Howard Woodley Bailey

CRIMINAL DEFENSE - ANY COURT. ANY CRIME. ANY TIME. I know that what happens within the first 24-48 hours of an arrest can impact the outcome of the charges against a client. As an experienced New Jersey Criminal Trial Attorney, I limit my law practice to the field of criminal defense, protecting the rights and freedom of my clients throughout the State of New Jersey. I have more than 40 years of experience in criminal law and have proven my expertise, knowledge and commitment to defending those charged with crimes, by representing a significant number of client’s at trial through to a verdict; testing my trial skills; my knowledge of the law, court rules and trial procedure. Ther are times however that a trial is not required to get the best possible outcome for a client. Often, a client is eligible for a negotiated 'plea deal' or a diversion of their case that leads to the possibility of a dismissal of the charges. Among the cases I have personally handled are cases involving Racketeering; Murder; Kidnapping; Medical Claims Fraud; Official Misconduct; Leader of Drug Trafficking Network; Robbery; Carjacking; Insurance Fraud; Rape; and, Perjury. Before 2003, I was an Assistant Essex County (N.J.) Prosecutor for fifteen years; and, before that a police officer for ten years. During those employments and now as a defense lawyer, I have handled cases using every type of investigation used by the police, to include wiretapping; buy-bust and sting operations; undercover police investigations; and, more traditional investigation activities such as field investigation and witness interview. The decades of my experience in handling difficult cases and issues in the field of criminal law, has provided me with a firm foundation to handle the emotionally charged atmosphere of court cases. Knowing what a Judge will think in regards to a particular argument allows me to vigorously fight for my client. The prosecutors know I am more than able to handle a trial on the merits; and, that I am not afraid to push the case to trial if that is what it takes to protect the interests of my client. I have frequently represented clients in regards to: Adult Criminal Defense and Appeals; Juvenile Defense and Waiver; International and Interstate Extradition; DWI / DUI Defense; Traffic Violations; CDL Violations; Municipal Court Defense; Municipal Appeals; Motor Vehicle Commission Hearings; Arraignments and Detention Hearings; Probation Violations; Parole Violations; ISP Applications; Record Expungement; Interstate Extradition; Post-Conviction Relief Applications; Domestic Violence Charges; and TRO / FRO Restraining Orders.