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Charles F. Clark Jr.
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Charles F. Clark Jr.
Clark & Clark
One Broad Street
Suite 7
Freehold, NJ 07728
Phone: (732) 303-7857 | Fax: (732) 414-4100
http://www.csclarklaw.com
Aggressive Certified Criminal Defense Lawyer, NJ
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
All State, Federal and Municipal criminal cases.
Sub-Categories
Criminal Defense
- Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
- Appeals
- Capital Crimes/Capital Cases
- Felonies
- Grand Jury Proceedings
- Juvenile Crimes
- False Identification
- Truancy
- Military Crimes (UCMJ)
- Misdemeanors
- Parole
- Probation
- Perjury
- Plea Negotiation
- Search & Seizure
- Victims' Rights
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
- Animal Abuse
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- DUI
- Felony Auto Accidents
- Parking Tickets & Towing
- Traffic - Moving Violations
- Open Container
- Driving with a Suspended License
- Driving without a License
- DWI
- Hacking
- Malicious Code
- Unauthorized Access
- Expungement or Expunction
- Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
- Drug Possession
- Intent to Distribute Drugs
- Intent to Sell Drugs
- Medical Marijuana
- Constitutional Rights Defense
- Illegal Possession or Transportation
- Other Weapons & Devices
- Bank Fraud
- Checks & Credit Cards
- Corporate Espionage & Sabotage
- Arson
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Trespass
- Vandalism
- Abduction
- Child Abuse
- Child Pornography
- Indecent Exposure
- Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Stalking
- Trafficking in Women
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Robbery
Bar Admissions
NY, Jan 1997
Bar Number: 2843753
NJ, May 1995
Bar Number: 011741995
Specialty Certifications
Certified Criminal Trial Attorney, New Jersey.
Other Court Admissions
New Jersey, New York and Federal District Court New Jersey.
Association Memberships
New Jersey State Bar Association, Criminal Practice Committee, New Jersey State Bar Association.
Continuing Education
I attend the continuing legal education seminars on the topics of criminal law, DWI/DUI Law and Domestic Violence Law.
Example Cases
I recently was successful on a DWI appeal where the charges for a second DWI against my client were dismissed after oral argument before a Superior Court Judge in Monmouth County New Jersey. I was also successful in having indictable assault charges dismissed after negotiations with a New Jersey County Prosecutors Office.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctorate
School:
University of Miami School of Law
City:
Coral Gables
State:
FL
Year:
1994
Degree:
B.A.
School:
Rutgers College
City:
New Brunswick
State:
NJ
Year:
1991
Honors:
Graduated with Honors
Number of Attorneys
2
State Licensed In
New Jersey and New York
Firm Focus and History
Our firm was established in December of 2007. The two founding partners, Susan Clark and I, were former Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutors in New Jersey each with over 12 years of criminal trial experience. I progressed through the ranks of the Prosecutors Office and was the Director of the Asbury Park Satellite Office prior to his departure in 2007.
My firm and its lawyers specialize in the aggressive defense of all criminal matters. Our former prosecutors have over a combined 26 years of criminal trial experience. We have handled every type of criminal case including: homicides/murder cases, drug offenses, property crimes, assault-related crimes, weapons and gun offenses, sex crimes, domestic violence cases, white collar crimes, juvenile offenses, federal crimes, DUI/DWI offenses and other municipal court criminal matters.
Our criminal defense lawyers take every case with the expectation that it will go to trial. During the course of our careers, we have tried hundreds of felony, disorderly person and misdemeanor offenses. Our firm offers the experience and expertise necessary to protect a client's rights, negotiate a fair deal, but, more importantly, take a case to trial when it serves the best interests of our clients.
Previous Employment Summary
I practiced criminal law as a Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor for over 12 years. I began my legal career in 1995 where I started in the Appellate section of the Prosecutor's office.
Over the years, I worked myself up through the ranks of the Prosecutors office. I started in the juvenile and domestic violence division before progressing to the adult felony division where I tried every type of criminal case including homicides and violent felonies. In 2003, I was promoted to the sex crimes unit where I went to trial on numerous aggravated sexual assault cases. In 2006, I was promoted to the Director of the Asbury Park Satellite Office where I assisted in supervising all major crimes investigations arising out of the city of Asbury Park and was directly responsible for providing legal advice to the Asbury Park Police Department.
I left the Prosecutors Office in December 2007 to start the law firm of Clark and Clark, LLC where our criminal defense lawyers do not just have criminal law experience but, rather, extensive criminal trial experience.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
A client charged with a crime often does his or her own research. Unlike many other criminal defense lawyers, I encourage a client to research legal issues if it makes him feel more comfortable about the criminal justice process. In many cases, the client can get a better sense of his lawyer's experience when the lawyer repeats something the client has already found during his own research.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Obviously, I would review any document prepared by my clients. Most of my criminal clients do not prepare documents nor do they know where to begin when addressing a complex criminal matter. Of course, I would always encourage clients to research or prepare any documents that would make them feel more comfortable with the criminal justice process.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Clients have an absolute right to represent themselves pro se. I would gladly stand by and assist any client who felt the need to represent himself or herself. The better practice, however, would be for the client to allow his lawyer to advocate on his behalf.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I have always had an interest and fascination with the criminal justice system. I find that there is nothing more important to a free society than to be judged by a jury of our peers and due process of law if we are ever accused of a crime. I decided that my skills and interest are best served as a criminal defense lawyer representing defendants who are presumed innocent.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My experience as a Prosecutor has made me a significantly better defense lawyer. I have an understanding of the inner workings of a prosecutors office and the factors that influence a prosecutor's decision in negotiating or trying a case. This information is invaluable in advocating on behalf of my client.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
As I stated earlier, I have always had an interest in the criminal justice system. I firmly believe in the constitutional principles that are the pillars upon which our criminal justice system has been built. As a criminal defense lawyer, I really feel strongly about protecting my client's rights, ensuring that the State has sufficient proof to even charge my client and protecting my client from being pressured into sacrificing his constitutional rights.
What do you like best about your career?
I like obtaining results that make a positive difference in my client's life. In protecting my clients, I also get the added benefit of monitoring the State and protecting all of us from potential violation of our constitutional rights.
Tell us about your law firm:
I work with my wife and partner, Susan Schroeder Clark, who was also a prosecutor for over 12 years. Susan and I make sure that all of our clients deal directly with us and have 24-hour a day access to us if necessary. One thing our firm is aware of is the reputation lawyers have developed for not returning phone calls. We make a consistent effort to return all phone calls in a timely manner. When you hire our firm, you are always dealing with one of the partners.
What are your strengths and style?
My main strength is my trial experience. I spent many years trying complex criminal cases for every type of criminal offense. I do not worry about being taking advantage of in plea negotiations because I have the confidence to go to trial on any case. I stress to my clients that my firm takes a trial posture on every case. We do not go to trial on every case and are often successful in our plea negotiations. But our clients do have all of the options available to them and can feel confident that they will have an excellent chance of success if they choose to go to trial.
Personal Interests:
I am an avid reader and have an interest in a wide variety of topics including history and politics. I am also a huge sports fan and consistently keep apprised of the success or failures of my three favorite teams: The New York Giants, New York Yankees and New York Knicks.
Fax
(732) 414-4100
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Also available for consultation on weekends and nights by appointment.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
We generally charge a flat rate for our cases as opposed to an hourly rate. The flat rate depends on the type of case, so it is difficult for me to give specific numbers.
Hourly Rates
See above.
Free Initial Consultation?
We also give free consultations and do not really limit the time of consult.
Typical Retainer
See above.
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Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
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