State v MB, Essex County Superior Court

In Essex County Superior Court, MB was charged with multiple first-degree offenses, including conspiracy to commit murder, murder, attempted murder, felony murder, and several weapons-related charges. The case involved a shooting that took place on September 25, 2010, at an off-campus Seton Hall University fraternity party in East Orange, New Jersey. The gunfire resulted in one fatality and left four others wounded.

MB’s co-defendant was convicted at trial and sentenced to 95 years in prison, including 89 years of parole ineligibility. MB, however, took a different route with legal representation from Clifford E. Lazzaro, Esq. of Lazzaro Law.

Strategic Plea Deal Avoided Life Sentence

On June 5, 2014, MB entered a guilty plea to first-degree conspiracy to commit murder and second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun. In a negotiated plea, the State recommended a 15-year sentence in New Jersey State Prison, subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA) and the Graves Act. This act mandates parole ineligibility for 85% of the sentence.

In exchange for the plea, the State dismissed eight additional counts. These included first-degree murder, four counts of attempted murder, felony murder, burglary, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

MB admitted under oath that he had agreed to provide his co-defendant with a loaded .38 caliber handgun, knowing it would be used to shoot individuals at the party.

Weapons and Homicide Defense in New Jersey

This case underscores the importance of experienced New Jersey criminal defense counsel in murder conspiracy and gun crime cases. Through strategic negotiation, Lazzaro Law helped MB avoid a life sentence and secure a plea deal that resulted in a 15-year prison term instead of decades or life behind bars.

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Mr Lazzaro was referred to me from another attorney, in order to settle a family type dispute. His extensive knowledge and experience in family law provided me the peace of mind and confidence I needed when I entered that court room. Although...

Anonymous

Hard Working. I was charged in a federal criminal case with armed robbery and kidnapping. Mr. Lazzaro has worked tirelessly on my behalf. He got a bail package approved and then he negotiated a very good deal. It was a very complicated case with...

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When You Need To Win. Hi.iam a 37yr old man who never been in trouble before.in 2009 I was accused of second degree sexual assault . As it was a shock wave in my life,I did not understand what was going on I was innocent. I went to Clifford's...

Anonymous

Great work of Cliff Lazzaro. I was facing 50 years on 2 first degree racketeering charges and one second degree witness tampering charge. Mr. Lazzaro was able to have both racketeering charges dismissed. He then negotiated a plea to third degree...

Anthony

Trustworthy. A remarkable attorney!!! I had third degree indictable charges for prescription fraud downgraded to disorderly persons due to Mr. Clifford Lazzaro's expertise. He is incredible making the right decisions for his clients and cares...

John

Great Attorney. I am writing a special review today. If you need an attorney please do yourself a favor and hire Mr. Lazzaro. Not only has he represented us in the past with a dismissal in a criminal drug case he also recently represented my...

JSweeney

Cliff is the best! When I needed help to get out of trouble Cliff came through big time. He has good relationships with almost everyone in the state so he was able to push and push and get an amazing deal on my behalf. I will be forever grateful...

Ori

Wrong place wrong time, guilt by association. Careful who you give a ride. Gave my "friend" a ride to the pharmacy to fill "his Mother's" prescription and before I knew it I was under arrest for 3 felony charges. I was referred to Cliff Lazzaro...

Rudy

The BEST lawyer around! !f your looking for a really good lawyer! You’ve found him! Cliff is professional and knows his practice inside and out. Cliff saved my life. He gave me back my life! I was facing 20 years and we ended up walking out...

Anonymous

Phenomenal Attorney. Very knowledgeable and compassionate. You definitely would want him on your A team.

C Rich

Words can’t even explain how fantastic Clifford Lazzaro is. He got my entire case dismissed with prior charges pending. Shows that hes 100% trustworthy and truly cares for his clients.

Caitlin B

Trial Attorney. I was charged with aggravated assault and possession of a weapon for stabbing a person in the chest with a knife. After a 2 week trial, the jury was deadlocked. I trestified at trial that the victim pulled the knife against me...

Damon

EXCELLENT Attorney!! Mr. Lazzaro has been my attorney for many years and has also represented other family members. He has handled criminal and family matters and in both areas he has been able to obtain positive outcomes in all cases. If not...

Doreen

Best lawyer in NJ. Hiring Clifford Lazzaro to represent me was the best decision I ever made. I didn't know the legal process of restraining orders and if I didn't have him by my side I am sure I would have lost the case. He is very...

Granville

A criminal drug case. An ABSOLUTE PERFECT FIND!!!!! A routine traffic stop turned into a criminal drug case. Facing 5-15yrs and over $15,000 in fines and offenses. Perused the internet looking for that perfect attorney. My son, honor student...

Jacki L. S.

Cliff is simply the best in the business. His rates are a clear sign of knowledge, passion, and unparalleled results. The man knows magic

Jacob S

Without Mr. Lazzaro's legal representation, I would never have been granted my final restraining order. He is a very experienced trial attorney who prepared me prior to my testifying. He won my final restraining order hearing. Highly recommended

Jennifer

Clifford is an Angel. Just when I thought I had no other choice but to take do 2 years in a federal prison, I hired Cliff and he helped me understand what I was facing and the options I had. I looked at Cliff and said surprisingly “ I have...

Johanna

EXCELLENT Representation!!!! I had an ongoing, complicated case that spanned both criminal matters in superior court and related matters in family court. I was referred to Mr. Lazzaro by several friends who highly recommended him and were happy...

Lena

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