New Jersey Criminal Defense Blog

Westerville police officials believe that the recent arrest of six men in a New Jersey hotel has broken a jewelry theft ring that operated on a national scale. According to this report, police used DNA evidence and fingerprints taken from the scene of a jewel heist to link the men to a string of recent robberies of jewelers in New Jersey, New York City and other locations across the country. The robbery leading to the arrests took place in the parking lot of a fast food restaurant in Westerville when a jeweler from Indiana was lost on his way to a jewelry show and stopped to ask directions to his hotel.

The jeweler waited in his SUV while his wife and daughter went into the restaurant to ask directions and get something to eat. While they were inside, the thieves broke several windows of the SUV, threatened the jeweler with a firearm and began taking suitcases filled with $1 million worth of jewelry out of the vehicle. As the robbers fled in a Chrysler 300M, the jeweler drew his handgun and began firing at the getaway vehicle, hitting it at least seven times. Police investigating the incident found the getaway car several blocks away and collected fingerprints and DNA evidence that led to the eventual arrest of six suspects in an area hotel. A variety of charges are pending against the six suspects and police say the investigation is underway.

Theft charges, especially those involving interstate travel, can result in steep fines and lengthy prison sentences. But regardless of the nature of the theft, everyone is entitled to competent legal counsel. If you or someone you care for is facing criminal charges, the skilled New Jersey criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein may be able to help.

In over fifteen years of defending clients, these experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyers have helped countless defendants and have earned a reputation of tirelessly defending their clients. To schedule a free consultation with this well-respected New Jersey criminal defense law firm, call them today at 609.240.0040.

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , Robbery

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A New Jersey man has been sentenced to more than four years in prison for an alcohol-related car accident that killed a 13-year-old girl. According to this news report, 23-year-old Joshua Nicholas Giarra of Robbinsville pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle, DUI, recklessly endangering another person and other related charges. The July 26 accident occurred when Giarra, who was driving a Jeep Cherokee at a high rate of speed, ran a red light and crashed into a car killing Hannah Robb of Downington. He was also ordered to pay more than $70,000 to the girl's family in restitution for medical and funeral expenses.

Driving under the influence in New Jersey may be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor. When a DUI auto accident involves major injuries or death, it is usually charged as a felony, which is a more serious crime with serious consequences. In such cases, a defendant can almost be certain that he or she will get prison time if sentenced.

If you have been charged with a serious felony such as DUI, vehicular homicide or vehicular manslaughter in New Jersey, you will be well-advised to retain the services of a skilled New Jersey DUI defense attorney, who will fight aggressively to protect your rights and obtain the best possible result in your case.

Please call an experienced Princeton criminal defense lawyer at Lependorf & Silverstein for a free consultation and case evaluation. We will discuss your case with you and make sure your side of the story is heard and understood. We will strive to get your New Jersey DUI charges dismissed or get your charges reduced. Please call us today for a free consultation.

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , DUI DWI Drunk Driving

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A recent report from the Fort Mill Times claims that a New Jersey public works official has admitted accepting as much as $70,000 in bribes from contractors seeking favorable rulings on city contracts. Tommaso Calautti, 44, of New Milford pled guilty recently to accepting payoffs from three contractors from May 2003 to July 2008. He faces numerous charges for misusing his influence as New Milford’s project coordinator and engineer by committing white collar crimes in New Jersey.

Calautti’s attorney claims that his client is a good man who gave in to temptation. If convicted on all charges, Calautti could be sentenced to serve a maximum of 20 years in prison and pay up to $250,000 in fines. He was released on $100,000 bail while he awaits sentencing. Unless the defendant admits guilt, prosecuting New Jersey bribery cases can be difficult. Proving guilt is especially difficult if the defendant receives legal counsel from experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorneys who conduct a thorough investigation into the charges and work hard on their clients’ behalf.

