Stephen A. Gravatt, Esq. Criminal Defense Attorney

Stephen A. Gravatt, Esq. has successfully defended clients for countless Traffic and Criminal Charges in Central and Northern New Jersey.

Stephen A. Gravatt, Esq. Criminal Defense, Real Estate Commission Disputes, NJ Property Tax Appeal Attorney, has successfully defended clients for countless Traffic Ticket, Commission Disputes and Criminal Charges in Monmouth, Middlesex, Ocean, Atlantic and Union County, New Jersey.

Traffic Violation Attorney

Stephen is an experienced traffic violation attorney, who represents defendants charged with:
DWI-DUI N.J.S.A. 39:4-50,
Refusal N.J.S.A. 39:4-50a,
Reckless Driving N.J.S.A. 39:4-96
Driving While Suspended, N.J.S.A. 2C:40-22
Speeding N.J.S.A. 39: 4-98,
Leaving the Scene of an Accident N.J.S.A.  39:4-129,
Failure to Report an Accident N.J.S.A. 39:4-130,
Improper Passing a School Bus N.J.S.A. 39:4-128,
Following Too Closely N.J.S.A 39:4-89
Careless Driving Plus Motor Vehicle Accident N.J.S.A. 39:4-97, and all other traffic offenses

Criminal Defense Attorney

Represents Defendants Charged with Crimes and Criminal Disorderly Persons Offenses:
CDS – Marijuana Possession N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10A4
Assault N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1a
Shoplifting N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11
Obstruction of the Administration of Law N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1
Resisting Arrest – Eluding N.J.S.A. 2C:29-2
Hindering Apprehension N.J.S.A. 2C:29-3
Tampering with Public Records or Information N.J.S.A. 2C:28-7 (2)
Offenses Involving False Government Documents 2C:21-2.1(d)
Criminal Mischief 2C:17-3
Violation of Probation
Lewd Acts N.J.S.A. 2C:14-4a
Underage Possession of Alcohol N.J.S.A. 2C:33-15
Provision of Alcohol to a Minor N.J.S.A. 2C:33-17
Harassment N.J.S.A. 2c:33-4
Trespass N.J.S.A. 2C:18-3
Disorderly Conduct. N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2

NJ Property Tax Appeal Attorney

Did you know that all property owners have the right to ask Government for a reduction in the amount of property tax he or she must pay?

If your property has been over assessed [by your local tax assessor] in relation to comparable sales of similar properties [in your neighborhood] you could be entitled to a reduction in the dollar amount of tax you must pay [if you apply for and prevail on your tax appeal].

How much of a reduction you may ask? In my experience it is not uncommon to save as much as a low of five percent (5%) to a high of twenty five percent (25%), depending upon market values.

However, you must avoid “pitfalls” which could cause your appeal to be dismissed and/or denied.

Filing deadlines must be strictly adhered to.

In some New Jersey Counties, [assuming the value of your property is less than 1 million dollars] your appeal must be filed no later than January 15, 2021, although you may file with the County Tax Board as soon as November 15, 2020 [for 2021]. In other Counties, the deadline for filing is April 1, 2021, but you may as soon as January 15, 2021 [for 2021]. Monmouth County is a November 15 through January 15 vicinage. If your property is assessed at more than one million dollars (1,000,000.00), you have the option of filing an appeal directly with the State Tax Court of New Jersey, as long as you file by May 1, 2021 [for 2012]

Property valuations must be proved by expert testimony.    

I retain experienced appraisers who have conducted studies on property values in many neighborhoods and who have generated many appraisals in support of their valuations. Use of an experienced expert is an invaluable tool in convincing a commissioner or a judge that your valuation is more accurate than the Township appraiser’s estimated value.

Examples of results I have obtained for clients

Spring Lake Borough – 111 Ocean Avenue assessed at $3,674,600.00 reduced to $3,300,000.00
Spring Lake Borough – 1311 Ocean Avenue assessed at $4,001,600.00 reduced to $3,600,000.00 Sea Girt – 5 Sea Girt Avenue assessed at 42,600.000.00 reduced to $2,200,000.00

Flood Zone Properties

In addition to filing and prosecuting real estate tax appeals, Stephen A. Gravatt, Esq. provides a full range of services in the area of real estate taxes, including:

• Assist in reducing assessments in properties deemed to be located in FEMA flood zones

Commercial Properties

COMMUNITIES AND MUNICIPAL COURTS WE SERVE

SUPERIOR COURTS Superior Court of New Jersey, Monmouth County | Superior Court of New Jersey, Ocean County | Superior Court of New Jersey, Middlesex County | Superior Court of New Jersey, Union County | Superior Court of New Jersey, Essex County