Monmouth County Criminal Defense Attorney

When you’re facing criminal charges, the decisions you make in the first few days can determine the trajectory of your entire case. From the moment you’re arrested, prosecutors start building their case against you, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses while you’re still trying to understand what’s happening.

The New Jersey criminal justice system moves quickly, and it doesn’t pause to make sure you understand your rights or charges. Whether you’re dealing with a disorderly persons offense or facing indictable offenses, the prosecution has resources, experience, and time on their side. What you need is someone who can level that playing field.

Attorney Kristen Epifania has spent nearly a decade defending clients in courts throughout New Jersey and New York City. She’s handled cases ranging from disorderly persons offenses to indictable offenses in both Superior and Municipal courts, and she understands that each case requires a tailored approach.

Criminal charges don’t just risk your freedom—they can impact every aspect of your life. You need an attorney who takes the time to understand your situation, clearly explains your options, and fights aggressively to protect your future. Contact us today for a free consultation.

All Criminal Areas

Burglary

Defending clients against burglary charges requires a thorough examination of evidence, witness testimony, and police procedures. Our firm challenges weak cases and negotiates favorable outcomes when the prosecution’s evidence has gaps.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence cases often involve delicate relationships and disputed facts. We provide strategic defense focused on evidence analysis, witness credibility, and protecting our clients’ legal rights throughout the process.

Drug Crimes

From possession to distribution charges, drug cases require detailed knowledge of search and seizure law. We examine police conduct, challenge evidence collection methods, and pursue dismissals or reduced charges when possible.

Theft

Theft defenses often hinge on intent, ownership disputes, or mistaken identity. We analyze the prosecution’s evidence, examine witness reliability, and pursue strategies that target weaknesses in the state’s case.

Fraud

Fraud cases require detailed financial analysis and understanding of complex transactions. Our approach involves scrutinizing documentation, challenging forensic accounting, and identifying procedural errors in investigations.

White-Collar Crimes

White-collar defense demands skill in financial regulations and understanding complex transactions. We work with forensic experts, challenge government investigations, and negotiate with prosecutors to minimize business disruption and legal exposure.

Weapons Offenses

Weapons charges often involve strict statutory requirements and constitutional questions. We examine whether searches were lawful, whether licensing rules were followed, and whether the charges were brought properly under state law.

Robbery

Robbery cases requires careful analysis of identification evidence and alleged use of force. We examine witness reliability, challenge circumstantial evidence, and investigate alternative explanations for our clients’ presence or actions.

Arson

Arson cases rely heavily on investigation and expert testimony. Our approach involves working with fire experts, challenging investigative methods, and examining alternative causes while scrutinizing the prosecution’s technical evidence.

Eluding

Eluding charges often depend on police testimony and vehicle pursuit procedures. We examine officer conduct, review body worn camera footage, and investigate whether proper pursuit protocols were followed during the alleged incident.

Harassment

Harassment cases typically involve communication evidence and witness credibility issues. We analyze digital evidence, challenge the interpretation of communications, and examine the complainant’s motivations and reliability in making accusations.

Court Experience

Krsten Epifania began her career as a defense attorney in New York City where she aggressively advocated for her clients in courtrooms across the five boroughs. She then took her experience to the Monmouth County Public Defender’s Office as a trial attorney. With nearly a decade of experience defending clients in both Superior and Municipal courts, Kristen understands the unique challenges each case presents.

Superior Court Defense

Superior Court cases involve indictable offenses and require a precise understanding of criminal law and procedure. Attorney Kristen Epifania’s experience gives her an insider’s perspective on how the prosecution works, enabling her to anticipate their strategies and build a strong defense.

Municipal Court Defense

Municipal Court cases may involve disorderly persons offenses, but they can still have significant consequences, and even minor convictions can impact your life. Kristen approaches every case with the same dedication and tenacity, working tirelessly to protect your rights and your future.

What to Do After an Arrest in NJ

If you’ve been arrested in New Jersey, it’s crucial that you understand your rights and take immediate steps to protect them. Here are some key steps to follow:

Remain Silent: Anything you say can be used against you in court. Decline to answer questions before you have a lawyer present.

Contact an Attorney: As soon as possible after your arrest, contact a criminal defense attorney. We can guide you through the legal process and start building your defense.

Preserve Evidence: If there is any evidence that might support your defense, make sure it is preserved. This could include text messages, emails, or physical evidence.

Remember, an arrest is not a conviction and you have the right to defend yourself against any charges. The sooner you get an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

Unlike large law firms, where your case might be handed off to staff or associates you’ve never met, with us, you’ll work directly with attorney Kristen Epifania. She’ll take the time to understand your situation, explain your options moving forward, and inform you of every new development in your case. Contact us today for a free consultation.