For well over fifteen years, the New Jersey criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have vigorously defended clients accused of bribery and other alleged acts of malfeasance, and that experience can be a key asset for anyone facing bribery charges. If you learn that you, a friend, or family member is under investigation for any criminal charges, it is essential to contact skilled Princeton criminal defense lawyers as quickly as possible. This allows them to launch an immediate investigation into the charges and start working on a defense right away. To schedule a free consultation with experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyers who will work hard on their clients’ behalf, call Lependorf & Silverstein today at 609.240.0040.

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , White Collar Crime

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After an extensive investigation over a period of at least eight months, dozens of people—including two men from Ocean Township—are facing a wide range of criminal charges including drug trafficking and drug possession in New Jersey with intent to sell. The New Jersey men facing charges are Rufus Christopher, 39; and Raymond Jones, 32, both of Ocean Township. Law enforcement officials claim that they were part of a huge drug distribution network which the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office claims was responsible for selling at least 50,000 packets of heroin a week.

Christopher allegedly used his status as a notary public to knowingly notarize fraudulent financial forms at the behest of an Asbury Park man believed to be one of the leaders of the drug distribution network. He has been charged with third-degree issuing a false financial statement and fourth-degree deceptive business practices. Jones has been charged with third-degree conspiracy to possess a controlled dangerous substance and his bail has been set at $25,000.

Anyone convicted of drug charges in New Jersey faces lengthy prison sentences, steep fines, community service, drug counseling, the inability to perform certain types of employment, and many other stiff penalties. If you or someone you care for is facing drug charges of any kind or believes that they are under investigation for drug trafficking, it is a very good idea to contact an experienced New Jersey drug defense attorney as quickly as possible. Being proactive and calling a New Jersey drug crimes lawyer as soon as possible enables the lawyer to launch an immediate investigation into the charges.

For well over fifteen years, the skilled New Jersey drug crimes attorneys at the criminal defense law firm Lependorf & Silverstein have helped countless clients charged with heroin trafficking and other drug crimes in New Jersey. This experience can be very helpful for building an effective criminal defense and allowing the charges to be dropped or reduced to lesser charges. To schedule a free consultation with New Jersey drug crimes attorneys who will work hard on your behalf, call New Jersey criminal defense law firm Lependorf & Silverstein today at 609.240.0040.

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , Drug Offenses

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New Jersey’s Supreme Court reinstated child sexual assault convictions recently for a man who claimed that his confession should not have been presented in his trial. According to details in this news report, John Nyhammer's 2003 convictions on aggravated sexual assault in New Jersey and child endangerment charges had been overturned when an appeals court ruled that he had not voluntarily waived his rights against self-incrimination.

Investigating detectives say that they obtained a waiver of Miranda rights signed by Nyhammer while they were interviewing him. The detectives questioned Nyhammer about whether or not his uncle had sexually abused a younger relative and asked if Nyhammer had suffered abuse as a child. They told him that the younger relative had made allegations against him and Nyhammer later admitted making inappropriate contact. This admission was presented in court and Nyhammer was convicted and sentenced to 18 years in prison.

But the conviction was overturned by an appeals court that said that the confession has been involuntary. In a unanimous decision, the New Jersey Supreme Court disagreed saying, "The defining event triggering the need to give Miranda warnings is custody, not police suspicions concerning an individual's possible role in a crime."

Continue reading "New Jersey Sex Assault Confession Allowed by Supreme Court" »

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , Sex Crimes

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An article published on NJ.COM explains how a Superior Court judge refused to dismiss charges against a Somerset County man accused of growing 17 medical marijuana plants at his home. The man grew the plants, he says, because he suffers from multiple sclerosis and the drug alleviates his symptoms.

John Ray Wilson, 26, has been accused by the state of first-degree maintaining or operating a drug production facility, second-degree manufacturing and marijuana possession. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.

This case spotlights the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act, which is currently being considered by state legislators. The bill would legalize the drug for medicinal purposes and give those suffering from debilitating diseases access to the drug.

