Connie Bentley McGhee, Criminal Defense Attorney in West Orange, New Jersey
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, General, and Trusts · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatConnie Bentley McGhee
West Orange, NJ
Practicing criminal defense in West Orange since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Connie Bentley McGhee is a member based in West Orange, NJ. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Trusts. Connie has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Connie Bentley McGhee. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- West Orange, NJ
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · General · Trusts
- Handles Criminal Defense, General, and Trusts matters from West Orange, NJ.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Connie Bentley McGhee: Connie Bentley McGhee is a member based in West Orange, NJ. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Trusts. Connie has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Connie Bentley McGhee. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Connie takes on
Connie concentrates on criminal defense, general, trusts, and wills. Each area below outlines the kind of case Connie handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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General
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Trusts
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Wills
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Criminal Defense cases in West Orange, New Jersey
Connie takes criminal defense matters in West Orange, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Connie agrees to represent you.
General cases in West Orange, New Jersey
Connie takes general matters in West Orange, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Connie agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in West Orange, New Jersey
Connie takes trusts matters in West Orange, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Connie agrees to represent you.
Wills cases in West Orange, New Jersey
Connie takes wills matters in West Orange, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Connie agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Connie Bentley McGhee — criminal defense lawyer in West Orange
Connie Bentley McGhee is a member based in West Orange, NJ. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Trusts. Connie has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Connie Bentley McGhee. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Connie Bentley McGhee is a lawyer practicing wills, municipal redevelopment, trusts and estates and 1 other area of law. Connie Bentley received a B.S. degree from Ball State University in 1969, and has been licensed for 44 years. Connie Bentley practices at Connie Bentley McGhee in West Orange, NJ.
Working with Connie on a criminal defense matter
Connie Bentley McGhee is a lawyer practicing wills, municipal redevelopment, trusts and estates and 1 other area of law. Connie Bentley received a B.S. degree from Ball State University in 1969, and has been licensed for 44 years. Connie Bentley practices at Connie Bentley McGhee in West Orange, NJ.
Who Connie represents
Connie reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, general, and trusts matters in West Orange and the surrounding New Jersey area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Temple University School of Law
J.D. Trial · 1977
Ball State University
B.S. Social · 1969
Jurisdictions
Connie's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
1996 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1995 · ACTIVE
New Jersey
1982 · ACTIVE
Connie studied at J.D. Trial in Temple University School of Law and B.S. Social in Ball State University.
Law school and academic background
Connie completed J.D. Trial in Temple University School of Law and B.S. Social in Ball State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Connie runs in New Jersey is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Connie has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Connie's professional memberships and bar associations
Garden State and Essex County Bar Associations
membership
Locations
Connie Bentley McGhee's office in West Orange
Connie's primary office is at 20 Northfield Ave., West Orange, NJ, 07052-0095. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Connie Bentley McGhee — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Connie. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in West Orange.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Connie Bentley McGhee claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Connie Bentley McGhee — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Connie usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Connie charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Connie's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Connie will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in West Orange, New Jersey
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Connie
Connie discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Connie confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Connie's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Connie Bentley McGhee
How much does it cost to hire Connie for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Connie walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Connie offer a free consultation?
Connie charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Connie's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Connie's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in New Jersey typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Connie gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Connie take my case if I'm outside West Orange?
Connie is licensed in New Jersey. Matters governed by New Jersey law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Connie will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Connie?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Connie will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Connie accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Connie's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving West Orange, Trenton and Newark in New Jersey
Connie handles criminal defense matters throughout New Jersey. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in New Jersey
If Connie's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in West Orange handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





