New Jersey Criminal Defense Blog

A former Division of Youth and Family Services worker was sentenced to 41 months in prison after pleading guilty to New Jersey tax fraud, according to The Associated Press. Because of the man’s occupation, he was able to gain access to clients’ personal information which he used to file false tax returns. The article reports that the man and an accomplice received over $800,000 in tax refund checks. The man was sentenced on Monday in Trenton to pay $620,000 in restitution in addition to his 41-month jail sentence.

Fraud of any kind is illegal and can ruin the reputation of an individual or business. There are a number of different types of fraud and if you or someone you love is suspected of committing this type of white collar crime, it would be a good idea to consult with an experienced Princeton fraud defense attorney. Heavy penalties such as fines and jail time pale in comparison to the damage that the reputation of an individual or business who is accused of fraud can suffer.

If you or someone you know is accused of fraud, contact the New Jersey white collar crime lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein today. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys understand the complex laws that surround New Jersey fraud charges and can ensure that your rights are not violated in a court of law. With nearly twenty years of experience per lawyer, the legal team at Lependforf & Silverstein has successfully handled numerous fraud cases and acquired favorable outcomes for our clients. To learn more about how we can help you and your situation, call (609) 240-0040 today.

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The obvious way to avoid a DUI in New Jersey is to simply not drive if you’ve been drinking or plan to drink. Alcohol affects everyone differently since there are a number of factors that go into determining one’s intoxication. Some of these factors include the amount of food and other liquid that has been consumed as well as height, weight and gender of the person. Another factor is the rate and number of drinks that are consumed. Someone who has one drink an hour will be noticeably less intoxicated than someone who has had four drinks in the same time frame.

Because women have much smaller body frames than men, alcohol metabolizes quicker in women. Even if a male and female consume the same amount of drinks in the same time frame, the female will feel more of the alcoholic effect than the male will.

If you plan on drinking, the best thing you can do is designate a sober driver to take you home or call a taxi if you’re too intoxicated to drive yourself. Not only will you avoid a DWI in New Jersey, you’ll be one less person who contributes to the injury or fatality of another due to drunk driving.

The state of New Jersey has stringent DUI laws in place to prevent drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel. However, if you or someone you love has been charged with a DWI in New Jersey, you’ll want to acquire a skilled and reputable Princeton DWI defense lawyer like the ones at Lependorf & Silverstein. Our experienced DUI attorneys can help you understand your situation, your legal rights and the best course of action for your specific situation. To schedule a free consultation of your case, call our criminal defense law firm at (609) 240-0040.

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Posted In: DUI DWI Drunk Driving

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The State of New Jersey sentenced a 14-year old girl to 20 years in prison for her role in the kidnapping, torture and murder of a 23-year old man and an 18-year old woman, according to The Gloucester County Times. The girl acted as a decoy in the gang-related crime that involved a group of ten individuals of which the 14-year old girl was the youngest.

The victims were beaten, shot, stabbed, stripped of their clothing and buried in shallow graves, with the 18-year old woman also being suffocated with a bag. It is thought that the 14-year old girl was influenced by older members of the group to participate in such a heinous act of violence.

As this story confirms, even juveniles can serve lengthy prison sentences for crimes committed before reaching adulthood. While the sentence depends on the crime that a person commits, any time served behind bars can change a person’s life forever, especially if the offender is under the age of 18.

If your child has been charged with a juvenile crime, it would be in their best interest to retain the services of a qualified New Jersey juvenile crime defense attorney. The lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have nearly 20 years of experience each in defending juveniles in a court of law. Our aggressive attorneys will examine every detail of your child’s case and the events leading up to the crime to ensure that your child receives the best possible outcome. You and your juvenile deserve to know your rights and do not have to go through this difficult time alone. Call Lependorf & Silverstein today at (609) 240-0040 to learn more about how we can help you with your New Jersey juvenile crime case.

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Posted In: Juvenile Crimes

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Getting pulled over by the police can be nerve-racking, especially if you're being stopped for a DUI. The best thing to do if you’re asked to pull over is to do so calmly and safely. Be patient and polite to the officer. You may be asked to perform one or more Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) ranging from following a pen light with your eyes to walking a straight line or reciting the alphabet.

You may also be asked to submit to a chemical test that will determine your blood alcohol level (BAC) and your refusal may result in a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license and other penalties. A chemical test refusal becomes a part of your case as a whole and may be cause for the filing of other charges. Any driver with a BAC of .08% is considered legally intoxicated and will be charged with a DWI in the state of New Jersey. If you are found to be driving with a BAC over the legal limit and charged with a DUI or DWI, it would be in your best interest to consult an attorney who practices DUI law.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a DWI in New Jersey, the time after the arrest can be extremely stressful and overwhelming. The skilled and knowledgeable Princeton DUI attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have over 20 years of experience with DUI/DWI law and can help you understand your legal rights and choose the best course of action. Our legal team understands how scary a DUI charge can be and will represent you to the best of our ability. Call Lependorf & Silverstein today to set up a free and confidential consultation at (609) 240-0040.

