Charles McKenna, Criminal Defense Attorney in Madison, New Jersey
focused on Criminal Defense and White Collar
Madison New, NJ
Trusted criminal defense attorney serving Madison.
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Charles McKenna is an attorney based in Madison, NEW JERSEY. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and White Collar.
- Based in
- Madison, NEW JERSEY
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · White Collar
- Handles Criminal Defense and White Collar matters from Madison, NEW JERSEY.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026).
About Charles McKenna: Charles McKenna is an attorney based in Madison, NEW JERSEY. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and White Collar.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Charles takes on
Charles concentrates on criminal defense and white collar. Each area below outlines the kind of case Charles handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Madison, New Jersey
Charles takes criminal defense matters in Madison, 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 Charles agrees to represent you.
White Collar cases in Madison, New Jersey
Charles takes white collar matters in Madison, 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 Charles agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Charles McKenna — criminal defense lawyer in Madison
Charles McKenna is an attorney based in Madison, NEW JERSEY. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and White Collar.
Charles McKenna is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar.
Charles, who practices law in Madison, New Jersey, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Charles is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Charles's approach to criminal defense cases
Charles McKenna is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Charles, who practices law in Madison, New Jersey, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Charles is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
The kind of cases Charles takes
Charles reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and white collar matters in Madison and the surrounding New Jersey area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
St. John's University
J.D. · 1986
Jurisdictions
Charles's state bar admissions
New York, New York S
ACTIVE
New Jersey, New Jers
ACTIVE
Charles studied at J.D. in St. John's University.
Law school and academic background
Charles completed J.D. in St. John's University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Charles runs in New Jersey is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Charles has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026).
Locations
Charles McKenna's office in Madison
Charles's primary office is at 7 Giralda Farms, Madison, New Jersey, 07940-1051. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Charles McKenna
Charles has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Charles McKenna — 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 Charles usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Charles charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Charles'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; Charles will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Madison, 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 Charles
Charles 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. Charles confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Charles'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 Charles McKenna
How much does it cost to hire Charles for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Charles walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Charles offer a free consultation?
Charles charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Charles's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Charles'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. Charles gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Charles take my case if I'm outside Madison?
Charles 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 — Charles 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 Charles?
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. Charles will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Charles accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Charles'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 Madison, Trenton and Newark in New Jersey
Charles 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.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in New Jersey
If Charles's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Madison handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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