New Jersey Criminal Defense Blog

A 21-year-old Cliffside Park man was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting $1,295 worth of watches from a shopping mall. According to a news report in The Nyack-Piermont Patch, the incident occurred at the Lord and Taylor store in the Palisades Center Mall in West Nyack. Officials say the man was seen taking Michael Kors watches from a store display before attempting to leave without paying. When brought to the Clarkstown police headquarters, they allegedly found a forged credit card on him as well. He faces fourth-degree grand larceny, fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, and second-degree possession of a forged instrument.

The consequences for shoplifting in New Jersey are directly related to the calculated value of the items wrongfully taken. It is a disorderly persons offense "for any person purposely to take possession of, carry away, transfer or cause to be carried away or transferred, any merchandise displayed, held, stored or offered for sale by any store or other retail mercantile establishment with the intention of depriving the merchant of the possession" for items valued under $200. It is a fourth-degree crime to take items valued between $200 and $500 and a third-degree crime to take items valued over $500. When the stolen items have a value of $1,000 or more, the charges will likely be elevated to second degree.

Anyone facing shoplifting or forgery charges in New Jersey would be well advised to seek immediate representation from a skilled criminal defense attorney. New Jersey imposes harsh penalties on shoplifters and failing to obtain quality legal representation can result in unnecessarily severe penalties and jail time.

The Princeton criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a proven track record of successfully handling shoplifting cases in New Jersey. To discuss your situation with an experienced New Jersey shoplifting defense attorney at absolutely no cost, please call us at (609) 240-0040 today.

It is at the discretion of a police officer to determine when someone needs to be taken into custody or for questioning. Under New Jersey law, the act of evading or resisting arrest can be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances of the case. There are many questions that must be asked in such cases. What cause did the officer have to make the arrest? Did the officer make it clear that the suspect was under arrest? Was the officer engaged in the performance of his job duties at the time of the incident? Did the suspect purposely attempt to prevent the arrest?

Generally, a resisting arrest charge comes with punishments such as fines, probation, creation of a criminal record, and potential jail time. While resisting arrest is often considered a misdemeanor, there are circumstances that can elevate the charges to a felony. Does the defendant have a history of resisting arrest or assault? Did the alleged resistance result in injuries to the officer? Was the act a parole or New Jersey probation violation for the defendant?

Each case is different, but a skilled criminal defense attorney will carefully examine the facts and circumstances of the case to ensure that the defendant's legal rights and best interests are protected. In some cases where the defendant's rights have been violated by the arresting officer or in cases where the officer has not followed proper procedures, the charges may be reduced or even dismissed.

The experienced resisting arrest defense lawyers in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of successfully handling resisting arrest charges in New Jersey. We will work diligently to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case. Please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 for a no-cost consultation and comprehensive case assessment.

Perjury is the act of lying or making verifiably false statements while under oath. Often, the penalties for perjury are as serious as the criminal act about which the individual was allegedly lying. Therefore, it is crucial that individuals do not speak under oath or with a law enforcement authority without first discussing their situation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Perjury may be charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony. The severity of the penalties someone may face for an act of perjury in New Jersey is often determined by the purported importance of the testimony in question. Unfortunately, there are many acts that may be considered perjury and all of them have varying degrees of potential outcomes.

Under New Jersey law, an individual does not have to be under oath to commit perjury. Providing a false report to a law enforcement official during an investigation can be considered perjury. Giving false information on an official document, such as an application or form, may also be considered perjury. Lying on an application for a handgun, for example, can result in felony charges. It often takes a skilled attorney to understand the severity of the crime and how to fight the resulting penalties.

The experienced New Jersey perjury defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long and successful track record of handling white collar crimes such as perjury. If you or a loved one has been accused of perjury in New Jersey, please contact our offices at (609) 240-0040 for a no-cost consultation.