Wilson has not been accused of selling the substances, but he is accused of cultivating more than 10 plants, some of them up to 6 feet tall, behind the home he rented on Skillmans Lane.

Continue reading "New Jersey Marijuana Cultivation Case Denied Dismissal by Superior Court Judge" »

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Posted In: Marijuana Defense

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A report published on the website NJ.COM, describes how authorities in Vineland seized nearly 100 pounds of marijuana believed to be headed to Cumberland County via a tractor trailer.

State police began an investigation which ultimately resulted in the arrest of the driver of the tractor trailer, 35 year old Davenport, Fla. Resident Frank Capriotti. Information gathered during the investigation indicated that a large shipment of marijuana was to be delivered to the New Jersey area, according to state police Sgt. Gary Catts.

The tractor trailer, which was parked at Butch’s Gun World in Vineland, contained nearly 89 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated street value of $89,000. Authorities also seized $1,780 in cash.

Capriotti has been charged with conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance (CDS), possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana. He is being held in Cumberland County jail on $260,000 bail.

Continue reading "New Jersey Police Seize 100 Pounds of Marijuana" »

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Posted In: Marijuana Defense

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The state of New Jersey has a distinctive approach to Marijuana Law for those who have been arrested for or charged with possession of marijuana, selling, or cultivation of marijuana. As of March 2009, New Jersey law enforces severe penalties on individuals convicted of marijuana related crimes. At Lependorf & Silverstein, we have been aggressively representing clients accused of criminal offenses in New Jersey and we dedicate our services to obtaining justice and superior results for them.

We strongly urge anyone who has been detained for or accused of a marijuana offense in New Jersey to seek resources for what can be done to protect his or her legal rights and welfare. We have built an informative website specifically to provide general advice and inform defendants about particular facts regarding marijuana laws in New Jersey.

Whether you were charged with concentrated cannabis possession in New Jersey, marijuana felony, or marijuana misdemeanor, the skilled New Jersey marijuana charge defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein can help. Please make the most of www.nj-marijuanadefense.com for more information about legal defenses for marijuana sale, possession, and cultivation. You can also call our 24/7 hotline at 609-240-0040.

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Posted In: Marijuana Defense

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A recent report claims that a man described as a career criminal has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for robbing a man on a bicycle in New Brunswick. Jermaine Smith-Echevarria, 32, of New Brunswick robbed a 38-year-old man pushing a bicycle around midnight on May 26, 2007, on Townsend Street and Lee Avenue. According to assistant Middlesex County prosecutor Kevin Flood, Smith-Echevarria, must serve 85 percent of his sentence before he can be considered for parole.

Law enforcement officials say that Smith-Echevarria and an unknown accomplice saw the man pushing a bicycle with a flat tire that night and hid from sight until the man was close enough to rob. Flood said they jumped him and took $440 cash in his pocket, but the victim chased Smith-Echevarria and told a witness to call the police. Smith-Echevarria ran down an alley and through several backyards. He temporarily eluded the police until he doubled back through the same alley where the victim was waiting for Smith-Echevarria. The victim tackled him and held him for the police. Thankfully, the robbery victim did not suffer physical injury from any attempted New Jersey assault.

The robbery charges carry a 10-year maximum prison term, but because of Smith-Echevarria's extensive criminal record, which included 24 previous arrests and convictions in New Jersey and Virginia, he was eligible for an extended term of up to 20 years under New Jersey law.

Whether you have a criminal history or not, everyone is entitled to competent legal representation, and if you or someone you care for is facing serious criminal charges, call the skilled New Jersey criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein. We have years of experience representing clients charged with a wide range of crimes and will work hard to defend our clients’ rights at all times. For a free consultation with knowledgeable top criminal defense lawyers in New Jersey, call Lependorf & Silverstein today at 609.240.0040.

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , Robbery

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