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Posted In: DUI DWI Drunk Driving

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The body of a man believed to be the ex-husband of a New Jersey school teacher was found in the trunk of a burning vehicle, reported the Courier-Post. Police were able to identify the man through dental records and an autopsy confirmed that his death was a homicide. The 2001 Nissan Altima was said to belong to the victim’s mother.

The report states that the man and his ex-wife had a young daughter together, whom the man apparently dropped off to his ex three days before his body was discovered. He was supposed to head to work immediately after dropping the child off; however, the man was reported missing by his boss when he didn’t show up for work at a Monmouth County car dealership. The ex-wife, a third grade teacher at a local elementary school, was arrested on the same block where she resided after allegedly concealing evidence related to the crime. Additionally, the woman has been charged with the New Jersey homicide.

A New Jersey homicide conviction is serious and can carry a life prison sentence that can have life changing effects, especially if someone is wrongfully accused. If you or a loved one has been charged with a homicide in New Jersey, it would be in your best interest to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. The skilled and aggressive Princeton homicide defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have handled a wide array of criminal cases in addition to having nearly twenty years of experience per attorney. We will examine every detail of the events that led up to your homicide charge and fight to win you the best outcome possible. Call Lependorf & Silverstein today at (609) 240-0040 to learn how we can protect your rights.

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Posted In: Homicide

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A National Night Out event in Patterson, NJ turned deadly when one man, age 39, was shot in the head and killed during an argument with another man on August 3, according to NorthJersey.com. Eyewitnesses say the two men were arguing loudly when the shooting occurred. Ironically, the National Night Out event, which is held in various cities across the country, is an anti-violence gathering which is meant to heighten awareness about crime prevention.

The suspect, a 30 year old male, turned himself in after finding out there was a warrant for his arrest. The suspect has been charged with murder and other weapons offenses. The reason the suspect allegedly shot the 39 year old block party attendee is not yet known and police have yet to recover the firearm used in the crime.

Murder charges are very serious in the state of New Jersey and nationwide. If someone is convicted of murder, they will be sentenced to serve significant time in prison. Depending on the circumstances of the case, the crime may carry a life sentence without the chance of parole.

Continue reading "New Jersey Murder at Anti-Violence Block Party" »

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Posted In: Murder

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A man was beaten and killed as he sat on a park bench, enjoying his evening in downtown Summit, New Jersey. The man, well-known in the community, was a Salvadorian immigrant who had moved to the United States 13 years ago. According to the New York Times, a group of teenagers allegedly approached the man, covered his face with a white cloth, and hit him repeatedly in the face while one teen videotaped the act on his cell phone. The man later died from a brain hemorrhage at the hospital. To add insult to injury, the on-staff nurse allegedly stole the last $600 from the man’s wallet.

Five teenagers are now facing charges related to the New Jersey violent crime. Originally, three of the teens were charged with manslaughter, which has been raised to felony-murder. The other two teens were charged with being lookouts. The boy who recorded the violent act was not charged and the nurse who allegedly stole the deceased man’s money has been fired and charged with stealing.

Continue reading "Small New Jersey Town Rocked by Honduran Man's Killing" »

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Posted In: Murder

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The Star-Ledger reports that New Jersey recently passed a new law regulating driving rules for juveniles between the ages of 16 and 20. According to Kyleigh’s Law, juvenile drivers must identify themselves by placing a red decal on their license plates.

The law, which became effective in April 2010, was named for Kyleigh D’Alessio who was killed in an auto accident with another teen driver who also died. Kyleigh’s law prohibits juveniles from using cell phones or Ipods while driving and limits the amount of passengers that can be in the same vehicle with the juvenile driver. All juveniles must wear seat belts and carry their learner’s permit with them.

Proponents of the law say that it makes it easier for police to identify teenage drivers, who now have a probationary period where they are not permitted to drive between 11:01 pm – 5:00am. Most importantly, proponents believe that the law will reduce the amount of teen driving accidents.

Opponents of the law say that it puts young adults at greater risk for attacks from criminal offenders who will be able to easily identify young people based on stickers on their cars.
Others voice complaints that police officers will assume that teens are driving irresponsibly simply because of the red decals.

Continue reading "The Effect of Kyleigh's Law on New Jersey Juvenile Drivers" »

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Posted In: Juvenile Crimes

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Contrary to popular belief, self-defense does not necessarily give citizens the right to retaliate against others or the right to use guns when attacked with a knife. In fact, misunderstanding the law of self-defense can cause a person to go to jail for an assault charge, or worse, for murder.

