30+Years Experience. Highly Experienced Trial Attorney.
Proven Track Record of Success on Serious and Complex Cases.
Put a Former Prosecutor in Your Corner.
State of New Jersey in the Interest of DG (Juvenile), Middlesex County Superior Court
In 2014, Lazzaro Law represented a juvenile client in Middlesex County Superior Court charged with multiple serious offenses. The charges included first-degree armed robbery, second-degree armed robbery, and distribution of controlled dangerous substances (CDS). The State threatened to waive the juvenile case up to adult court if the client did not plead guilty. This move would have exposed the juvenile to significantly harsher penalties in an adult prison.
Legal Strategy: Highlighting Mitigation and Rehabilitation Potential
Despite the guilty plea to all charges, attorney Clifford E. Lazzaro took proactive steps to shift the court’s focus toward the client’s potential for rehabilitation. He prepared and submitted a detailed sentencing memorandum emphasizing the juvenile’s clean prior record and positive background, including his status as a highly recruited student-athlete with interest from several colleges.
At sentencing, a mentor from the juvenile detention facility testified on the client’s behalf, reinforcing his capacity for growth and rehabilitation. These efforts highlighted key mitigating factors such as lack of prior delinquency, strong family support, and a promising future.
Outcome: Sentence Reduced Over Prosecutor’s Objection
The State recommended an eight-year indeterminate sentence in a juvenile facility. However, the court ruled in favor of Lazzaro Law’s arguments. It sentenced the client to a three-year indeterminate sentence, rejecting the harsher recommendation and preserving the juvenile’s opportunity for rehabilitation.
Charged as a Juvenile in New Jersey?
If your child is facing armed robbery or CDS charges in New Jersey, don’t wait to get experienced legal help. Lazzaro Law defends juveniles across Middlesex County and statewide. We fight to protect your child’s future by focusing on second chances, not prison time.
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