A FIGHTER NOT A HANDSHAKER

New Brunswick criminal defense attorney serving clients throughout Central New Jersey

CRIMINAL

DEFENSE

Learn more

DUI/DWI



Learn more

GUNS & WEAPONS CRIMES

Learn more

EXPUNGEMENTS



Learn more

PRETRIAL DETENTION

Learn more

Passionate New Jersey Attorney Defends Clients Accused of Crimes

About the Firm

Since 2000, when I opened the Law Offices of Eric B. Morrell in New Brunswick, I have helped many people in Central New Jersey to overcome criminal charges and take back their dignity. No matter the accusations made against them, my clients can count on me to persistently and passionately advocate for their best interests and defend their rights. I am a fighter, not a handshaker, so I won’t back down or accept unfair plea bargains when your future is on the line. Ultimately, my firm seeks to rehabilitate each client, allowing them to move forward and positively contribute to society.

I have an established record of obtaining positive outcomes for indictable offenses and disorderly persons offenses, including having charges dropped or reduced, favorable plea agreements arranged, and innocent verdicts delivered. If you are involved in a criminal case, I will work to help protect your future. I provide:

  • Respected representation — Over two decades of practice, I have earned the respect of the courts and the community. I am known as an experienced and aggressive litigator and negotiator, so judges and opposing counsel listen when I present your case.
  • Dedicated attention — The circumstances surrounding every criminal charge are different. I work with each client to develop a defense strategy that best fits their situation.
  • Affordable services — I am committed to keeping my legal services reasonably priced. Your initial consultation will be free of charge.

I take pride in serving the people of Central New Jersey, including Rutgers students and the Rutgers community.

Client Reviews


  • client review jake

    DUI/DWI

    July 23, 2021


    "Eric won my case! The final outcome was even better then the best case scenario that we originally discussed. Eric's approach from day one is super professional. He doesn't just tell you things you want to hear so you can feel better about your case. Instead he is very realistic, and he will describe all of the different possible outcomes you can expect. His entire team is remarkable, very diligent and responsive. If any of my friends or family need an attorney I am definitely recommending Eric B. Morrell."


    - Jake

    Button
  • client review anonymous

    Criminal Law

    July 08, 2021


    "Eric got dismissed a pretty involved case with a great strategy. We had to go to court a few times and he was with me every step of the way. He held the court to their proofs and in the end I paid no fines. I couldn't have asked for a better outcome, and I would definitely recommend Eric."


    - Anonymous

    Button
  • client review john

    Family Law

    July 08, 2021


    "First spoke with Lauren. Very helpful in what they might be able to provide Then spoke with Eric. Extremely helpful. Gave many points of advice that could help my situation. Was a very good experience. They called back 10 minutes later with another point that might resolve the issue. Would highly recommend Eric. Seems passionate and very knowledgeable in his practice."


    - John

    Button
  • client review anonymous

    Criminal Law

    July 08, 2021


    "Mr. Morrell has been excellent is helping me threw my case. I have hired Mr. Morrell a several times and all the time he has been great in getting results, also he is on top of the case at all times. He cares and is very professional is making you understand what you have been charged with, and keeps you posted on all things going on within the case. I would highly recommend Mr. Morrell to anyone who is looking for legal advice."


    - Anonymous

    Button
  • client review rich

    Drug Crimes

    May 11, 2021


    "Once again, Eric Morrell was a great help to me. I had a marijuana charge. (Just 6 joints). The case was dismissed, but if they weren’t going to dismiss case, thanks to Eric, I would have had case dismissed anyway. It was an illegal stop. Eric told me about a precedent that happened just a month earlier (State of NJ vs ROSAS) which stated that police can’t atop a car for “Unclear plates” My friend who was driving was stopped because the officer claims he had unclear plates on a bright sunny day. Also Erichelped me a few years ago in a similar case and had four out of five charges dropped. I highly recommend Eric Morrell. Great Lawyer and a really nice guy.  ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️"


