Kristen Epifania

Kristen Epifania

Office of the Public Defender
  • Criminal Law, Domestic Violence, DUI & DWI ...
  • New Jersey, New York
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Biography

Kristen Epifania is an Assistant Deputy Public Defender with the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender, Monmouth County Region.

Kristen graduated from Brooklyn Law School, where she received the Dean’s Merit Scholarship, the Lisle Scholarship, and the Lark-Barranco Scholarship. She studied a diverse array of law, including immigration and asylum law and trial advocacy. Focusing on her passion for the criminal sector, Kristen pursued a specialized Certificate in Criminal Law, which required studies in Federal Criminal Investigations, Criminal Procedure and Evidence, Securities Fraud, Law and Police Policy, Forensic Science, and New York Criminal Procedure.

Upon graduating from law school, Kristen continued working with a Manhattan-based criminal defense firm, where she worked on both felony and misdemeanor matters throughout New York City. Additionally, Kristen gained practical experience on both the state and federal levels while at BLS. She worked with the Kings County District Attorney's Office in the Crimes Against Children bureau, assisting with the prosecution of sex crimes, assault charges, and homicides. She also worked with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York, handling immigration matters that intersected with the criminal sector. Seeking to be involved in the community, Kristen dedicated pro-bono hours in Memphis, Tennessee, working as a Juvenile Justice Representative with the Shelby County Public Defender’s Office, as well as with Sanctuary for Families in New York, where she assisted with divorce proceedings stemming from domestic violence and sex trafficking cases.

Currently, Kristen is admitted to practice in the states of NY and NJ, as well as the Southern and Eastern Districts of NY. She is a member of the NJ Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the NY State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, as well as the NY State Bar Association.

Education
Brooklyn Law School
J.D. (2016) | Law
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Honors: Dean’s Merit Scholarship, the Lisle Scholarship, and the Lark-Barranco Scholarship
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Marist College
B.A. (2012) | English Literature
Honors: Magna Cum Laude
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Professional Experience
Assistant Deputy Public Defender
Office of the Public Defender
- Current
Associate Attorney
Law Offfices of Julie Rendelman LLC
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Civil Litigation Intern
United States District Attorney's Office - Eastern District of New York
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Crimes Against Children's Bureau Intern
Kings County District Attorney's Office
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Juvenile Justice Representative
Shelby County Public Defenders Office
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Student Legal Representative
Sanctuary for Families
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Publications
Articles & Publications
People of the State of New York v. John Doe
Appellate Brief, Second Judicial Department
United States v. John Doe
Sentencing Memorandum
Speaking Engagements
Criminal Defense Career Paths, Brooklyn Law School, Brooklyn, New York
Brooklyn Law School
Certifications
Certificate in Criminal Law
Brooklyn Law School
Awards
Rising Star
Super Lawyers
Rising Star
Super Lawyers
Top 40 Under 40
The National Trial Lawyers
Top 40 Young Lawyer
National Alliance of Women in Law
Rising Star
Super Lawyers
Client's Choice
Avvo
Top Contributor
Avvo
Client's Choice
Avvo
Certificate in Criminal Law
Brooklyn Law School
Lisle Scholarship
Brooklyn Law School
Lark-Barranco Scholarship
Brooklyn Law School
Dean Merit's Scholarship
Brooklyn Law School
Magna Cum Laude
Marist College
Professional Associations
New York City Bar Association
Member
- Current
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Bar of the Southern District of New York
Licensed Attorney
- Current
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State Bar of New Jersey
Licensed Attorney
- Current
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Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey
Member
- Current
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New Jersey State Bar Association
Member
- Current
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New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
- Current
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State Bar of New York  # 5512710
Licensed Attorney
- Current
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New York State Bar Association
Member
- Current
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Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
New Jersey
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New York
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Federal Circuit
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Fees
  • Credit Cards Accepted
  • Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
    Flexible payment plans.
Practice Areas
    Criminal Law
    Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
    Domestic Violence
    Domestic Violence Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, Victims Rights
    DUI & DWI
    Family Law
    Adoption, Child Custody, Child Support, Father's Rights, Guardianship & Conservatorship, Paternity, Prenups & Marital Agreements, Restraining Orders, Same Sex Family Law
    White Collar Crime
Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Legal Answers
Q. How do I defend myself against my wife who wants an order of protection over false claims?
A: If she has already filed a petition for an order of protection, you will have to appear in family court. You should speak with an attorney to go over the specifics of your case, including the issue of her green card, as that can certainly go to her credibility. If you still have the messages she's referring to, it would be helpful to go over those with an attorney as well.
Q. What's the sentencefor a class D felony charge
A: The possible sentence will range depending on a variety of factors, including whether you have a prior conviction, what that conviction is for, etc. Speak with an attorney about your specific case facts to get a better understanding of where you stand.
Q. Hi I was a. Used of shoplifting and was given a ticket to appear. This not my first time but the first time.
A: Though jail is not likely, the DA's office will likely take the case more seriously than the previous one since it is not your first arrest. Nonetheless, a non-criminal disposition is still possible. Speak with your attorney and make sure he/she knows about your previous case.
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Websites & Blogs
Blog
LinkedIn
Blog
AVVO
Contact & Map
Office of the Public Defender
7 Broad Street
Freehold, NJ 07728