New Jersey Criminal Defense, Divorce, Family, & Immigration Attorneys

Helmer, Paul, Conley & Kasselman, P.A.

127 Livingston Avenue
New Brunswick, New Jersey 08091
USA

(732) 246-8100

(732) 246-8120

www.helmerlegal.com

Contact the Law Firm

Law Firm Overview FREE CONSULTATION

Helmer, Paul, Conley & Kasselman, P.A. is a New Jersey based law firm, comprising of experienced attorneys. We pride ourselves on the quality of legal service that we provide to our clients. We live our values – energetically, compassionately and ethically assisting our clients to exercise their legal rights. The members of the firm are consumed by a passion for excellence. They treat each other with mutual respect and accountability, an approach that translates into benefits for our clients.

We handle legal matters in every part of New Jersey -- with special focus in the areas of Criminal Law, Administrative Law, Family Law, Immigration Law, Labor Law, Municipal Court, Personal Injury, DWI, & Workers' Compensation Law.

We provide legal services only from professionals who are knowledgeable in the areas of law in which they engage. These professionals enjoy an unsurpassed reputation in both the legal community and the community at large. We are extremely proud of our team. Our team members define our law firm.

Languages: Spanish; English.

Areas of Law

Areas of Law Description

Helmer, Paul, Conley & Kasselman, P.A. is widely known for its abilities handling the following:

- Administrative Law

If you are a civil service or non-civil service employee facing problems at work, the New Jersey law firm of Helmer, Paul, Conley & Kasselman, P.A. can help with the following:

• Disciplinary actions
• Administrative charges
• Criminal charges
• Civil complaints
• Promotional challenges
• Grievances
• Appeals

* Police Defense

As a result of Barbara Paul and Brian Jacobs’ long-time law enforcement protection and administrative background, the firm is very aggressive in its defense of individual law enforcement personnel who have been charged with criminal and/or administrative violations. This includes representation of law enforcement:

• In Administrative disciplinary actions locally
• Before the Department of Personnel
• Before the Superior Court
• Appeals of unfavorable decisions

We are also an approved member of the PBA Legal Protection Plan.

* Healthcare Licensing

If you are a healthcare worker (physician, dentist, nurse, pharmacist, or other) having licensing problems, we can help you.

* Organizational Assessment

Our firm serves as management consultants and special counsel for both governmental and law enforcement administrations. We can conduct organizational assessments to identify any deficiencies in your organization's makeup and operations. We provide detailed, concrete recommendations in the following:

• Risk management
• Statutory compliance
• Police training
• Internal police department policies and procedures

- Appeals

One or more mistakes by a judge, prosecutor, or defense attorney may deprive a defendant of a fair trial. This could result in an unjust conviction and prison time. The experienced New Jersey appeal lawyers of Helmer, Paul, Conley & Kasselman, P.A. can maximize the chances of a successful appeal by reviewing the case for errors. Finding important errors could lead to a reversal of the conviction and a new trial.

- Criminal Law

Have you or a loved one been arrested or charged with a crime? Facing jail, fines, or license suspension? We can help you! Our experienced team of NJ criminal defense attorneys can help those charged with serious crimes and related problems including:

* Aggravated Assault

Aggravated assault is a serious crime. Penalties range from probation to ten years in prison (often with 8 ½ years required before parole). The aggravating factor, such as use of weapons or attacks on law enforcement, increases penalties. The skillful, knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys at Helmer, Paul, Conley & Kasselman, P.A. know how to defend those charged with serious crime. We have successfully represented hundreds of individuals in New Jersey who faced aggravated assault charges.

* Arson

The law defines arson as intentionally setting a house, store, building, or vehicle on fire. The definition of this serious crime can also extend to setting grass or trees on fire. Some arson convictions require that 85 percent of the sentence be served without parole. Because arson cases frequently require scientific evidence, it is very important for those facing these charges to have a knowledgeable criminal defense law firm like Helmer, Paul, Conley & Kasselman, P.A. representing them.

* Bail Hearings

The criminal defense attorneys at Helmer, Paul, Conley & Kasselman, P.A. regularly file motions for bail reductions. They do this throughout New Jersey for those charged with crimes who are in jail and unable to post bail. We have helped hundreds of individuals get their bail reduced so they can be released while their charges are pending.

* Child/Domestic Abuse

If you are charged with child abuse or domestic violence, you may lose the ability, before your trial, to go home or to see your children. Therefore, it is very important to have an attorney protect your rights. Our NJ criminal defense lawyers are committed to distinguishing trivial matters, which the domestic violence laws are not designed to address, from serious abusive behavior. Sometimes, false accusations are made.

