Michel 'Mike' A. Paulhus, Criminal Defense Attorney in Toms River, New Jersey
Over 36 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI · 5.0/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews
FounderatThe Law Office of Michel A. Paulhus, LLC
Toms River, NJ
Practicing criminal defense in Toms River since 1990.
- 36+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 4 client reviews
- 3
- Bar admissions
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Quick answer
Michel 'Mike' A. Paulhus is a founder based in Toms River, NJ. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Michel has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Law Office of Michel A. Paulhus, LLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
- Based in
- Toms River, NJ
- Experience
- over 36 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Drug Crimes · DUI/DWI
- Handles Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI matters from Toms River, NJ.
- Over 36 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Michel 'Mike' A. Paulhus: Michel 'Mike' A. Paulhus is a founder based in Toms River, NJ. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Michel has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Law Office of Michel A. Paulhus, LLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Michel's practice areas in Toms River
Michel concentrates on criminal defense, drug crimes, dui/dwi, general, and juvenile. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michel handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Drug Crimes
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DUI/DWI
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General
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Juvenile
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Sex Crimes
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Theft
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Traffic
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Violent Crimes
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Criminal Defense cases in Toms River, New Jersey
Michel takes criminal defense matters in Toms River, 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 Michel agrees to represent you.
Drug Crimes cases in Toms River, New Jersey
Michel takes drug crimes matters in Toms River, 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 Michel agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in Toms River, New Jersey
Michel takes dui/dwi matters in Toms River, 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 Michel agrees to represent you.
General cases in Toms River, New Jersey
Michel takes general matters in Toms River, 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 Michel agrees to represent you.
Juvenile cases in Toms River, New Jersey
Michel takes juvenile matters in Toms River, 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 Michel agrees to represent you.
Biography
Michel 'Mike' A. Paulhus, criminal defense attorney serving Toms River
Michel 'Mike' A. Paulhus is a founder based in Toms River, NJ. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Michel has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Law Office of Michel A. Paulhus, LLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 4 client reviews. Michel works from Toms River, New Jersey and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Mike Paulhus is a certified criminal trial attorney who served with distinction for 25 years as an Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor. Mike finished his career as an Executive Assistant Prosecutor, ranking third in command, after serving as a trial team member, a trial team leader, and Chief Trial Attorney.
Mike has the knowledge and experience you need to provide top notch legal representation.
Mike is a founding member of the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office Arson Task Force. He has lectured on criminal investigations and prosecutions for both New Jersey and federal law enforcement agencies. Mike has successfully prosecuted many different types of criminal cases to verdict at trial, including capital murder, murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, robbery, vehicular homicide, aggravated assault, sexual assault, arson, official misconduct, firearms offenses, burglary, fraud, theft, and drug offenses. Mike supervised the trial section of the Prosecutor's Office, where he trained and mentored other assistant prosecutors.
Mike has also supervised most of the units within the Prosecutor's office, including the Arson Unit, the Vehicular Homicide Unit, the Major Crimes Homicide Unit, the Special Operations (Narcotics) Unit, the Public Corruption Unit, the Financial Crimes Unit, the Internal Affairs Unit, the Special Prosecutions Unit, the Megan's Law Unit, the Victim Witness Unit and the Juvenile Prosecutions Unit. Mike is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in all areas of criminal law.
Mike was responsible for the investigations into police-involved shootings in Ocean County.
Mike is a graduate of Rhode Island College and the University of Dayton School of Law.
He has also served as a Little League and youth basketball coach. He enjoys running and has successfully completed three marathons. Mike lives in Stafford Township with his wife and two children.
Working with Michel on a criminal defense matter
Mike Paulhus is a certified criminal trial attorney who served with distinction for 25 years as an Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor. Mike finished his career as an Executive Assistant Prosecutor, ranking third in command, after serving as a trial team member, a trial team leader, and Chief Trial Attorney. Mike has the knowledge and experience you need to provide top notch legal representation.…
Who Michel represents
Michel reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, drug crimes, and dui/dwi matters in Toms River and the surrounding New Jersey area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Michel studied and practices
University of Dayton School of Law
J.D. · 1990
Rhode Island College
B.A. · 1987
Jurisdictions
Michel's state bar admissions
Rhode Island
1991 · ACTIVE
New Jersey
1990 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court
1990 · ACTIVE
Michel studied at J.D. in University of Dayton School of Law and B.A. in Rhode Island College.
Law school and academic background
Michel completed J.D. in University of Dayton School of Law and B.A. in Rhode Island College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michel runs in New Jersey is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Michel 'Mike' A. Paulhus's office in Toms River
Michel's primary office is at 512 Main Street, Toms River, NJ, 08753. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
The Law Office of Michel A. Paulhus, LLC
512 Main Street
Toms River, NJ 08753
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michel 'Mike' A. Paulhus — 5.0/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Michel. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Toms River.
5.0
4 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michel 'Mike' A. Paulhus claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michel 'Mike' A. Paulhus — 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 Michel usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michel charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michel'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; Michel will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Toms River, 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 Michel
Michel 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. Michel confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michel'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 Michel 'Mike' A. Paulhus
How much does it cost to hire Michel for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michel walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michel offer a free consultation?
Michel charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michel's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Michel'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. Michel gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michel take my case if I'm outside Toms River?
Michel 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 — Michel 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 Michel?
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. Michel will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michel accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Michel'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 Toms River, Trenton and Newark in New Jersey
Michel 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.
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