Stephen L Willis, Criminal Defense Attorney in Toms River, New Jersey
Over 35 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Environmental, and Family Law · 4.8/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatWillis & Gresek, P.C.
Toms River, NJ
Practicing criminal defense in Toms River since 1991.
- 35+
- Years practicing
- 4.8 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Stephen L Willis?
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Quick answer
Stephen L Willis is a member based in Toms River, NJ. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Environmental, and Family Law. Stephen has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Willis & Gresek, P.C.. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Toms River, NJ
- Experience
- over 35 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Environmental · Family Law
- Handles Criminal Defense, Environmental, and Family Law matters from Toms River, NJ.
- Over 35 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Stephen L Willis: Stephen L Willis is a member based in Toms River, NJ. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Environmental, and Family Law. Stephen has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Willis & Gresek, P.C.. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Stephen's practice areas in Toms River
Stephen concentrates on criminal defense, environmental, family law, and juvenile. Each area below outlines the kind of case Stephen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Environmental
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Family Law
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Juvenile
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Criminal Defense cases in Toms River, New Jersey
Stephen takes criminal defense matters in Toms River, 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.
Environmental cases in Toms River, New Jersey
Stephen takes environmental matters in Toms River, 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Toms River, New Jersey
Stephen takes family law matters in Toms River, 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.
Juvenile cases in Toms River, New Jersey
Stephen takes juvenile matters in Toms River, 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.
Biography
Stephen L Willis, criminal defense attorney serving Toms River
Stephen L Willis is a member based in Toms River, NJ. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Environmental, and Family Law. Stephen has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Willis & Gresek, P.C.. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1 client review. Stephen works from Toms River, New Jersey and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Stephen L Willis is a lawyer practicing environmental law, juvenile criminal law, juvenile dependency and 3 other areas of law. Stephen received a B.A. degree from Montclair State College in 1988, and has been licensed for 35 years. Stephen practices at Willis & Gresek, P.C. in Toms River, NJ and 1 other location.
How Stephen handles criminal defense matters
Stephen L Willis is a lawyer practicing environmental law, juvenile criminal law, juvenile dependency and 3 other areas of law. Stephen received a B.A. degree from Montclair State College in 1988, and has been licensed for 35 years. Stephen practices at Willis & Gresek, P.C. in Toms River, NJ and 1 other location.
Who Stephen represents
Stephen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, environmental, and family law matters in Toms River and the surrounding New Jersey area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Stephen studied and practices
Seton Hall University
J.D. · 1991
Montclair State College
B.A. · 1988
Jurisdictions
Stephen's state bar admissions
New York
1992 · ACTIVE
New Jersey
1991 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1991 · ACTIVE
Stephen studied at J.D. in Seton Hall University and B.A. in Montclair State College.
Law school and academic background
Stephen completed J.D. in Seton Hall University and B.A. in Montclair State College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Stephen runs in New Jersey is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Stephen's professional memberships and bar associations
New Jersey State (Member, Environmental Law Section), New York State (Member, Environmental Law Section) and American (Member, Natural Resources Law Section) Bar Associations
membership
Locations
Stephen L Willis's office in Toms River
Stephen's primary office is at 1130 Hooper Ave., Toms River, NJ, 08753. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Stephen L Willis — 4.8/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Stephen. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Toms River.
4.8
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Stephen L Willis claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Stephen L Willis — 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 Stephen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Stephen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen'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; Stephen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Toms River, 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 Stephen
Stephen 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. Stephen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Stephen'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 Stephen L Willis
How much does it cost to hire Stephen for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Stephen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Stephen offer a free consultation?
Stephen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Stephen'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. Stephen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Stephen take my case if I'm outside Toms River?
Stephen 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 — Stephen 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 Stephen?
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. Stephen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Stephen accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Stephen'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 Toms River, Trenton and Newark in New Jersey
Stephen 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 Stephen's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Toms River handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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