    - Rich

    Button
Read More

Recent Blog Posts

By Naomi Zuniga 05 Jan, 2024
At the Law Offices of Eric B. Morrell, we always want the best outcome for our clients. The Pretrial Intervention Program (PTI) is a path we advocate for our clients to be enrolled in so they can avoid prosecution and improve their lives. We recommend this program to our clients when they are eligible. The PTI program is targeted towards first time offenders charged with non violent crimes and offers rehabilitative services to deter future criminal activities/behavior. It is a great result if your matter is resolved through the PTI program as one can avoid having a criminal record. When it pertains to more serious crimes such as those that carry a presumption of incarceration or those who have prior third or fourth degree indictable offenses but were not sentenced to state prison, we put in the effort to write a Compelling Reasons letter brief to the PTI Unit. The purpose of this letter brief is to convince the Prosecutor to allow our client into the program and prove how it will benefit them and society. The letter consists of 17 points as to why our client should be admitted and informs the prosecutor that our client is a great candidate for the program. We collect important and positive information regarding our clients and their contributions to society such as resume, community service hours, awards, proof of employment and character letters from employers, relatives and friends. Depending on the clients and the circumstances of their case, we have them enroll in an anger management program, attend AA meetings or be evaluated by a forensic psychologist. These reports and letters from forensic psychologists are added to the Compelling Reasons letter to show that they are making headway in improving their lives and that prosecution would not be beneficial as they are not a danger to society. Additionally we ask clients to come into the office to let us know more about their positive attributes and to contribute to this process. These supporting documents are submitted along with the PTI application and the Compelling Reasons letter. If the client is accepted into the PTI program, the next step is the PTI interview. The prosecutor’s office in some counties are backlogged and the interview is not completed before the client is indicted. We ensure that our clients are interviewed by the PTI unit before their next court appearance. As a result the judges and the prosecutors feel more comfortable as they see a competent lawyer advocating for their client. We understand that there is a language barrier at times and some of our clients do not speak English fluently. Fortunately there is a Spanish version of the PTI application which translates everything from the English version so that our Spanish speaking clients understand better what we are applying them to and how beneficial it will be to their lives. If the prosecutor rejects the client for PTI, we appeal their rejection by writing a PTI Appeal Brief. This brief is an extensive argument that we submit to the Judge which counteracts each point that the prosecutor has made in their rejection brief and includes more positive information on our client. The Pretrial Intervention Program (PTI) application and process can be stressful for our clients without counsel. Hiring a professional and experienced lawyer at the Law Offices of Eric B. Morrell is essential especially when a client is eligible for a program but faces potential objection by the prosecutor for PTI admission. We know what to include that will improve our clients’ chances of getting enrolled into the PTI program. If you or someone you know has questions about the Pretrial Intervention Program (PTI) or is considering applying to the program without counsel, do not hesitate to contact our offices. EBM Law’s Commitment The Law Offices of Eric B. Morrell, located at 142 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick NJ 08901, are committed to helping our clients fight for the appropriate assessment. Eric B. Morrell has over 20 years of experience in defending clients with criminal charges. Some charges that he routinely deals with are: 1. Criminal Defense 2. DUI/DWI 3. Guns and Weapons Crimes 4. Pre-Trial Detention Hearings 5. Expungements for Prior Convictions
By Naomi Zuniga 28 Dec, 2023
Asset forfeiture can be a complicated process and represents a challenging aspect of the legal system. It involves significant stakes for clients whose property has been seized. At the Law Offices of Eric B. Morrell, we recently dealt with an asset forfeiture case where we contested the seizure of money and valuables by the DEA. Challenging the DEA asset forfeiture can seem like an overbearing legal obstacle but at our firm we were able to tackle these kinds of cases for our clients. Law Offices of Eric B. Morrell’s DEA Asset Forfeiture Procedures A DEA asset forfeiture is a legal process where the government seizes assets possibly connected to criminal activities. Assets can include money, vehicles, real estate and other valuable property. The purpose of an asset forfeiture is to deprive an individual engaging in criminal activities of their resources. However, an asset forfeiture is not always completely justified, and it is possible to have the government return all if not some of an individual’s assets. The forfeiture process begins by law enforcement seizing. When our client receives a notice of seizure, it details what has been seized and how to challenge the forfeiture. Our client did not comprehend fully how to challenge the forfeiture