Under New Jersey’s Criminal Code 2C: 3-4, a person is justified in using force for self-protection when defending “their well-being and the well-being of others from intruders and attackers.” Self-defense can be used against the unlawful use of force by another if the person believes that they are in danger of immediate bodily harm or death, but a person using self-defense cannot exceed the level of force with which the attacker has threatened the defender. For example, if a person attacks another with a bottle, a person would likely not be justified in using self-defense in New Jersey, if that person pulled a gun on the attacker.

Self-defense is the strongest defense, when a person is protecting themselves from a home or car invasion, where the person has no duty to run away from an attacker or intruder. On the other hand, the self-defense doctrine still has many limitations.

For example, a person can not use a self-defense argument in the following instances:

• Peace officer arrests without the use of unlawful force
• Lawful police officer arrests
• When an intruder retreats or surrenders his or her weapon
• The person is the initial aggressor

If you or someone you know has been charged with murder or another violent crime where you believe you were defending yourself, you need the representation of the New Jersey murder defense attorneys of Lependorf & Silverstein. We can help you examine your options for an aggressive defense against serious charges. Contact our office today at 609-240-0040 for your free legal consultation.

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An article in the New Jersey Journal reported that New Jersey police officers arrested a man from Jersey City on a NJ Transit bus for allegedly robbing a PNC Bank earlier in the morning. One police officer claims that the 32 year-old suspect confessed that he was suffering from financial hardship.

When the suspect was captured, the police allegedly found him carrying $1,550 in a plastic bag. After further questioning, the police say the suspect admitted to robbing Capital Bank of America twice and Bank of America once.

A bank teller said the robber handed her a note requesting money and to remain calm during the robbery. The incident was captured on a PNC bank security camera which detectives are still investigating. The police believe that the suspect lived close to the area where the robbery occurred. In the other 3 robberies, the police say that a suspect passed a note to the previous bank tellers demanding money and alerting the tellers of weapon possession.

In New Jersey, robbery is a first degree offense that carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison as well as a criminal fine of over $50,000. The New Jersey criminal defense attorneys of Lependorf & Silverstein possess high caliber legal skills derived from almost 20 years experience for each attorney. When you need a lawyer to advocate on your behalf against serious charges, you need one of the highly trained legal professionals of Lependorf & Silverstein. For your free legal consultation, contact our office at (609) 240-0040.

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Posted In: Robbery

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A recent article in the New Jersey Star-Ledger reported that a 5 year old girl was struck by a car as she crossed the street on her way home. She was later taken to the hospital where she died of her injuries.

Surveillance cameras filmed images of a blue Mercedes allegedly leaving the scene of the crime. Witnesses claim the driver of the car was speeding and refused to stop after the little girl was injured. Neighbors expressed concerns about the safety of the street because they noticed severe instances of vehicles speeding through the area.

Police found a Mercedes belonging to the suspect that matched the vehicle description with front-end damage in Newark, NJ. The suspect surrendered to the police at a local church after the prosecutor and the suspect’s attorney made an arrangement.

He is being held on $150,000 bail. Although the case is still under investigation, the police have charged the suspect with serious crimes, including death by automobile, leaving the scene of a fatal accident, and endangering an injured victim. Allegedly, there may have been other occupants in the Mercedes at the time of the accident. Under New Jersey law, if convicted, the suspect could face a prison sentence of a minimum of 10 years and maximum of 20 years.

Continue reading "Suspect Surrenders to Police for Newark Hit-and-Run of 5 year-old Girl" »

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Posted In: Criminal Defense

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A recent New Jersey Star-Ledger article reports that a 27-year-old man is suspected of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl. The man was charged with multiple charges including second degree luring via electronic means, second degree sexual assault, and fourth degree sexual contact.

The girl told police that she met the man in a Kids Chat. Allegedly, he told her that he was 15-years-old and used the pseudo name, “Slave.” The suspect denies engaging in sexual acts with the girl and knowing the girl’s age.

Police say that the girl told them that she engaged in two sexual acts with the suspect. They arrested the suspect after finding him driving with the girl in the passenger seat.

The penalties for New Jersey sexual assault with a minor include imprisonment, legal fines, and the permanent registration as a sex offender under New Jersey’s Megan’s Law. To make matters worse, sexual assault charges with a minor often carry a negative stigma and severe damage to one’s reputation within one’s community, regardless of whether a suspect has actually been convicted.

If you have been charged with a sexual assault crime in New Jersey, you should take immediate action and hire an attorney to provide you with the benefit of a strong defense. The New Jersey sexual assault defense attorneys of Lependorf & Silverstein are skilled in defending our clients against serious sexual assault charges and may even be successful in helping you get the charges dismissed completely. Contact our office today for your free legal consultation by calling 609-240-0040.

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Posted In: Sex Crimes

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