John P. Robertson II — Bergen County Criminal Defense Attorney

Experienced New Jersey Criminal and DWI Defense Lawyer with Prosecutorial Background

John P. Robertson II brings nearly four decades of New Jersey criminal defense experience to the Tormey Law Firm. Admitted to practice in New Jersey in 1987, John has spent his career defending individuals against the full range of criminal charges in Bergen County and throughout New Jersey — from DWI/DUI and assault offenses to drug crimes, weapons offenses, domestic violence matters, and sex crime allegations.

John began his legal career in 1986 as an Assistant Prosecutor with a New Jersey County Prosecutor’s Office, where he gained firsthand experience evaluating evidence, presenting cases to grand juries, and working alongside law enforcement. Since transitioning to private practice in 1989, he has dedicated himself to defending the rights of those facing criminal accusations — using his prosecutorial background to anticipate the State’s strategy and identify weaknesses in the case against his clients.

Why a Former Prosecutor Matters in Your Bergen County Case

Bergen County prosecutors are aggressive, and the Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack handles a heavy volume of serious felony cases every year. A criminal conviction in New Jersey can result in jail time, heavy fines, license suspension, a permanent record, and serious collateral consequences affecting employment, immigration status, professional licensing, and firearms eligibility. Successfully defending these cases requires more than general courtroom experience — it requires a deep understanding of how prosecutors think, what evidence they prioritize, and where their cases are most vulnerable to challenge.

John’s former role as an Assistant Prosecutor gives him unique insight into:

• How prosecutors evaluate the strength of a case at intake
• What evidence the State considers essential to securing a conviction
• How probable cause is established (and where it can be challenged)
• How Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) and conditional discharge applications are reviewed and approved
• What arguments resonate with judges in plea negotiations
• How sentencing recommendations are formulated and where they can be reduced

This insider perspective gives John’s clients a real strategic advantage — particularly in cases where the path to a favorable outcome depends on negotiating with the prosecutor’s office.

Areas of Practice

John handles the full range of criminal matters in Bergen County and throughout New Jersey:

• DWI and DUI Defense — Including first offense DWI, second offense DWI, breath test refusal, and drug DUI
• Assault and Threat Crimes — Including aggravated assault, simple assault, terroristic threats, harassment, and stalking
• Drug Crimes — Including cocaine, heroin, marijuana distribution, and prescription drug offenses
• Weapons Offenses — Including unlawful possession of a weapon, illegal handgun possession, possession for an unlawful purpose, certain persons offenses, and Graves Act matters
• Domestic Violence and Restraining Orders — Including final restraining order trials, restraining orders vs. criminal charges, and contempt charges for restraining order violations
• Sex Crimes — Including aggravated sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, endangering the welfare of a child, lewdness, and Megan’s Law matters
• Theft and Fraud Offenses — Including burglary, robbery, shoplifting, credit card fraud, and theft by deception
• Juvenile Offenses — Including juvenile arrests, waiver to adult court, and juvenile sentencing matters
• Traffic Violations — Including reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, and leaving the scene of an accident
• Expungements — Restoring criminal records and removing barriers to employment, housing, and firearms eligibility
• Diversionary Programs — Including Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI), Conditional Discharge, and Drug Court

Defense Strategies in Bergen County Criminal Cases

John approaches every case with a comprehensive review of the facts, evidence, and procedural history. Common defense strategies include:

• Challenging probable cause for a traffic stop, arrest, or detention
• Examining search warrants and consent searches for procedural and constitutional defects
• Suppressing evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment
• Pursuing diversionary programs such as PTI, Conditional Discharge, or Drug Court for eligible clients
• Negotiating plea agreements that reduce or dismiss charges and avoid jail time
• Challenging the chain of custody and forensic evidence in DWI and drug cases
• Cross-examining witnesses to expose inconsistencies and credibility issues
• Identifying constitutional violations at any stage of the investigation

Recognition and Professional Honors

John’s commitment to client representation has earned him recognition throughout his career:

• Selected for inclusion in the New Jersey Super Lawyers list in the area of Criminal Defense (2009, 2015–2021)
• Recognized in DWI/DUI Defense
• Officer of the Morris County Bar Association
• Former Chairman of the MCBA Municipal Court Practice Committee
• Former Member of the District X Ethics Committee (Morris/Sussex)

No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. Please visit the Super Lawyers Selection Process for a detailed description of the selection methodology.

Thought Leadership and Continuing Education

John is an active contributor to the New Jersey legal community. He has participated as a moderator and speaker at legal seminars covering criminal defense, DWI, the Alcotest 7110 breath testing instrument, and juvenile delinquency. He has authored articles on the expungement process and the collateral consequences of motor vehicle violations — topics directly relevant to anyone with a criminal record in New Jersey.

Education and Bar Admissions

Bergen County Courts and Surrounding Areas

John defends clients facing criminal charges throughout Bergen County and the surrounding region, including the Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack and municipal courts in Hackensack, Paramus, Fort Lee, Garfield, Lodi, Lyndhurst, Mahwah, Ridgewood, Bergenfield, Englewood, Teaneck, and East Rutherford. He also represents clients in surrounding counties including Passaic, Hudson, Essex, Morris, Sussex, and Hunterdon.

Speak with a Bergen County Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with a crime in Bergen County, time matters. The penalties for criminal convictions in New Jersey are severe — and early intervention by an experienced defense attorney can dramatically improve the outcome of your case.

The Tormey Law Firm offers free initial consultations and is available 24 hours a day. Call (201) 330-4979 to speak with John or another member of our criminal defense team, or contact us online to schedule a confidential case review at our Hackensack office, located across the street from the Hackensack Municipal Court and just steps from the Bergen County Courthouse.