* Drug Crimes

A person who is convicted of possession of marijuana or other drugs, paraphernalia, or failure to turn over c.d.s. (controlled dangerous substance) faces a loss of license from anywhere between 6 months and two years. Having c.d. s. in a vehicle can result in an additional loss of driver’s license for two years. An experienced NJ attorney will frequently be able to prevent these harsh penalties. Our attorneys can defend you against New Jersey drug charges.

* Escape

The law defines escape as follows:

• Leaving a police station, police car, or jail without permission while under arrest
• Not returning to jail, prison, or a halfway house when required
• Leaving jail or prison without permission
• Failing to report to parole or to Intensive Parole Supervision

The New Jersey attorneys at Helmer, Paul, Conley & Kasselman, P.A. have successfully represented many persons charged with escape, and we will fight to uphold our clients’ rights.

* Fraud

Many types of thefts, usually involving forgery, lying, and/ or cheating, constitute fraud. The consequences of a fraud conviction can be severe and may include the following: Loss of job; Jail or prison time; and Steep fines. With over 120 years of experience, our experienced team of fraud defense lawyers will fight to uphold your rights.

* Immigration Consequences of Criminal Activity

Many defendants plead guilty because they are offered a better deal than they would get if they lost a trial. If they are not American citizens, they risk deportation if they plead guilty to certain crimes. It is never wise to plead guilty to anything without the advice of a competent NJ attorney who is familiar with Immigration law.

* Murder/Manslaughter

The law defines murder and manslaughter as the killing of another person by negligence, recklessness, or intentionally. A murder conviction can result in a life sentence. A person convicted of murder must serve at least 30 years in prison before they can be released. Those convicted of manslaughter face mandatory prison sentences, many of which require the person to serve at least 85 percent of his or her sentence.

* Parole/Probation Violations

The law defines parole/probation violations as breaking the rules signed when paroled from prison or given probation. Those on parole or probation can be held without bail. They can be sent back to prison for violations as simple as the following:

• Failing to report for monthly visits as required
• Failing to pay fines
• Moving to a new location without permission or notification
• Not attending required classes or programs
• Testing positive for drugs
• Not being at home at curfew time
• Additional arrests

* Resisting Arrest

A person who is about to be arrested in New Jersey must submit to the arrest even if the police officer is mistaken. A person cannot use force to resist an arrest. If a police officer tells a person that he/she is under arrest, even if the police have the wrong person, or are acting without a proper basis, the individual must submit to arrest. Failing to submit means that individual could be charged and convicted of resisting arrest. A person may resist if the police use unlawful force against him.

* Robbery/ Burglary

The law defines robbery as taking the property of another by force or threat, with or without a weapon. Burglary is defined as entering a house, building, car, or any other structure intending to commit a crime inside. Those convicted of robbery face mandatory prison sentences, many of which require the person to serve at least 85 percent of his or her sentence.

* Weapons Offenses

The most serious crimes involve the possession or unlawful use of a firearm, such as machine guns, rifles, shotguns, automatic guns, pistols, BB guns, or pellet guns. A conviction for having just one of these firearms, without a permit, carries a prison sentence of at least five years. Some weapons convictions result in an even longer prison sentence. Often they come with the requirement that the person serve one third, one half, or 85 percent of the prison term before being eligible for parole.

- Ethics

The attorney disciplinary process ordinarily begins with a grievance filed against the attorney by a client, other attorney, judge or the Office of Attorney Ethics. If it is determined that the facts alleged in the grievance, if proven, would constitute a violation of the Rules of Professional conduct, the grievance is docketed. Once a grievance has been docketed, an investigation ensues. An outcome for an attorney who has had a grievance filed will range from dismissal of the grievance to disbarment.

- Expungements

In certain circumstances, you can have your criminal record expunged, i.e., "sealed." This makes it almost impossible to be found by any person or agency checking into your background. After expungement, your criminal record is unavailable to even police agencies in most circumstances. If you are eligible for an expungement and fail to obtain one, you are doing a huge disservice to yourself and the people who depend on you.

- Family Law

If you are facing difficult family matters, you need an attorney who will work with you to get you what you need. We can help with the following:

* Alimony

Alimony is payment of support from one spouse to another after a divorce. Alimony is not meant as punishment. It is an equitable tool courts use to ensure that both parties can maintain a reasonably comparable standard of living to the one that they enjoyed during the marriage. At Helmer, Paul, Conley, & Kasselman, PA, our New Jersey lawyers can help you determine whether there will be an alimony award in your case, how much it will be for, and how long it will last.

* Child Custody

In New Jersey, each parent has an equal right to custody of his/her child(ren). Often times, Courts will award joint custody of the child(ren) to both parties. Yet the Court will award only one parent as the parent of primary residence (i.e. parent with whom children reside the majority of the time) and the other parent will receive parenting time. The family law lawyers at Helmer, Paul, Conley, & Kasselman, PA, are experienced in working with parents to obtain the best possible custody situation for their children.

* Child Support

At Helmer, Paul, Conley, & Kasselman, PA, our family law attorneys have successfully represented many clients in child support matters -- whether they need child support enforcement, a modification in their child support or termination of their child support obligation.

* College Expenses

If your child is planning to attend college and you want to determine what, if any, your obligation will be to contribute to those expenses, our New Jersey family law attorneys can help.

* Division of Youth and Family Services matters

When the Division of Youth and Family Services takes your children, it can be a very scary time. Parents/caregivers are often left wondering what their rights are. A DYFS case often starts when someone reports potential abuse or neglect. New Jersey DYFS is required by law to investigate all allegations of possible child abuse or neglect reported to the agency. People who make child abuse or neglect referrals may remain anonymous so often there is no way of knowing why or how the referral was made. Our family law attorneys guide the individual through the arduous and lengthy process of a DYFS investigation. We are experienced in keeping the individual and accompanying family members on track during this process. We work hard to ensure parents are reunited with their children.

* Divorce

At Helmer, Paul, Conley & Kasselman, P.A., our New Jersey divorce lawyers are experienced in helping client’s obtain successful results in their divorce cases. As a client, we can assist you throughout your divorce process to achieve the best results possible for you and your child(ren). We help guide clients from the date of the filing of the divorce complaint to the completion of the case. We take great care to ensure the client is satisfied with the end result.

* Domestic Violence

Domestic violence matters have serious consequences to the personal and professional lives of those who are found guilty of what the law has characterized as "a serious crime against society." If you are charged with child abuse or domestic violence, you may lose the ability, before your trial, to go home or to see your children. Therefore, it is very important to have a New Jersey attorney protect your rights.

* Emancipation of Minors

At Helmer, Paul, Conley & Kasselman, P.A., our family law attorneys can assist you in determining whether or not your child should be emancipated. We can also help determine what your remaining child support obligation might be if you have one child who is emancipated but another who remains unemancipated. Since child support is based on a complex calculation, it is important to seek the assistance of an attorney to see if your child support should be recalculated based on the emancipation of a child. We, at Helmer, Paul, Conley & Kasselman, P.A., can help.

* Paternity

At Helmer, Paul, Conley & Kasselman, P.A., our New Jersey paternity lawyers can assist clients in navigating through the paternity process. We can arrange for the appropriate genetic testing to determine if there is a biological link between a child and a potential biological father.

* Prenuptial Agreement

In New Jersey, prenuptial agreements, also known as premarital agreements, are enforceable and are specifically governed by statute. Premarital agreements must be in writing. They must be accompanied by a statement of assets attached to the agreement. All parties must be fully aware of the assets owned by each party. That way, it is clear that each party understands what he/she may be giving up as an entitlement in the event the marriage is unsuccessful.

* Property Settlement Agreements

At Helmer, Paul, Conley & Kasselman, P.A., our New Jersey divorce attorneys can help you determine what entitlements you may or may not have to certain property. We can help you negotiate a fair and equitable settlement that suits you and your family’s needs. Our goal is to help clients get divorced and move on with their lives in a way that is meaningful and financially sound.

* Visitation Rights

At Helmer, Paul, Conley & Kasselman, P.A., our New Jersey family lawyers and divorce attorneys can assist you in getting your visitation rights and/or determining what the best visitation schedule is for you and your children. We approach each case with the unique attention and care that it deserves.