as it is a lengthy and overwhelming process for someone that has little to no legal knowledge. Challenging a DEA asset forfeiture meant that we had to navigate through intricate procedures and strict requirements. It is also more complicated when a lot of assets have been seized as there is more at stake. To successfully handle an asset forfeiture, we have to prove that the belongings our client had were not a result of money obtained from criminal activities but rather through legal means. We gathered evidence showing that the property was not involved in illegal activities and that our client was an innocent owner. The evidence included letters from those who gave money to our client and letters from those who have purchased items from our client. If it pertains to material assets such as real estate or valuables, showing evidence of the purchase date and how our client was able to purchase the item is vital. Our offices were able to obtain our clients’ bank statements and show how they received this money whether it was through employment or family and friends. Law Offices of Eric B. Morrell’s DEA Asset Forfeiture Preparation At the Law Offices of Eric B. Morrell, we conducted an in-depth investigation and made sure to gather all the information needed to demonstrate the legal acquisition of our client’s assets. We are willing to engage in negotiations with state and federal authorities. Along with providing our client’s bank statements, we prepared a brief and crafted a strong legal argument challenging the DEA’s seizure. We were able to file our challenge and provide the government with the documentation they needed before the deadlines. At the Law Offices of Eric B. Morrell, we understand that dealing with asset forfeiture can be complex and stressful. It requires prompt action, a solid understanding of legal rights and the help of knowledgeable legal counsel. This is why it is important to have skilled legal representation, especially when a lot is at stake. We were able to successfully obtain a large portion of the assets seized from our client. Each DEA asset forfeiture case is unique as it may involve different types of assets, but we are able to tailor our approach to fit the specifics of your situation. With every case we are committed to achieving great outcomes for our clients and advocate to the full exercise of their rights. If you or someone you know has received a notice regarding a DEA asset forfeiture, please contact our offices. EBM Law’s Commitment The Law Offices of Eric B. Morrell, located at 142 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick NJ 08901, are committed to helping our clients fight for the appropriate assessment. Eric B. Morrell has over 20 years of experience in defending clients with criminal charges. Some charges that he routinely deals with are: 1. Criminal Defense 2. DUI/DWI 3. Guns and Weapons Crimes 4. Pre-Trial Detention Hearings 5. Expungements for Prior Convictions
By Tyler Norman 15 Dec, 2023
Background Have you or your organization ever received a letter from the Office of Student Conduct (OSC) at Rutgers University? Without the proper understanding of a Student Conduct case procedure, you may put yourself or your organization at risk for sanctions that exceed the true severity of your matter. At the Law Offices of Eric B. Morrell , our firm is knowledgeable of the Conduct Process and Appeal Process at Rutgers University. Student Organization Policy It is critical to be aware of the policies that your organization must comply with during your time as a student at Rutgers University. In the Rutgers Standards of Conduct for Student Organizations , it states that, “Student organizations that choose to be recognized by the University, accept the rights and responsibilities outlined in this policy and in their organization’s governing department.” Therefore, when your organization or an individual in the name of the organization violates the Code of Student Conduct, the organization will be held responsible for the incident(s). This often results in the OSC opening an investigation on the matter. The Office of Student Conduct has the authority to oversee the process for addressing cases of Student Organization misconduct and reserves the right to permit an organization’s sponsoring University department to address the matter. So, for example, the OSC can permit the OFSA (Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs) to address Greek life organizations that violate written University policies. Residence Life Policy In addition to the student organization policies, students also must abide by Residence Life Policies. Rutgers University lists all residence life policies, which is present in the resources section of this article. Although not all policies carry the same weight as others (e.g. Mural Painting Policy vs. Drug Policy), a violation may nonetheless result in intervention from the OSC. Therefore, it is imperative to be aware of all residence life policies. The Conduct Process Step 1: The Complaint Allegations of misconduct are collected in a variety of ways, but most commonly through: the corresponding campus’ reporting tool (this commonly occurs with instances of Student Organization misconduct), a reference from an RA or campus authority, and the RUPD. Evidence may be submitted in the forms of a police report, text messages, photographs, etc. This OSC will conduct a personal interview with the individual(s) making the allegations to answer any questions about the report and to gather information about possible witnesses. The person making the