A 58-year-old man has been sentenced to two years in prison after offering a $100,000 bribe for a contracting deal. According to a news report in The Asbury Park Press, on March 17, 2010 the president and CEO of VDH Precision Machining Corporation was recorded offering a contracting officer $100,000 in return for an increase in the value of a contract. Officials say that on March 23, 2010, they recorded the man offering $10,000 in cash for a contract increase as well. He has now been sentenced to two years in prison and a three-year supervised release. He has also been ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and the forfeiture of $10,000.

New Jersey Statute 2C:21-10 states, "A person commits a crime if he solicits, accepts or agrees to accept any benefit as consideration for knowingly violating or agreeing to violate a duty of fidelity to which he is subject as: a partner, employee, guardian, physician, manager, labor official, representative, adjudicator or referee."

Individuals facing bribery charges not only face serious penalties such as jail time and heavy fines, but they also face serious consequences with regard to their career and future. Even in cases that are dismissed, the mere allegation of bribery can tarnish an individual's reputation and cast a shadow over his or her credibility.

Anyone facing these potentially serious and damaging allegations would be well advised to discuss their case with a skilled attorney before talking to authorities. A Princeton white collar crime defense lawyer at Lependorf & Silverstein will fight hard to protect your rights and your reputation. To discuss how to protect your future and fight the charges you face, please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 for a no-cost consultation.

A 34-year-old Nutley man has recently been arrested for allegedly attempting to sell drugs within a school zone. According to a news report in The Nutley Sun, the man was arrested at his River Road home in Nutley. Officials say the illegal drugs seized at his home were mainly prescription medications and he has been charged with possession of controlled dangerous substances near a school because his home lies within a school zone. He also faces other charges including possession of hypodermic needles, possession of CDS, and possession with intent to distribute.

Under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7: "Any person who violates subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:35-5 by distributing, dispensing or possessing with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog while on any school property used for school purposes which is owned by or leased to any elementary or secondary school or school board, or within 1,000 feet of such school property or a school bus, or while on any school bus, is guilty of a crime of the third degree."

Drug distribution in New Jersey within 1,000 feet of a school is a serious offense. Individuals convicted of this offense not only face a lengthy incarceration, but also fines of up to $150,000. These penalties remain the same, whether or not the defendant was aware that he or she was within a school zone.

The NJ drug crime attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience handling drug possession and possession with intent to distribute charges in New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been arrested on suspicion of a drug crime in New Jersey, please call our offices today at (609) 240-0040 for a free consultation on your case.

A 45-year-old Merrick man has been arrested for allegedly stealing laptops from an Apple Store. According to a news report in The Merrick Patch, the alleged shoplifting incident occurred at the Freehold Raceway Mall Apple store. Officials say the man took two Macbook Air laptops valued at approximately $2,298. Police say the man physically resisted an off-duty police officer while fleeing the store. He now faces charges of shoplifting, fleeing, and becoming a fugitive for violating his parole by leaving Nassau County. He is being held on $200,000 bail.

Taking items from a store valued at over $500 can result in serious charges and penalties. New Jersey enforces shoplifting laws based on a tiered system. While it is a disorderly persons offense to take items valued at under $200, it is a fourth-degree crime to take items valued between $200 and $500. Taking items with a full retail value of over $500 but under $75,000 is a third-degree crime, which carries a potential period of three to five years in jail or prison. This means that someone who takes $600 worth of merchandise from a store could face the same penalties as someone who steals over $50,000 worth of items.

Anyone facing shoplifting charges in New Jersey would be well advised to not speak with the authorities without a lawyer present. A skilled shoplifting defense attorney will fight for your rights and attempt to get the charges reduced, if not dismissed. The experienced criminal defense lawyers in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein offer free consultations to those who are facing theft or shoplifting charges in New Jersey. Please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a no-cost consultation.

