New Jersey Lawyer Blogs

Today’s Featured Attorney Interview is with New Jersey Criminal lawyer, Jeffrey Hark of HARK & HARK.

NJLB: Jeffrey, I see that you are an experienced criminal lawyer. How many

years have you been practicing criminal law in NJ?

JH: 18 years in NJ as a litigation attorney handling all criminal matters

in state and federal courts.  We handle all matters from pre-arrest through

sentencing and appeals.

NJLB: Your website states that you provide comfort and confidence in your

defense, and that you address the client’s court needs immediately. Can you

expand a little on how you do that?

JH:  I advise clients immediately when they believe they are the subject to

any criminal investigation by any law enforcement department; state or

federal. We sit down and discuss the issues at hand, how we should

participate with the investigation and whether cooperation with law

enforcement is a viable option. We then address witness issues, bail issues,

investigation issues, and ultimately how we are going to be successful

defending the case.

NJLB: I’ve often heard complaints that consumers feel they are just a number

to their lawyer. How do you remain customer service driven to your clients

and their families?

JH:  My number one goal is customer service and insuring my clients are

comfortable with the advice I give them.  I understand the clients may not

always be happy with the advice I have to give them or the news that I have

to give them.  However, being a lawyer is all about customer service and

providing the best representation to my clients and delivering the advice

sensibly.  Regardless of the circumstances facing my clients and their

families, I believe if they have all of the information in their hands

delivered from me, no matter how bad, they will be able to make the best

decision and be comfortable knowing that we explored every avenue when we

make any final decisions for a case.

NJLB: In closing, what is the first piece of advice you always give someone

who is facing a criminal charge?

Believe it or not; NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, speak to the police ‘on the record’

or ‘off the record’.  Law enforcement is not your friend!  The police are

here to solve a crime and charge someone with a crime.  Once you give a

statement, good or bad, you have placed one foot in concrete and can not

ever get away from your words.  All you say, calmly and cooperatively to any

law enforcement officer is, “I do not have anything to say to you and I

would like to speak to my lawyer. Do you understand?”  You do not have to be loud or disrespectful when you do this, but it has to be done!

Visit the website of New Jersey Criminal lawyer, Jeffrey R. Hark as well as his site for Professional license defense.