complaint will have the choice of disclosing their name or remaining anonymous. At the conclusion of verifying the information, the OSC will determine the validity of the allegation(s). This is the stage where Student Conduct will determine if there is enough information to charge the organization or person, if a formal investigation takes place, or if the matter should be handled informally. You will be notified of the next steps of the case, possibly with a synopsis of the incident, applicable charges, and recommended sanctions. Step 2: The Investigation Administrative Conference: Those involved in the allegations are often asked to have an Administrative Conference, which is an official meeting between an accused student and a Conduct Officer to determine whether the student has violated University policy. The Conduct Officer considers information and testimony from the accused student, the complainant, and any witnesses. Any student that provides false information is subject to additional charges. Both the complainant and the accused student may bring a Campus Advisor (A member of the RU community to help one navigate the disciplinary system) and a support person to the conference. Any individual that attends the conference with the accused student cannot speak or interact. If the accused student fails to appear to the agreed upon date/time, the Conduct Officer will proceed and make a decision based on the available information. The accused student is deemed not responsible unless the “preponderance of information” is adequate to persuade the Conduct Officer that it is more likely than not that the allegations are true. We recommend that all accused students attend their Administrative Conference, comply with the OSC, and answer all questions with true information. We also recommend for accused students to bring a campus advisor or a support person. It is important to gather as much information as possible about an accusation and to understand how much knowledge the OSC has of an incident. The extent of information that an accused student discloses during their Administrative Conference is under their own discretion. Step 3: Sanctions, Violations, and Restorative Measures Following an investigation, the OSC will provide the student (or Student Organization) with a verdict of alleged violations, along with possible sanctions and restorative measures. This letter will state if one is found responsible or not responsible for the initial applicable violations. If found not responsible for all charges, the case will most likely be dismissed. If found responsible for one or more charges, the OSC often puts sanctions or restorative measures in place. Examples of such include but are not limited to: Conduct Probation (possibly with conditions) Plan of Action Fines Class/Workshop attendance Conditional/Term Suspension Temporary/Permanent Removal We suggest that if you are recommended to attend workshops or treatment, that you enroll in them immediately. This also goes for paying fines. Step 4: The Appeal Process If you are unsatisfied with the result of your conduct case, you have the right to appeal the verdict. Be aware that appealing any disciplinary findings and/or sanctions does not guarantee change or a better result ; it is possible that it can result in harsher penalties. You are given ten days to submit their letter of appeal to the Senior Student Affairs Officer from the day of notice. Appealing an outcome falls under the grounds of the following: Unsupported Conclusion The decision is not supported by facts of the case. Procedural Error The disciplinary process was conducted unfairly and not in conformity with prescribed procedures that affected the outcome of the case. New Information There is new information available that was not available at the time of the original Investigation, Organizational Conference or Organizational Hearing and that it is sufficient to alter the original decision. Disproportionate sanctions The sanction imposed was not appropriate for the offense committed. While considering/preparing an Appeal, we encourage you to consult a Campus Advisor or a third party. Information for how to Appeal will be included in the rationale for the finding and sanctions. After submitting an Appeal, the Campus Appeals Committee will consider your appeal on the criteria that was provided in the appeal– from there, it will be determined whether the appeal should move forward. If the Appeal is accepted, a new hearing will be scheduled. If denied, the original sanctions, violations, and restorative measures will be enforced. Student Organizations have a similar Appeal process. Before appealing, determine which criteria best suits the Appeal. Explain in detail why it applies and develop arguments to support your claims. Communicate new information under your own discretion, as what you can say may be used against you to determine a new outcome. Hence, it is important to consult with a Campus Advisor or a third party to help you prepare your appeal. Student Organizations: The student organization conduct process is nearly identical to the standard process. Student Conduct has two procedures of investigating Student Organizations. Level 1 Investigation The OSC conducts an Investigation and/or an Administrative Conference The synopsis of the incident, applicable charges, and recommended sanctions may be sent to the organization’s president and advisor(s) of record. These matters typically involve, but are not limited to alcohol, financial misconduct, physical misconduct, and other health and safety matters. 