Two juveniles have allegedly confessed to numerous acts of criminal mischief including throwing debris on the Garden State Parkway. According to a NBC40 news report, the alleged incidents occurred between August and December of 2011 between milepost 32.6 and 32.8 in Egg Harbor Township. Officials say the two juveniles threw rocks and tree branches at passing vehicles. It is unclear how many passing vehicles may have been damaged. Even so, officials are requesting information from anyone who may have suffered damage from debris along that stretch of the Garden State Parkway.

Under N.J.S.A. 2C:17-3, a juvenile is guilty of criminal mischief if he or she "purposely or knowingly damages tangible property of another or damages tangible property of another recklessly or negligently in the employment of fire, explosives or other dangerous means," or "tampers with tangible property of another so as to endanger person or property."

Criminal mischief can be a fourth- or third-degree crime depending on the value of the property damaged by the juveniles. For example, causing $500 to $2,000 worth of damage is typically a fourth-degree crime and causing over $2,000 worth of damage can be a third-degree crime. There are many additional circumstances that can alter the types of charges or penalties for a New Jersey juvenile crime as well, such as the criminal history of the youth.

The reputed Princeton juvenile criminal mischief defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to handle New Jersey cases involving criminal mischief. If your child has been charged with damaging someone's property, please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a free consultation.

Domestic violence involves the occurrence of a crime committed by a spouse, parent, boyfriend, girlfriend, domestic partner, former spouse, or household member. Crimes that may fall under the umbrella of domestic violence include:

• Sexual assault;
• Lewdness;
• Criminal mischief;
• Harassment;
• Stalking;
• Homicide;
• Assault;
• Kidnapping;
• Terrorist threats; and
• Criminal restraint.

Many New Jersey domestic violence arrests arise from instances of assault. N.J.S.A. § 2C:12-1 states, "A person is guilty of assault if he (1) Attempts to cause or purposely, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another; or (2) Negligently causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon; or (3) Attempts by physical menace to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury." A person only has to threaten violence in order to be charged with assault. When the alleged victim lives with the suspect (spouse or cohabitant), it will be handled as a domestic violence incident.

Under N.J.S.A. 2C:25-21a, a police officer must arrest and take into custody a suspect if the victim exhibits signs of injury. This means that any time there is a complaint of domestic violence and evidence of an injury, an arrest will be mandatory. Even in cases where there is no visible injury, there may be an arrest if the alleged victim states that an injury occurred and the arresting officer has probable cause to believe the victim. When a police officer believes that the victim needs to be protected from the suspect, the officer can contact a judge for a temporary restraining order in New Jersey. Violating this temporary restraining order can lead to additional penalties and charges for the defendant.

Anyone facing domestic violence charges in New Jersey would be well advised to seek guidance from a skilled NJ domestic violence defense lawyer. The law team at Lependorf & Silverstein can help you fight these charges and avoid unnecessarily harsh penalties. Please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

A 21-year-old Neptune woman and a 22-year-old Cliffwood man were arrested on suspicion of stealing jewelry from a New Jersey store. According to a news report in The Eatontown-Tinton Falls Patch, the alleged shoplifting incident occurred at the Lord & Taylor department store in Eatontown. Officials say the woman stole one ring valued at $130 and another worth $36. She also faces charges for hindering apprehension for providing false identification during the arrest. The man allegedly took two Michael Kors watches valued at $250 each and a necklace valued at $22.

New Jersey Statute 2C:20-11 states: "Shoplifting shall consist of any one or more of the following acts: (1) For any person purposely to take possession of, carry away, transfer or cause to be carried away or transferred, any merchandise displayed, held, stored or offered for sale by any store or other retail mercantile establishment with the intention of depriving the merchant of the possession, use or benefit of such merchandise or converting the same to the use of such person without paying to the merchant the full retail value thereof."

The penalties for shoplifting are determined based on the value of the items stolen. In cases involving stolen merchandise valued under $200, the resulting charges will be a disorderly persons offense. It is a fourth-degree crime to steal items valued between $200 and $500 and a third-degree crime to take items valued between $500 and $75,000.

