile Part handles offenders under 18. The system emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment. Adjudications (not convictions) are typically confidential. Waiver to adult court is possible for serious offenses or offenders 16+. Juvenile records can usually be sealed/expunged. Strategy should preserve education, college admission, and future career options.
I’m undocumented. Will speaking to a criminal defense lawyer put me at risk?
No. Attorney-client privilege absolutely protects your conversations. Song Law Firm does not share client information with immigration authorities. Many criminal-immigration crossover cases require both criminal defense and immigration analysis — our firm handles both. Confidentiality is the foundation of effective defense.

05 · Service Area

Areas We Serve — NJ & NY

From our Fort Lee headquarters we appear in all NJ Municipal Courts, Superior Court, and federal court (D.N.J.).

New Jersey

All NJ Municipal Courts (Fort Lee, Palisades Park, Englewood, Tenafly, Hackensack, Paramus, Jersey City, Newark, Edison, etc.). NJ Superior Court — Criminal Part (Bergen, Hudson, Essex, Middlesex, Union, Passaic Vicinages).

Forums: NJ Code of Criminal Justice (Title 2C), Rules of Court (Part III Criminal Practice), Appellate Division, NJ Supreme Court.

New York & Federal

Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Long Island, Westchester — Criminal Court and Supreme Court matters.

Federal: U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (Newark, Trenton, Camden). U.S. District Court S.D.N.Y. and E.D.N.Y. for federal white-collar matters.

Office: Parker Plaza, 400 Kelby St, 19th Floor, Fort Lee, NJ 07024.

06 · Recent Articles & Columns

Criminal Defense Articles

Recent columns from Song Law Firm.

07 · Success Stories

Recent Success Stories

Selected case outcomes.

08 · Get in Touch

Confidential Consultation

If you have been arrested, received a target letter, or expect charges — Song Law Firm offers a confidential, free initial consultation. Attorney-client privilege applies from your first call.

Phone
201-461-0031
Email
criminal@songlawfirm.com
Office
Parker Plaza
400 Kelby St, 19th Fl
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Hours
Mon–Fri 9 AM – 6 PM
After-hours intake available
Call 201-461-0031Request Consultation
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