2. Level 2 Investigation Level 2 investigations are initiated when a report alleging serious matters of misconduct such as hazing occur. The organization representative (typically the President) will receive written communication with directives informing the organization of any limitations or interim action the OSC has placed on the organization during the investigation process– such as Cease and Desist or Suspension of Organization Activity . Investigators will determine the necessary individuals to privately interview for the matter. Sexual Misconduct and Title IX: Rutgers Title IX policy prohibits actions such as sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking, that occurs in a University education program or activity against a person in the United States, and is committed by a current Rutgers student, employee, or third party. A Title IX Conduct Case will proceed in two ways, in which are different from the standard process: Formal Resolution : (Roughly 90 business days, excluding all appeals processes) The Title IX Office conducts an investigation and separate disciplinary hearings and investigative interviews for the complaint party and responding party (Very similar to an Administrative Conference.) If the Responding Party is found responsible, consequences may include active sanctions (i.e. educational workshops, apology letter, reflection paper) and/or inactive sanctions (i.e. probation, suspension, expulsion). If the Responding Party is found not responsible, no sanctions are given. Informal Resolution: (Generally quicker than the Formal Process) There is no determination made about whether the Responding Party violated university policy; the focus is on repairing the harm through a remedies-based, structured interaction (independent of any actual or potential criminal, civil, or other court proceeding). The university proposes resolution option(s) and the parties voluntarily agree or decline. The goal is for both parties to voluntarily agree on such options. Resolution options include, but are not limited to: Mediation, Workshops (e.g. Consent Workshop), Individual Support (e.g. one-on-one counseling), and reading/listening to an impact statement. The complaint party decides their level of participation in the matter, while the responding party voluntarily agrees to the terms of a resolution agreement. If no resolutions are reached or terminated by any party (including the Title IX Office), the case may be resolved through the formal process Throughout both processes, you are permitted to have a support person of your choosing (such as a friend, parent, advocate or attorney) during any meeting throughout the process. In the event that a matter proceeds to a disciplinary hearing in the formal process, you have the right to have an advisor of your choice to conduct a cross-examination at the hearing. The advisor can be but is not required to be an attorney (costs incurred for having an attorney is your responsibility). If you do not want to hire an attorney, the university can provide you an advisor, for free, for the purpose of conducting a cross-examination within the hearing process. Our offices recommend complying with the Title IX Office throughout the entirety of the process. So, if the Title IX Office asks you to extensively participate throughout an investigation, abide by its requests; if you decline, the process will continue and it will most likely damage your chances for the best outcome possible. If you agree to a resolution in an informal process, fulfill all terms of the agreement. If you fail to complete the terms of a resolution agreement, you can be held accountable under the Code of Student Conduct. Contingent upon you needing an advisor for a cross-examination, Eric B. Morrell is committed to fight for you. He will take any steps necessary for the best possible outcome for your matter. Resources Standards of Conduct- Student Organization Policies and Procedures: https://studentconduct.rutgers.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/STANDARDS-OF-CONDUCT_aug11.pdf Rutgers Residence Life Policies: https://ruoncampus.rutgers.edu/policies#:~:text=Every%20student%20living%20within%20a,the%20uninvited%20intrusion%20of%20noise . Student Conduct Resources: https://studentconduct.rutgers.edu/resources Title IX and Grievance Procedures: https://policies.rutgers.edu/B.aspx?BookId=12105&PageId=459473&Search=Title%20IX%20Policy%20and%20Grievance%20Procedures Code of Student Conduct: https://policies.rutgers.edu/B.aspx?BookId=11912&PageId=459229&Search=university%20code%20of%20student%20conduct EBM Law’s Commitment The Law Offices of Eric B. Morrell , located at 142 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick NJ 08901 , is committed to helping our clients fight for the appropriate assessment. Eric B. Morrell has over 20 years of experience in defending clients with criminal charges. Some charges that he routinely deals with are: Criminal Defense DUI/DWI Guns & Weapons Crimes Pre-Trial Detention Hearings Expungements for Prior Convictions In reference to Rutgers Student Conduct cases, our offices have come across students in need of support for their matters. Our communications with the OSC have prepared us to address any issues that may arise in the assessment to represent you the best that we can. We will provide you with prestige advice and contest with the OSC to produce the best outcome possible. With proper review and a knowledgeable team, the Law Offices of Eric B. Morrell is prepared to guide you through a Rutgers Student Conduct case in a quick and effective manner.
Share by: