Work With an Experienced Monmouth County Criminal Trial Attorney
When your future is on the line, you need an experienced trial attorney. Kevin Buchan, a former municipal prosecutor, leads the criminal defense practice at our firm. As an experienced Monmouth County criminal defense attorney, he handles all phases of criminal litigation at both the state and federal levels. His years on the prosecution side of the courtroom inform how he defends every case.
Comprehensive Criminal Defense Representation
Being accused of a crime is a serious matter that can have lasting consequences on your freedom, reputation, employment, and family. At Buchan & Cardamone, we provide aggressive defense representation for clients facing criminal charges throughout Monmouth County and New Jersey. Our criminal defense practice is led by Kevin Buchan, an experienced trial attorney and former municipal prosecutor who understands how the state builds its cases.
When you hire our firm, you're not just getting a lawyer who knows the law—you're getting an attorney who has worked on the other side. Kevin's experience as a prosecutor gives him direct familiarity with police procedures, evidence collection, plea negotiations, and trial tactics. He knows what prosecutors look for when building a case, and more importantly, he knows how to identify weaknesses and challenge evidence effectively.
We handle criminal cases at every stage, from the initial investigation and arrest through pre-trial motions, plea negotiations, trial, and appeals if necessary. Our approach is thorough and strategic. We begin by conducting our own investigation, reviewing all evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining whether proper procedures were followed. We look for constitutional violations, procedural errors, and factual inconsistencies that can be used to strengthen your defense.
Our Advantage: A Former Prosecutor on Your Side
Kevin Buchan's experience as a former municipal prosecutor means he handled the state's side of these cases for years before he began defending them. That experience shapes how we review the evidence in each case and how we handle discussions with the prosecutor's office.
Our Criminal Defense Services
DUI & DWI Defense
A DUI charge can have serious consequences. Kevin Buchan, a former municipal prosecutor, will review your case, from the traffic stop to the breath test, to protect your license and your rights.
Drug Crimes
We handle all types of drug offense charges, from simple possession to complex distribution cases.
Theft & Property Crimes
We provide a robust defense for clients accused of theft, burglary, and other property offenses.
Assault & Violent Crimes
We defend individuals facing assault and other violent crime charges.
Expungements
A past mistake shouldn't define your future. Our nj expungement lawyers can help clear your record, opening up new opportunities for employment and housing.
Understanding Your Constitutional Rights
The United States Constitution provides important protections for individuals accused of crimes. These rights exist to ensure fair treatment and prevent government overreach. As your criminal defense attorney, we are committed to protecting these constitutional rights at every stage of your case.
You have the right to remain silent and cannot be compelled to incriminate yourself. Anything you say to law enforcement can and will be used against you in court. We strongly advise all clients to exercise this right and to request an attorney before answering any questions. Even seemingly innocent statements can be misinterpreted or taken out of context.
You have the right to be represented by an attorney. This right applies at critical stages of the criminal process, including custodial interrogations, lineups, preliminary hearings, and trial. Having an experienced attorney by your side ensures that you understand the charges against you, the potential consequences, and your available defenses.
You have the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. Law enforcement must generally obtain a warrant based on probable cause before searching your person, home, or vehicle. Evidence obtained in violation of this right may be excluded from trial. We carefully examine the circumstances of any search to determine whether your Fourth Amendment rights were violated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a former prosecutor's experience help my case?
A former prosecutor has spent years on the other side of criminal cases. He knows the procedures the state follows, how its cases are assembled, and how charging and plea decisions are made. That experience informs how we evaluate the evidence in your case and how we approach negotiations with the prosecutor's office.
What should I look for in a criminal defense lawyer?
You should look for a lawyer with significant trial experience, a deep understanding of the local court system, and a practice focused on criminal law. An attorney who can clearly explain your options and has a strong track record of success is essential.
Protect Your Rights Today
If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, contact our Monmouth County criminal defense lawyers today for a confidential consultation.
Schedule a Consultation