Joseph D Rotella

Joseph D Rotella

also known as Joe

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 39 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Newark, NJ
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, White Collar Crime, DUI & DWI

24 Commerce St., Suite 1726, Newark, NJ

About Joseph

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in New Jersey for 39 years

State: New Jersey

Acquired: 1986

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Joseph D. Rotella

24 Commerce St., Suite 1726, Newark, NJ, 07102-3869

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Joseph D Rotella's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

61 Client Reviews

5 star (60)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (1)

Posted by Petr | February 5, 2026 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

High recommendation!

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...ved!

Posted by Jeffrey | February 4, 2026 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Absolute Best In The Business

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...ed me a timeline and likely outcome which was precisely what happened. He was able to get my case dismissed as he predicted. Thank you Attorney Rotella.

Posted by Kyle | December 22, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

A fighter

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...r. Rotella it is no longer an issue. I am incredibly grateful and lucky I stumbled upon Mr. Rotella during my search for a lawyer, and I would gladly recommend him to anyone facing criminal charges.

Posted by Michael | June 6, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Simply the best.

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

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

greatest lawyer

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 ...present your case. if you have court case and need rest of mind, i would recommend Attorney Joseph ROTELLA.

See All Client Reviews

Joseph D Rotella's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Joseph
Howard P Lesnik headshot
Howard Lesnik

Criminal defense lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

Steven F Wukovits headshot
Steven Wukovits

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 09

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

Dominick Succardi headshot
Dominick Succardi

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 05

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer."

James Sanford Friedman headshot
James Friedman

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Brad Michael Micklin headshot
Brad Micklin

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Joseph. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Robert Anthony Bianchi headshot
Robert Bianchi

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Mitchell E Ignatoff headshot
Mitchell Ignatoff

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 09

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Tara N Breslow headshot
Tara Breslow

Criminal defense lawyer | May 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Severiano Emile Lisboa IV headshot
Severiano Lisboa

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joshua H. Reinitz headshot
Joshua Reinitz

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Allison F. Schumer headshot
Allison Schumer

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Prosper Andrew Bellizia headshot
Prosper Bellizia

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work because he is a highly talented and respected member of the New Jersey."

Howard M Weinstein headshot
Howard Weinstein

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

Howard Woodley Bailey headshot
Howard Bailey

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

View All Endorsements
Howard P Lesnik headshot
Howard Lesnik

Criminal defense lawyer

Steven F Wukovits headshot
Steven Wukovits

Criminal defense lawyer

James Sanford Friedman headshot
James Friedman

Criminal defense lawyer

Robert Anthony Bianchi headshot
Robert Bianchi

Criminal defense lawyer

Jason S. Dunkle headshot
Jason Dunkle

Criminal defense lawyer

Allison F. Schumer headshot
Allison Schumer

Criminal defense lawyer

Prosper Andrew Bellizia headshot
Prosper Bellizia

Criminal defense lawyer

Howard M Weinstein headshot
Howard Weinstein

Criminal defense lawyer

Howard Woodley Bailey headshot
Howard Bailey

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

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

Associations

2007 - Present

Litigation Counsel of America

Fellow / State Co-Chair

2000 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Life Member

2014 - 2015

Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey

President

2007 - 2013

Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey, Education and Seminars Committee

Chair

1988 - 2002

American Inns of Court chapter

President

Education

1986

Whittier Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

Speaking Engagements

2011

Super Saturday

Criminal Defense

2009

Criminal Trial Preperation

Criminal Defense

2009

Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of NJ

Criminal Defense

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution