If you’ve spent much time in Sussex County, you’ve heard the name. George Daggett. For over half a century, he’s been a fixture in the local legal scene, operating out of Sparta, NJ. He's the kind of attorney people talk about in hushed tones at diners or debate over in the letters section of the Sparta Independent.
Some see him as a tireless defender. Others see a man who’s been around long enough to see the system from every angle—including the uncomfortable ones. Honestly, it’s hard to find a middle ground. He’s been practicing law since 1966. Think about that for a sec. Lyndon B. Johnson was in the White House when George Daggett passed the bar.
But lately, the news hasn't just been about his wins in court. In late 2024, the Supreme Court of New Jersey handed down a reprimand. It wasn't for some grand conspiracy, but for things that trip up even the most seasoned vets: failing to put a fee agreement in writing and not explaining things clearly enough to a client. It's a weird spot to be in for a guy who has spent 59 years in the trenches.
Why George Daggett Sparta NJ Still Makes Headlines
You don't stay in the game this long without a few scars. George T. Daggett is currently a partner at Daggett & Kraemer, located right on Sparta Avenue. If you walk into Suite D, you’re walking into decades of institutional memory. He’s handled everything from high-stakes criminal defense to messy municipal court battles.
People in Sparta often search for him when they're in a jam. He’s got that "old school" reputation. You know the type—the lawyer who knows the judge, the prosecutor, and probably the guy who built the courthouse.
The Recent Disciplinary Hiccup
The 2024 reprimand (Case No. 089502) stemmed from his representation of a former State Trooper, James Anthony DeLorenzo. This wasn't a quick case. It dragged on from 2010 to 2016. The Disciplinary Review Board found that Daggett didn't provide a written retainer until 2015.
Basically, he waited five years to put the bill in writing.
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The Board didn't love his excuse, either. Daggett argued he was focused on keeping his client out of prison and protecting his pension. Noble? Maybe. But the Supreme Court of New Jersey doesn't care about your "subjective view" of the case if you aren't following the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC). Specifically, they cited RPC 1.4(c) and 1.5(b).
- RPC 1.4(c): You gotta explain things so the client can make informed decisions.
- RPC 1.5(b): You have to set the fee in writing. Period.
It’s a reminder that no matter how much experience you have, the paperwork still matters.
The Man, The Myth, The Local Friction
If you want to understand George Daggett’s place in Sparta, you have to look at the community's reaction to him. He isn't afraid to ruffle feathers. Just look at the June 2024 opinion piece in the Sparta Independent titled "Say it isn't so, George."
The community seems split. Some locals view him as a "sharp lawyer" who has "been around a long time." Others have accused him of trying to undermine the judicial system when things don't go his way. It’s that classic small-town dynamic where a long career creates both fierce loyalists and vocal critics.
A Career Spanning Generations
His practice areas at Daggett & Kraemer are broad:
- Criminal Law (his primary claim to fame)
- Municipal Court (DWI, traffic tickets, etc.)
- General Litigation
He's seen it all. From the rise of the Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA) cases to the shift in how New Jersey handles DWI refusals. In fact, a 2025 appellate brief mentioned a case where a defendant he represented was dealing with a DWI and a refusal to consent to breath samples. The court record noted that Daggett himself had a fall due to a "fused ankle," which briefly became a point of discussion in the legal proceedings. It’s those personal, human details that remind you he’s a person, not just a name on a law firm shingle.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Legal Reprimands
When people see "Supreme Court Reprimands George Daggett," they think it's the end of the world. In the legal world, a reprimand is a public "don't do that again." It's more serious than an admonition but less severe than a suspension or disbarment.
Daggett has had a few of these over his nearly 60-year career. He had a private reprimand (now called an admonition) in 1988 and another admonition in 1997 for failing to communicate with a client in a workers' comp case.
Is this a pattern? Or is it just the statistical likelihood of a guy who has handled thousands of cases over six decades? Honestly, it depends on who you ask. If you're the client who didn't get a call back, it's a huge deal. If you're a colleague who sees the volume of work he does, you might see it as an occupational hazard.
Dealing with George Daggett: Real-World Insights
If you’re looking to hire George Daggett in Sparta, NJ, or if you’re just curious about the man, you need to go in with eyes open.
First, understand the experience. 59 years is a lot of "been there, done that." He knows the Sussex County court system like the back of his hand.
Second, be proactive about communication. Given his history with the Disciplinary Review Board, a smart client will be the one who asks for everything in writing on day one. Don't wait five years for a retainer agreement. Ask for it during the first consultation.
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Third, expect a fighter. The guy doesn't seem to know how to back down. Whether he's suing for legal fees (like in the 2024 case George T. Daggett vs. Michael Sydor) or defending a criminal case, he’s all in. That aggressive nature is why people hire him, but it’s also why he ends up in the crosshairs of the ethics committee.
The Bottom Line on Sparta’s Longest-Running Lawyer
George Daggett isn't just an attorney; he’s a piece of Sparta’s history. He represents a generation of lawyering that is slowly fading away—where a lawyer’s reputation was built on being a "sharp" presence in the courtroom and a fixture in the local community.
The recent 2024 reprimand is a blemish, sure. But in the grand scheme of a 59-year career, it’s a chapter, not the whole book. For those in Sparta, he remains the guy you call when the stakes are high, provided you're ready for the "George Daggett experience."
Your Next Steps
If you are currently looking into legal representation in Sparta or researching George Daggett’s record, here is what you should actually do:
- Verify the current status: Check the New Jersey Courts Disciplinary Portal to see the full history of any attorney. For Daggett, you'll see the 2024 reprimand and previous admonitions.
- Request a Written Fee Schedule: Never start work with any attorney—Daggett or otherwise—without a signed RPC 1.5(b) compliant agreement.
- Schedule a Consultation: There is no substitute for a face-to-face meeting. Visit the office at 328 Sparta Ave. See if his style matches your needs.
- Check the Local Docket: If you have a specific type of case (like a DWI or a civil suit), look up recent Sussex County filings to see how his firm is currently performing in front of local judges.
The legal landscape in Sussex County is small. Everyone knows everyone. George Daggett just happens to be the one everyone has known the longest.