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also known as Joe
I am a New Jersey certified criminal trial lawyer. This means that I am considered by the New Jersey Supreme Court to be an expert in criminal defense. I am also board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. I am one of only six lawyers in New Jersey to hold both certifications. This is your assurance that I am one of the most experienced and competent criminal defense lawyers in the state.
I am a Past-President of the Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys of New Jersey , the criminal defense bar for the State
For 38 years I have represented people charged with all municipal, state, and federal offenses in northern New Jersey, including DUI/DWI, possession of illegal drugs, sex crimes, child molestation, internet sex crimes, white-collar crimes, criminal fraud, violent crimes, and juvenile crimes.
My law office in Newark is technologically advanced. I have ready access to the most recent case law, combined with the legal expertise to use that law to help you obtain the most favorable disposition of your case.
I handle each case personally, and you will have access to my experience and expertise at every stage of your defense. I can represent you in a full trial or in negotiating a favorable plea bargain.
I offer a free initial consultation. The sooner you call me in your criminal case, the better off you’ll be.
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Chat withState: New Jersey
Acquired: 1986
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24 Commerce St., Suite 1726, Newark, NJ, 07102-3869
Showing 1 - 5 of 61 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Petr | February 5, 2026 | Hired Attorney
I highly recommend Mr Rotella to anybody who needs a criminal defense lawyer. He is extremely experienced and his office highly communicative. I felt confident that he can help me in my unfortunate circumstances, and he did! My case had a positive outcome. He certainly delivered and justice was ser...
Posted by Jeffrey | February 4, 2026 | Hired Attorney
I asked an attorney friend to recommenced an attorney in New Jersey for representation, he highly recommended Joseph Rotella. Attorney Rotella is the best in the business, was always available for discussion and a real professional. He also appeared to be highly respected by the Court. He provid...
Posted by Kyle | December 22, 2025 | Hired Attorney
I hired Mr. Rotella after being accused of trespassing at an airport. Not only did Mr. Rotella get the charges dropped, but he ensured I didn't even have to step foot inside a courthouse. As a member of the US Coast Guard, such charges could have had a devastating effect on my career, but thanks to M...
Posted by Michael | June 6, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Joseph Rotella is undoubtedly one of the very best. He and his team are extremely thorough, knowledgeable, and attentive. His experience shows every step of the way, and I would strongly recommend that if you are in need of a Defense Attorney, Joe should be your first and only call.
Posted by kenny. O | February 2, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Attorney Rotella is one of the best lawyers around.He is a game changer. i had a very complicated case with the feds and he was able to help me through it with a favorable outcome. communication is 100%, customer service is 100% the secretary, ms Dianne is so wonderful, excellent ability to ...
"Joe and I have worked together on numerous criminal and municipal matters. He is one of the most prepared and trustworthy attorneys I have known throughout my practice of law. He is well liked and respected by all colleagues."
"I first met Attorney Joseph (Joe) Rotella when I was an Assistant Essex County (N.J.) Prosecutor in the nineties. Joe and I would eventually try an aggravated sexual assault case against each other. It was a hotly contested battle, which involved an interlocutory appeal to the New Jersey Appellate Division in the middle of trial. Due to his tenacious cross-examination of the State's witnesses, Joe's client was eventually acquitted of all major charges. Since I've entered private practice, Mr. Rotella and I have had a good number of celebrated cases together. I have witnessed Joe's skills first hand and can attest that he is a terrific criminal defense attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Rotella knows law and procedure thoroughly, has very high ethical and professional standards, and is well regarded in the community. He is one of the very few criminal attorneys I refer people to when, for some reason, I cannot take the case."
"I endorse this lawyer. Joseph D Rotella is an experienced attorney whose participation and comments in Avvo show his commitment to serving clients as well as his level of experience. He is an excellent attorney that I recommend wholeheartedly."
"I endorse this lawyer. Joe is a very experienced and passionate attorney. I have known Joe for years and have always been impressed. As a former County Prosecutor, my office handled cases with Joe and he was always respected for his skills by the assistant prosecutors. This is a great choice for an attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Mr. Rotella is highly respected in every court he enters by staff, attorneys and judges. He has a great grasp of the law and has a passion for delivering the results his clients need."
"JOE is a FABULOUS Attorney. He is a friend and colleague. I have had the opportunity many times to see him in action in the Criminal Courts. He has gravitas. He is knowledgable and well respected by his peers, the Judges, and the Prosecutors. Joe is a Certified Criminal Attorney who I would highly recommend. He also practices throughout the State of New Jersey."
"I endorse this lawyer's work because he is a highly talented and respected member of the New Jersey."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Joe is completely dedicated, knowledgeable and well respected in professional circles. There is no one else I can think of who could be considered more qualified to handle a criminal referral."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Mr. Rotella is an outstanding member of the criminal defense bar who exemplifies the meaning of 'criminal defense lawyer'. His tireless efforts at obtaining every benefit for a client has won the respect of his peers, his clients, and his adversaries. I am pleased to call him my friend, and to have his respect."
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Board Certified Criminal Trial Specialist, National Board of Trial Advocacy
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
N.J. Super Lawyers, Magazine for Law & Politics
2015
Certified Criminal Trial Attorney, New Jersey Supreme Court
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2014
N.J. Super Lawyers, Magazine for Law & Politics
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2013
N.J. Super Lawyers, Magazine for Law & Politics
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2012
N.J. Super Lawyers, Magazine for Law & Politics
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
N.J. Super Lawyers, Magazine for Law & Politics
2010
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2010
N.J. Super Lawyers, Magazine for Law & Politics
2009
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2009
N.J. Super Lawyers, Magazine for Law & Politics
2008
N.J. Super Lawyers, Magazine for Law & Politics
2008
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2007
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2007
N.J. Super Lawyers, Magazine for Law & Politics
2006
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2006
N.J. Super Lawyers, Magazine for Law & Politics
2007 - Present
Litigation Counsel of AmericaFellow / State Co-Chair
2000 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersLife Member
2014 - 2015
Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New JerseyPresident
2007 - 2013
Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey, Education and Seminars CommitteeChair
1988 - 2002
American Inns of Court chapterPresident
1986
JD - Juris Doctor
2011
Criminal Defense
2009
Criminal Defense
2009
Criminal Defense
English
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