Michael D. Schaller was admitted to practice in the State of New Jersey in 1998. Michael dedicates his practice to criminal defense matters in both municipal and county courts. Previous to joining KKJ&M, Michael was a member of the New Jersey State Police and retired after 26 years of service holding the rank of Major and position of Chief of Staff.

Michael has represented clients in County courts throughout New Jersey charged with crimes including distribution of drugs, aggravated assault, robbery and theft. Michael also represents clients in municipal courts throughout Ocean and Monmouth counties for offenses such as DWI, driving while suspended, possession of marijuana, shoplifting and disorderly persons offenses. Currently, Michael serves as the Municipal Public Defender in Point Pleasant Beach and is a member of the Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys of New Jersey. Michael is also a member of the New Jersey Bar Association.

While serving in the New Jersey State Police, Michael was instrumental in obtaining compliance with a federal consent decree regarding patrol practices, including assignment as enlisted director of State Police Affairs, with daily interactions with federal monitors and the Office of the Attorney General. Michael testified before the New Jersey Legislative Black & Latino Caucus and Governor Corzine’s Advisory Committee on Police Standards regarding police accountability and risk management. As the Commander of the Office of Professional Standards, Michael oversaw all aspects of internal affairs, to include intake, investigation, and adjudication. Michael served as a reviewer for DOJ grant application process for early warning systems and was a contributor for a Police Executive Research Forum & Department of Justice publication on police supervision.

Michael is certified by the Police Training Commission as an instructor, provided instruction at pre-service, in-service, and advanced training on subjects to include Arrest Search & Seizure, Criminal Law, Discipline, Civil Liability, and Supervisory Issues to thousands of local, county and state officers. While assigned to the Criminal Investigations Section, Michael conducted a broad spectrum of investigations targeting conspiracy, narcotics trafficking & assaults.

Michael has served as an Adjunct Professor at Seton Hall University and Georgian Court College on courses including Public Policy, Cyber Law, Employment Law and Business Law.