Practice Areas:

Civil Litigation, Criminal Defense, Municipal Court, Juvenile Law, Personal Injury, Professional Licensing, Workers Compensation

About the Attorney: Marc Garfinkle was born in Newark, NJ in 1952.  He was graduated from Marietta College (Phi Beta Kappa) and Hastings College of Law (University of California).  He has been a solo practitioner for virtually his entire career, his practice being varied, but emphasizing civil litigation and criminal defense.  In addition to practicing law, Mr. Garfinkle has written the popular "Hip-Pocket Guide to Testifying in Court," and offers seminars and workshops for improving the credibility of people who testify.  He speaks French and Creole and some Spanish.

Here's What we do. . .

Muncipal Court - WE TAKE IT SERIOUSLY - Often underestimated, the Municipal Court is a powerful court which can impose serious penalties such as jail, probation, license suspension and heavy fines.  Motor Vehicle points and insurance surcharges are some additional pitfalls on motor vehicle cases.  You can only benefit by going to municipal court with an experienced attorney.  We go to every municipality in New Jersey. Our usual fee is $1,500.00 or less.

Criminal Law - We only handle a handful of serious felony cases at one time.  We treat each case as if it will go to trial, as we aggressively seek alternatives.  Trial is usually the last resort.  "Winning" a case sometimes means getting the best possible plea bargain.  An experienced attorney will give you options, helpful advice and counsel when you have tough decisions to make.  We handle drug cases, juvenile cases, violent crimes, all sex crimes, white collar and computer crime.  Our usual fees are based on the number of charges and the "degree" of the crime.  In addition to the retainer, which must be paid in advance, you will be responsible for costs and daily trial fee, if trial is necessary.

Civil Litigation - Must you or your business sue someone?  Is someone suing you?  Is there an alternative such as arbitration, mediation or settlement?  We represent individuals and businesses in all New Jersey Courts.  On certain injury cases and whistle blower cases, we will represent plaintiffs on a contingency fee basis. Most other litigations will require payment of a retainer and/or hourly fee. Minimum retainer for litigation is $2,500.00.  Our goal is to provide you with the best advice and strongest possible representation of your interest.  If that means referring you to a specialist or sub-specialist in a given legal field, we will not hesitate to make such recommendations.

Workers' Compensation - If you are injured on the job or develop work-related illness in New Jersey, most employers will be obligated to provide you with free medical coverage (although they may choose the doctor), compensation for absence during your temporary disability (although your payment may be only 70% of your usual pay), and compensation for any permanent disability that results from the injury or illness.  Although employers sometime resist providing the first two benefits, Permanent Disability Benefits (often a lump sum payment), are the reason that most injured workers see a lawyer.  Most serious injuries result in some, even modest, disability for which compensation is due.  There is no retainer; attorney fees are paid as set by the court.

Juvenile Law - Sensitive handling of juvenile criminal matters may be the difference between creating a life-long criminal or a productive citizen.  Crimes from joy-riding and vandalism to murder and rape are increasingly common among minors.  We handle such matters in all counties, and have particular experience with juvenile sex crimes and gang-related violence.  Fees start at $2,500.00.  We also represent students before school boards in matters of suspension and expulsion from school.  Fees vary.

Discrimination - No employer or provider of service or facilities to the public may discriminate against you for reasons of your race, color, religion, national origin, gender or disability.  If they do, you should enforce your rights.   We handle these cases in both state and federal courts.

Professional Licensing - Nurses, Chiropractors, Pharmacists, Accountants, Dentists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, Optometrists and many other professionals that are licensed or certified by the state, occasionally must defend their license against accusations of acts or omissions which put it in jeopardy.  We appear before all such professional boards, recognizing the importance of such matters where a client's livelihood is in the balance. Our minimum fee is $2,500.00

Counties of Practice:
Essex, Union, Middlesex, Morris, Monmouth, Sussex and Somerset.

Bar Membership:  New Jersey, California (inactive)