HACKENSACK, NJ – October 20, 2026 – Individuals facing criminal charges in Bergen County often have questions about how their case will move through the court system, and the answer depends heavily on the severity of the charge. Bergen County criminal defense attorney Adam M. Lustberg of Lustberg Law Offices, LLC (https://www.lustberglaw.com/blog/bergen-county-superior-court-criminal-process/) is offering guidance on how cases proceed from arrest through sentencing under New Jersey law.

According to Bergen County criminal defense attorney Adam M. Lustberg, disorderly persons offenses remain in municipal court, while indictable crimes move to the Superior Court, Law Division, where a grand jury must review the evidence before an indictment can be issued. “Understanding which track a case falls into shapes almost every decision that follows,” Lustberg explains. “The stakes, the timeline, and the available options are very different between the two courts.”

Bergen County criminal defense attorney Adam M. Lustberg notes that pretrial release decisions in New Jersey rely on a risk-based system rather than traditional cash bail. A Public Safety Assessment helps judges evaluate factors such as prior record and flight risk, and prosecutors may file a motion for pretrial detention in serious cases, triggering a detention hearing before a judge decides whether the defendant remains in custody.

Attorney Lustberg adds that the grand jury’s role is limited to determining whether probable cause exists, not deciding guilt. “An indictment means the case can move forward, nothing more,” he notes. “The real questions about guilt and evidence are addressed later in the process.”

The firm represents clients at every stage of a Bergen County criminal case, from the first appearance through arraignment, pretrial conferences, and trial preparation in the Superior Court at Hackensack. Discovery review and pretrial motions often shape how plea negotiations unfold in the weeks leading up to trial.

Lustberg further advises that many first-time, non-violent defendants may qualify for Pretrial Intervention, a supervisory program that can lead to dismissal of indictable charges after a period of compliance. “PTI can be a meaningful path away from a conviction for the right candidate,” he says, “but eligibility depends on the charge and the individual’s record.”

The Bergen County firm notes that timelines vary considerably depending on the charge. Disorderly persons matters in municipal court often resolve within a few weeks to a few months, while indictable cases in the Superior Court can take six to eighteen months from arrest to resolution once grand jury presentation, discovery, and pretrial motions are factored in. Sentencing exposure also differs sharply by degree, with fourth-degree indictable offenses carrying up to eighteen months in state prison and first-degree offenses carrying ten to twenty years or more under New Jersey sentencing law.

Attorney Lustberg emphasizes that a conviction can carry consequences that extend well beyond the courtroom. “Licensing boards, employers, and immigration authorities all look at how a case was resolved,” Lustberg advises. “That is why early representation matters so much, even before a formal charge has been filed.” The firm works with clients from the first appearance through sentencing, evaluating downgrade negotiations, diversion eligibility, and trial preparation depending on the facts of each case.

The firm notes that arraignment marks the formal reading of charges after an indictment, followed by discovery, where the prosecution must turn over police reports, witness statements, and other evidence to the defense. Pretrial conferences that follow often serve as the setting where plea offers are discussed and evaluated, and most cases in Bergen County ultimately resolve at this stage rather than proceeding to trial.

Lustberg also notes that a complaint-summons and a complaint-warrant lead to very different starting points for a defendant. A summons generally allows release with a future court date, while a warrant results in custody until the court reviews release conditions within 48 hours. Preparing for that first appearance, including gathering character references and employment verification where relevant, can influence how the court and prosecution view a defendant’s risk level going forward.

For those facing criminal charges in Bergen County, understanding the stages of the court process and consulting with an experienced defense attorney early can help protect legal rights and clarify available options.

About Lustberg Law Offices, LLC:

Lustberg Law Offices, LLC is a Hackensack-based law firm dedicated to criminal defense throughout Bergen County and New Jersey. Led by attorney Adam M. Lustberg, the firm represents clients at every stage of the criminal justice process, from municipal court matters to serious indictable charges. For consultations, call (201) 880-5311.

 

Embeds:

Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_UDtZOkDqw

GMB: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=17248268094099978177

 

Email and website

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.lustberglaw.com/

Media Contact
Company Name: Lustberg Law Offices, LLC
Contact Person: Adam M. Lustberg
Email: Send Email
Phone: (201) 880-5311
Address:1 University Plaza Dr #212, Hackensack, NJ 07601
City: Hackensack
State: New Jersey
Country: United States
Website: https://www.lustberglaw.com/