- Immigration

At Helmer, Paul, Conley, & Kasselman, PA, our immigration lawyers in New Jersey can advise you on the fastest, most effective way to achieve the American Dream. Areas of focus within our immigration practice include:

• Abused spouse self-petitions
• Adjustment of status
• Asylum
• BIA appeals
• Bond hearings
• Consular processing
• Criminal representations of aliens
• Diversity lottery process
• Employment-based immigration
• Extraordinary ability immigrant visas
• Family-based immigration
• Fiancée visas
• Inadmissibility waivers
• Labor certifications
• Naturalization process
• Removal hearings
• Student (F) visas
• TPS (Temporary Protected Status) from eligible countries
• Visa extensions
• Withholding of removal
• Withholding of removal (CAT-Convention Against Torture)

- Juvenile Law

In New Jersey, matters involving juvenile offenders are handled in the Family Court system rather than in the Superior Court criminal system. Many different rules, procedures, and potential outcomes apply to these cases. Our firm has defended juveniles throughout the State of New Jersey. Our juvenile law attorneys assist our clients during the entire judicial process and have helped juveniles charged with serious crimes.

- Labor Law

If you are a public sector or private sector labor union seeking professional assistance with negotiations, grievances and other employer-employee issues, the New Jersey law firm of Helmer, Paul, Conley & Kasselman, P.A. can help with the following:

• Negotiating Employment Contracts
• Reductions-in-Force
• Dispute Resolution
• Contract Grievances
• Unfair Labor Practices
• Promotional Issues
• Civil Service Issues
• Appeals

- Municipal Court

If you have a matter pending before any one of the 500+ municipal courts in New Jersey, we can help. Municipal court matters include the following:

* Driving Offenses

Driving offenses can result in severe penalties. The possibilities include jail, loss of license and thousands of dollars in fines. One needs the help of a good attorney and should not plead guilty without an attorney. There is no such thing as a small moving violation. Points on a license will lead to surcharges and possible loss of your insurance and or license. Convictions for driving while suspended or without insurance carry severe penalties, including loss of license. An experienced attorney can frequently reduce the charges against the client and reduce the points, fines and other penalties. Sometimes, the reduced charge may not even be a moving violation.

* DWI

DWI is a very serious traffic ticket in New Jersey. The penalties can include jail, loss of driver’s license, as well as thousands of dollars in fines and penalties. One can have a DWI charge based on the physical tests done by the police. Or the charge can be made because of a high reading by the breathalyzer of a person who is suspected of drinking or under the influence of drugs. One should not refuse to blow in the Breathalyzer machine or Alcotest. A refusal will simply increase the penalties for driving under the influence. Many things can impact on the validity of the Breathalyzer test or Alcotest. You should meet with your DWI lawyer and review all of the reports before you resolve the case in court. Make sure that your DWI attorney has a lot of experience with this complicated type of case.

* Motor Vehicle Offenses

Many traffic and/or criminal charges can result in license suspension, substantial fines, points on your license, insurance company surcharges, and, possibly, jail time. We are aware of the impact that a New Jersey driving offense can have on your life, whether you live in the state or not, and we work hard to fight for your driving privileges.

* Resisting Arrest

A person who is about to be arrested in New Jersey must submit to the arrest even if the police officer is mistaken. A person cannot use force to resist an arrest. If a police officer tells a person that he/she is under arrest, even if the police have the wrong person, or are acting without a proper basis, the individual must submit to arrest. Failing to submit means that individual could be charged and convicted of resisting arrest. A person may resist if the police use unlawful force against him.

- Personal Injury/Negligence

People get injured every day. If the injury is a result of someone else failing to take reasonable measures to ensure the safety of others, the injured person may be eligible to receive compensation from the person who caused the accident. This is also the case if someone was operating a vehicle in an unsafe and negligent manner. Examples of situations in which negligence could be a factor include:

• Medical malpractice
• Trip and fall
• Dog bites
• Products liability
• Construction accidents

- Real Estate

The real estate attorneys at the law firm of Helmer, Paul, Conley & Kasselman understand that buying a home is a difficult process, whether you are purchasing your first home or a subsequent one. We are here to assist individuals with the following:

• Drafting and review of purchase and sale agreements, property transfer agreements and leases
• Financing and refinancing
• Title search and title insurance
• Mortgage closings

- Wills

Estate planning can be a daunting process, and we can help. Many New Jersey residents are not sure whether or not they should prepare a will or engage in the estate planning process. Everyone who owns property -- such as bank accounts, stocks, bonds, furniture, automobiles, jewelry, etc. -- has an estate and should designate to whom his or her estate will go.

- Workers’ Compensation

If you have been injured in a work-related accident, you are entitled to receive compensation for your injury. A lawyer can get you the medical care and funds you deserve. Our attorneys have helped thousands of people get workers' compensation benefits. We have the tools and the resources to get you the benefits you deserve when you need them. Come in and meet with our attorneys to discuss your claim, free of charge.