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Animal Cruelty

Get Help from an Experienced New Jersey Criminal Lawyer if You Are Facing Charges of Animal Cruelty

We defend individuals throughout New Jersey who are facing charges of animal cruelty. Like all crimes in New Jersey, these are serious charges that carry serious consequences. A conviction could result in fines, jail time, harm to your reputation and employability, and a stain on your permanent record. As a result, experienced legal representation is crucial, and you should speak with a New Jersey defense attorney as soon as possible.

We Handle All Types of Animal Cruelty Cases in New Jersey

The crime of animal cruelty is defined in Section 4:22-17 of the New Jersey Revised Statutes. Animal cruelty allegations can take several different forms, and when facing charges under Section 4:22-17, it is critical to ensure that you are defending against the specific allegations against you. A New Jersey criminal lawyer at Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A. can review your case and determine what facts you need to dispute (or other defenses you need to assert) to avoid a conviction.

We defend individuals charged with all forms of animal cruelty in New Jersey, including:

• Overworking, abusing or needlessly killing a living animal
• Inflicting unnecessary cruelty upon a living animal, including through another living animal (i.e., fighting) or leaving an animal in an unattended vehicle under inhumane conditions
• Failing to provide a living animal with food or other necessary care
• Torturing, poisoning, abusing or mutilating a living animal
• Using an animal in a sexual manner or to initiate any kind of sexual contact

Animal cruelty charges in New Jersey can range from disorderly persons offenses to third-degree indictable crimes. Disorderly persons offenses carry up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail. Fourth-degree indictable crimes carry up to a $10,000 fine and 18 months in jail, while third-degree indictable crimes carry up to a $15,000 fine and three to five years in prison.

Defending Against Animal Cruelty Charges in New Jersey

When facing animal cruelty charges in New Jersey, the defenses you have available depend on the facts of your case. This includes not only the facts surrounding the alleged animal cruelty but also the facts arising during and after your arrest. From showing that the prosecution’s evidence is lacking to keeping the prosecution’s evidence out of court due to violations of your Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights, there are several ways to defend against charges of animal cruelty, and an experienced New Jersey criminal lawyer will be able to use the facts of your case to defend you by all means available.

Speak with a New Jersey Defense Attorney About Your Animal Cruelty Case

 Are you facing animal cruelty charges in New Jersey? If so, we encourage you to contact us promptly to discuss your case in confidence. To speak with a New Jersey defense attorney at Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A. as soon as possible, call 877-435-6371 or tell us how we can reach you online now.