Crystal Pettiford Law | You Don't Have To Fight Alone

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Crystal Pettiford Law | You Don't Have To Fight Alone

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A Compassionate Ally And Aggressive Advocate For Your Case

An Aggressive Criminal Defense Attorney Who Never Backs Down

For more than two decades, attorney Crystal Pettiford has approached the law with drive and determination. Her experience handling all aspects of criminal litigation in New York and New Jersey gives her the knowledge and skill to protect your rights and fight for the most favorable outcome in your case. She is the type of tireless, detail-oriented criminal lawyer that you want in your corner.

Why Choose A Former Prosecutor For Your Criminal Defense?

Crystal Pettiford is a former prosecutor who understands the criminal justice system from both sides. Her unique background as a former prosecutor gives her a distinct advantage in criminal defense cases. She knows how the prosecution builds its cases and can anticipate its strategies. This insider knowledge allows her to develop effective defense strategies tailored to the specific circumstances of each client’s case. Whether you are facing charges for a DUI, drug crime or any other criminal offense, Crystal Pettiford has the expertise to mount a strong defense on your behalf.

Experience In DUI Defense, Expungement And Drug Crime Defense

Whether you are facing charges for a DUI, drug crime or any other criminal offense, Crystal Pettiford has the insight to mount a strong defense on her client’s behalf.
  • DUI defense: Attorney Pettiford understands the nuances of DUI laws and will work tirelessly to challenge the evidence against clients.
  • Expungement: She can help you clear your record and move forward with your life.
  • Drug crime defense: She has a deep understanding of the complexities of drug-related charges and will work to minimize the consequences.
If you have been accused of a crime, it is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Law enforcement begins building its case at the time of arrest, and the longer you wait to hire a lawyer, the bigger the advantage it has. Acting quickly helps keep the playing field level.

FAQs: Criminal Defense

After more than 20 years as an attorney, Ms. Pettiford has answered a lot of questions from her clients. Listed below are three of the most common questions that she gets from people facing criminal charges:

What is the difference between a public defender and a private attorney?

Public defenders are appointed by the court to represent defendants who cannot afford to hire a private attorney. The government employs them, and they are generally very knowledgeable due to the high volume of cases they handle. However, because they manage many cases simultaneously, they might have less time to dedicate to each case.

Private attorneys are paid directly by their clients and typically have more time and resources to devote to each case. They are much more likely to tailor their defense strategies to the specific needs of each client. While the court assigns public defenders with no input from the defendant, clients opting for a private attorney can choose based on their personal preferences, the attorney’s background and previous case results.

Can a criminal defense attorney get charges dropped?

In many legal situations, getting charges dropped is a possibility, but it depends on factors specific to each case such as the evidence presented and the legality of how that evidence was obtained. If there are issues such as insufficient evidence or procedural errors, including rights violations, the attorney can argue for dismissing the charges.

Alternatively, an attorney can plea bargain or negotiate with prosecutors to drop or reduce charges before a case goes to trial. This typically involves agreeing to plead guilty to a lesser charge in return for a lighter sentence or dismissing more serious charges.

What rights do I have when accused of a crime?

If you have been arrested for a crime, you should be read your Miranda rights. This includes the right to remain silent, which should include a warning that anything you say can and will be held against you in a court of law, and the right to legal representation. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one for you. You do not have to speak to the police without a lawyer present. This right is protected by the Fifth Amendment to prevent self-incrimination.

Your rights also include being considered innocent until proven guilty and the right to a fair and speedy trial by a jury of your peers.

Begin Mounting Your Defense Today

If you are accused of a crime, the sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of getting the charges against you reduced or dropped altogether. To schedule an initial consultation, call the Livingston office of Crystal Pettiford Law, LLC, at 973-994-2700. You can also reach attorney Pettiford using the online contact form.