Criminal Defense Lawyer in South Jersey

The Criminal Cases Our Firm Handles

Led by experienced criminal defense lawyer Alexandra “Lexie” Rigden, our firm handles a range of criminal cases in local municipal and superior courts. 

We can represent you in cases involving the following and more:

The legal landscape for criminal charges in South Jersey can vary significantly from county to county. For example, indictable offenses in Mercer County might follow specific protocols or timelines compared to similar cases in Cape May. Our legal team has handled arraignments, pretrial hearings, and diversion applications in multiple counties, giving us practical insight into how local courts interpret evidence and impose penalties. This experience helps us prepare clients for what to expect in their jurisdiction—whether you are facing a first-time disorderly persons offense in Gloucester County or a repeat theft charge in Salem County. 

Cases often involve local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors who are familiar faces in their courtrooms. By understanding how these authorities typically approach plea negotiations and sentencing, our criminal defense attorney South Jersey team can proactively develop defense strategies that account for the legal and practical realities unique to this region.

No matter the details of your case, expect our attorney to work closely with you to provide highly personalized representation. From the initial consultation through case resolution, she and our firm’s supporting team take time to understand your specific situation, goals, and priorities, adapting our approach to effectively address your needs.

Do you want to see what past clients have thought of our services and approach to criminal defense? Visit our testimonials page to read about our commitment to serving our clients’ best interests. 

Understanding New Jersey's Criminal Process

Navigating New Jersey's criminal justice process can feel overwhelming, but understanding it can make a challenging time easier and help you make better decisions.

Here are the typical steps you may encounter if facing a criminal charge in South Jersey:

• The initial complaint - Most cases begin with a criminal complaint filed by police or citizens, leading to a summons for municipal matters or potential arrest warrants.
• First appearance - After an arrest, you must appear before a judge within 48 hours. During this critical stage, the court determines conditions for pretrial release or may order detention based on the nature of charges, your criminal history, and community ties.
• Grand jury and arraignment - For indictable offenses in Superior Court, prosecutors present cases to grand juries. If the grand jury returns an indictment, an arraignment follows, where charges are formally read and you enter your plea.
• Diversionary programs - Some defendants may qualify for programs like Pretrial Intervention (PTI), which can result in charge dismissal upon successful completion.
• Resolution - Cases may be resolved through plea negotiations, trial, or alternative resolutions. If convicted, sentencing hearings determine penalties, which could include incarceration, probation, fines, community service, or rehabilitation programs.

Knowing which courthouse will handle your case is an important first step. For example, municipal court typically deals with traffic offenses and disorderly persons charges, while superior court hears indictable offenses such as burglary or aggravated assault. In South Jersey, each county maintains its own courthouse—like the Camden County Hall of Justice or the Atlantic County Criminal Court—each with distinct routines for processing cases and scheduling hearings. 

Our team provides guidance by clarifying which court has jurisdiction, what deadlines apply, and how evidence is gathered and exchanged during pretrial discovery. As part of our intake, we explain whether your case may qualify for veterans diversion, drug court, or the Pretrial Intervention program, based on the specifics of your charges and your background. Understanding these distinctions helps you make informed choices as we build your defense.

Understanding Your Rights: Comprehensive Legal Guidance

Navigating the complexities of the legal system can be daunting, especially when facing criminal charges. At Rigden Lieberman Mignogna, P.A., we believe our clients should not only have a strong defense but also understand their rights and options throughout the process. Our dedicated team provides personalized, clear, and detailed explanations of each step in your case, making sure you are informed and empowered to make thoughtful decisions for your future.

We take several steps to ensure every client receives knowledgeable, personalized support throughout their criminal case:

• In-depth consultations - We take the time to listen to your situation and assess the specifics of your case, discussing potential outcomes and strategies.
• Clear communication - We keep you updated on every development in your case, promptly addressing any questions or concerns you may have.
• Resourceful legal tools - Access to a wealth of resources, including legal guides and informational articles, helps demystify the legal process.
• Ongoing support - Our commitment to you extends beyond legal representation; we provide moral support and guidance throughout your journey.

If you are seeking a criminal defense lawyer South Jersey residents trust, choosing a team with open communication and comprehensive legal information can make a difference in how prepared you feel during key steps of your case. Our knowledge of South Jersey courts—including how judges in Atlantic or Gloucester County expect cases to be presented, or how local pretrial services operate—means we can give you accurate timelines and practical guidance. We make it a priority to educate you on your rights and on the realistic range of outcomes for your situation so that you are always prepared to make important decisions.

Why Choosing the Right Lawyer Matters

When facing criminal charges, the importance of selecting an experienced attorney cannot be overstated. At Rigden Lieberman Mignogna, P.A., we understand that the outcome of your case can affect your life, freedom, and future. Choosing a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer is essential for navigating the complexities of the legal system and for crafting a defense strategy tailored to your unique circumstances.

There are several reasons why hiring the right criminal defense attorney South Jersey clients rely on is so important:

• Experience in local laws - Our attorneys are well-versed in the criminal laws and regulations specific to New Jersey and have built strong relationships with local courts and prosecutors.
• Personalized defense strategies - We take the time to understand your individual case details and develop a defense strategy that addresses your specific needs and concerns.
• Emotional support and guidance - Facing criminal charges can be daunting. We provide legal representation and emotional support throughout the entire process.
• Access to resources - Our firm has access to witnesses and resources that can be crucial in challenging evidence and building an effective defense.

If you are searching for a criminal attorney South Jersey trusts for serious cases, our network of local investigators, consultants, and support staff is tailored to address concerns unique to South Jersey jurisdictions. We track updates to the criminal code and stay current with how judges in counties like Camden, Burlington, and Salem handle hearings and sentencing guidelines. 

When we design a defense plan for your case, we use our practical knowledge of what works in courtrooms across the region to help you achieve the most favorable outcome. This commitment to local understanding and personal client service sets our criminal defense attorney South Jersey team apart from firms with a broader and less focused reach.

Don't leave your future to chance. Contact Rigden Lieberman Mignogna, P.A. today for a consultation and let us guide you through this challenging time with experienced representation by your side.

Do you have questions about the criminal justice process? Contact Rigden Lieberman Mignogna, P.A. for insights and direction. 

Local Courts and Criminal Procedures in South Jersey

Understanding how local courts in South Jersey operate is critical when facing criminal charges. Each county — such as Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester — has specific practices, schedules, and court staff that can directly affect the timing and direction of your case. By drawing on our day-to-day experience in courthouses like the Camden County Hall of Justice or the Atlantic County Criminal Court, we help clients understand what to expect at each stage, from initial hearings to pretrial motions and trial scheduling.

Navigating the local criminal justice system involves practical steps that vary based on jurisdiction. Our team reviews all court notices, arranges appearances, and ensures that required documents are filed on time, whether your case is in a busy urban courthouse or a smaller municipal location. We pay close attention to differences in how local clerks process filings, how judges manage dockets, and when prosecutors are most open to meaningful negotiations. This attention allows us to adapt our approach throughout South Jersey and keep your case moving efficiently.

Having a criminal defense attorney South Jersey clients trust means more than knowing the statutes. We interpret unwritten procedures, know when to seek bail modifications, and recognize the local resources available for alternatives to incarceration, such as drug court or diversion programs. By using these local insights, we ensure our clients are well-prepared for each hearing and empowered to make informed decisions that impact their lives.