Janelle C L Matthews, Criminal Defense Attorney in Paramus, New Jersey

Janelle concentrates on criminal defense, insurance, personal injury, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Janelle handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

• Criminal Defense

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• Insurance

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• Personal Injury

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• Real Estate

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Janelle's primary office is at 140 E Ridgewood Ave Ste 415, Paramus, NJ, 07652-3917. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Janelle usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Janelle 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.

• How much does it cost to hire Janelle for a criminal defense case?

  Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Janelle walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

• Does Janelle offer a free consultation?

  Janelle charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Janelle's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Janelle'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. Janelle gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

• Can Janelle take my case if I'm outside Paramus?

  Janelle 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 — Janelle 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 Janelle?

  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. Janelle will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

• Is Janelle accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

  Janelle's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.