Robert L Utsey, Criminal Defense Attorney in Jersey City, New Jersey
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, and Family Law · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PrincipalatRobert L. Utsey, Jr., LLC
Jersey City, NJ
Practicing criminal defense in Jersey City since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Robert L Utsey?
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Quick answer
Robert L Utsey is a principal based in Jersey City, NJ. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, and Family Law. Robert has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Robert L. Utsey, Jr., LLC. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Jersey City, NJ
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Estate Planning · Family Law
- Handles Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, and Family Law matters from Jersey City, NJ.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Robert L Utsey: Robert L Utsey is a principal based in Jersey City, NJ. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, and Family Law. Robert has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Robert L. Utsey, Jr., LLC. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Robert takes on
Robert concentrates on criminal defense, estate planning, family law, general, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Robert handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Estate Planning
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Family Law
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General
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Personal Injury
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Real Estate
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Criminal Defense cases in Jersey City, New Jersey
Robert takes criminal defense matters in Jersey City, 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 Robert agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Jersey City, New Jersey
Robert takes estate planning matters in Jersey City, 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 Robert agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Jersey City, New Jersey
Robert takes family law matters in Jersey City, 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 Robert agrees to represent you.
General cases in Jersey City, New Jersey
Robert takes general matters in Jersey City, 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 Robert agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Jersey City, New Jersey
Robert takes personal injury matters in Jersey City, 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 Robert agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Robert L Utsey — criminal defense lawyer in Jersey City
Robert L Utsey is a principal based in Jersey City, NJ. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, and Family Law. Robert has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Robert L. Utsey, Jr., LLC. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Robert L Utsey is a lawyer practicing general practice, criminal law, personal injury and 3 other areas of law. Robert received a B.A. degree from Howard University in 1978, and has been licensed for 44 years. Robert practices at Robert L. Utsey, Jr., LLC in Jersey City, NJ.
How Robert handles criminal defense matters
Robert L Utsey is a lawyer practicing general practice, criminal law, personal injury and 3 other areas of law. Robert received a B.A. degree from Howard University in 1978, and has been licensed for 44 years. Robert practices at Robert L. Utsey, Jr., LLC in Jersey City, NJ.
Who Robert represents
Robert reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, estate planning, and family law matters in Jersey City and the surrounding New Jersey area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Rutgers University
J.D. · 1981
Howard University
B.A. · 1978
Jurisdictions
Robert's state bar admissions
New Jersey
1982 · ACTIVE
Robert studied at J.D. in Rutgers University and B.A. in Howard University.
Law school and academic background
Robert completed J.D. in Rutgers University and B.A. in Howard University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Robert runs in New Jersey is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Robert has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Robert's professional memberships and bar associations
Garden State Bar Association
membership
Locations
Robert L Utsey's office in Jersey City
Robert's primary office is at 665 Newark Ave., Jersey City, NJ, 07306. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Robert L Utsey — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Robert. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Jersey City.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Robert L Utsey claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Robert L Utsey — 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 Robert usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Robert charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert'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; Robert will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Jersey City, 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 Robert
Robert 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. Robert confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Robert'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 Robert L Utsey
How much does it cost to hire Robert for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Robert walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Robert offer a free consultation?
Robert charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Robert'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. Robert gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Robert take my case if I'm outside Jersey City?
Robert 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 — Robert 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 Robert?
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. Robert will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Robert accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Robert'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 Jersey City, Trenton and Newark in New Jersey
Robert 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 Robert's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Jersey City handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
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