The NJ shoplifting defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long and successful track record of successfully fighting shoplifting charges. If you have been arrested on suspicion of shoplifting in New Jersey, please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case assessment.

The state assembly has unanimously approved a bill to protect pets during domestic disputes. According to a news report in The Gloucester Center Times, A-1633 gives courts the authority to issue orders to protect animals that are abused or threatened during a domestic dispute. The new law prevents individuals who have been released from custody before a trial for domestic violence to have contact with any animal in the possession of the other party.

The bill also allows the court to decide who should have custody of the animal as part of the restraining order. Theoretically, individuals who are wrongfully accused of domestic violence and have a restraining order against them until the trial may have their pet taken away during that time. The new bill even allows the court to decide who will ultimately have possession of the animal during the determination of the final restraining order. The bill will now go to the Senate to be debated further.

It is common in domestic violence for charges to arise from ulterior motives. Many individuals face life-changing penalties after an argument gets out of hand or a domestic abuse false accusation is made. Police officers at the scene of an alleged dispute are required to make an arrest if the alleged victim exhibits signs of an injury. Mandatory arrests often lead to unnecessary charges that can have substantial consequences including jail time, fines, restraining orders, and now potentially, the loss of a beloved pet.

If you are facing domestic violence charges, it would be in your best interest to protect your rights with quality legal representation. The Princeton domestic battery defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of successfully handling these types of cases in New Jersey. Please contact us at (609) 240-0040 to discuss your case at absolutely no cost.

A 20-year-old New York man has been arrested on suspicion of burglary after allegedly leaving his cell phone in a New Jersey home during an attempted burglary. According to a news report in The Record, the burglary occurred on Grant Avenue in Maywood. Officials report that the man entered the first floor of the home before fleeing the building without taking any items. The man turned himself in to the authorities after his phone was found. He now faces conspiracy to commit burglary charges and is being held in lieu of $10,000 bail.

The act of burglary, under New Jersey law, involves the entering of a building with the intention of committing a crime. N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2 states: "A person is guilty of burglary if, with purpose to commit an offense therein he: (1) Enters a research facility, structure, or a separately secured or occupied portion thereof unless the structure was at the time open to the public or the actor is licensed or privileged to enter; or (2) Surreptitiously remains in a research facility, structure, or a separately secured or occupied portion thereof knowing that he is not licensed or privileged to do so."

Unless someone is injured or a deadly weapon is used, a burglary charge in New Jersey will be a crime of the third degree. The penalties for a third-degree crime can be severe, including jail time, heavy fines, and a mark on your record. Anyone facing burglary charges in New Jersey would be well advised to speak with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney who has successfully handled similar cases.

The experienced criminal defense attorneys in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long and successful track record of helping individuals who have been charged with theft or burglary in New Jersey. We will review your case at absolutely no cost. Please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a confidential and comprehensive consultation.

A 14-year-old Wyckoff girl has been arrested after allegedly vowing to "launch a terrorist attack" on her high school. According to a WPIX news report, the girl attends Ramapo High School in Bergen County. Officials made the arrest after a teacher was notified about the message posted by the girl on her personal Facebook page. Officials have not stated how they determined that she posted the threat or if she had an intent to carry out the threat.

Under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3: "A person is guilty of a crime of the third degree if he threatens to commit any crime of violence with the purpose to terrorize another or to cause evacuation of a building, place of assembly, or facility of public transportation, or otherwise to cause serious public inconvenience, or in reckless disregard of the risk of causing such terror or inconvenience."

When a minor makes a terrorist threat in New Jersey, there are a number of questions that need to be asked. What is the criminal history of the juvenile? Did the youth possess dangerous weapons? Has the youth faced similar charges in the past? A skilled juvenile defense attorney will fight for lesser penalties and to keep the case in juvenile court.

The Princeton juvenile crime defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a proven track record of successfully handling juvenile cases in New Jersey. We understand the impact such charges can have on your child and his or her future. Please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation.