​Criminal Defense

Criminal cases usually involve the police accusing an adult with violating the law, either a misdemeanor criminal offense and/or felony indictable crime. Common examples of offenses and crimes include possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, use of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS), being under the influence of drugs, underage drinking, underage possession of alcohol, theft, shoplifting, disorderly conduct, improper behavior, bad checks, simple assault, harassment, resisting arrest, hindering apprehension or prosecution, obstruction or obstructing administration of law, criminal mischief, trespassing, unlicensed entry of structure, and defiant trespass. In New Jersey, misdemeanors are referred to as disorderly persons offenses or petty disorderly persons offenses. These criminal accusations are entered onto a criminal complaint form, either as a summons or warrant, and then filed with the local Municipal Court. The potential penalties and consequences of a criminal case are serious, such as a criminal record, prison or jail, large fines, suspended driver's license, probation, community service, surcharges, restitution to the victim, immigration problems, and employment issues. Mr. Bahadurian is a seasoned criminal defense lawyer and protects the rights of individuals accused of wrongdoing. He thoroughly reviews all of the police reports and interviews any potential defense witnesses in order to prepare and present a persuasive defense.

​Juvenile Delinquency

Juvenile delinquency cases refer to criminal accusations against a minor child or youth. In New Jersey, juvenile cases are filed with the Family Court alleging that a criminal related offense, crime or probation violation was committed by a person under the age of 18. The specific accusations or charges are listed on the juvenile delinquency complaint which is given to the parent or guardian by the police. In most cases, the court requires the juvenile to be represented by a lawyer because the potential penalties and consequences of juvenile delinquency are serious, such as a criminal record, youth detention, probation, community service, suspended driver's license, surcharges, restitution, along with problems with school, college admission, and future career. Mr. Bahadurian is an experienced juvenile lawyer and protects the rights of children accused of violating the law. He meets with the client and parent or guardian, interviews any potential defense witnesses, and reviews the police reports and records in order to prepare and present a pursuasive defense.

​Criminal Record Expungements

An expungement is the legal process to erase and remove criminal records that are on file with the court, police department, law enforcement, prosecutor's office, probation department, and sheriff's department concerning a person's arrest, diversion, deferred disposition, conviction, or dismissal of an offense or crime within the criminal justice system or juvenile justice system. Mr. Bahadurian is an experienced criminal record expungment lawyer. Clients typically want to clear and expunge criminal records concerning an arrest and criminal charges, including felony crimes or misdemeanor offenses, disorderly persons offenses, petty disorderly person offenses, criminal convictions, deferred dispositions, pretrial intervention (PTI) program records, Conditional Discharge records, dismissed cases, and juvenile records. Mr. Bahadurian will first determine if the criminal record can be sealed or expunged under the law. The expungement process may be an important tool for a person to obtain a job since a criminal record may prevent an employer from wanting to hire an otherwise qualified work applicant. When an order for expungement is granted, the arrest, conviction or dismissal, adjudication of juvenile delinquency, disposition, and any related proceedings are considered not to have occurred.  The purpose of an expungement is to give a person a “fresh start.”