New Jersey Criminal Defense Blog

For those that think that celebrating Mischief Night and Halloween translates to New Jersey law not applying, think again. Zero-tolerance policies will be at their height the day before Halloween, also known as Mischief Night, Goosey Night, and Cabbage Night, and especially on the day of Halloween. A northjersey.com report reminds youngsters and adults of all ages to be on their “best behavior.”

Some activities that law enforcement will be on the look-out for are ones that could leave an individual facing serious criminal accusations and subsequent penalties. If a person decides to damage property, either by breaking windows, destroying or selling Halloween decorations, blowing-up mailboxes, or chemically damaging cars, all violations that Montvale property owners have dealt with in the past, then he or she may be charged with criminal mischief and additional charges.

Based on the report, a Detective Sgt. said, “We are stepping up patrols…we are looking for anybody who is going to be defacing anybody’s property.”Along with these efforts, local curfews will be in full swing with River Vale’s cut-off time being 8 p.m. and Oradell, Park Ridge, and Montvale sticking with a 9 p.m. curfew time.

As experienced criminal defense attorneys in New Jersey, we understand the seriousness of being charged with a crime, whether it seems as simple as criminal mischief or as complicated as driving under the influence. No matter what type or degree of crime you have been arrested for, the outcome of your case may have a monumental affect on your future and your freedom. It is for this reason that any person who has been accused of a crime should know his or her rights. Often times, a skilled attorney is the best resource one can use to be reminded of these rights, and such an attorney will ensure that those rights are protected no matter how serious the charges being faced are.

Continue reading "New Jersey Law Still Applies on Halloween and Mischief Night" »

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , Legal Information

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Based on a capemaycountyherald.com report, a recent Drug Court program graduation held on September 21, 2009 reflects how nonviolent offenders have a chance at successful rehabilitation. According to the article, three individuals graduated from the Cape May County Drug Court and 14 others reached the program’s final phase on September 15, 2009. Since its beginning five years ago, the Cape May County Drug Court has had involvement from 577 defendants sentenced to the program, 315 active participants, and 26 graduates. The program has also contributed to the drug-free births of 20 babies. With a retention rate of 61.3 percent, the program is typically a five-year process and circulates around addiction counseling, curfews, mandatory recovery meetings (Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous), and even random visits from probation officers.

One member of the program stated that the crimes he committed were “all related to drugs and alcohol.” When this particular participant was facing DWI, theft, burglary, and drug charges in multiple Cape May County areas, he was a prescription drug addict. He was given the choice of going to drug court or serving a four-year sentence in prison. For individuals facing similar nonviolent charges, Drug Court gives drug addicts and alcoholics the stability and organization they need to learn ways to become an industrious member of society.

According to the story, Drug Court statistics revealed that 70 to 85 percent of all crime in America is carried out by individuals that are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Not only do Drug Courts help addicts that have committed crimes receive the counseling they need to live drug-free lives, but Drug Court treatment is also cost-effective.

Continue reading "Benefits of Drug Court Program Seen in Cape May County" »

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , Drug Offenses , Legal Information

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A recent article from nj.com reveals an interesting drug possession arrest that took place after two women dialed the wrong number--the police--when trying to arrange a cocaine pick-up. When the police received the call, a detective pretended to be the women’s drug dealer and arranged a time and place to meet so that the “cocaine” could be delivered. According to the report, after being arrested and charged with “conspiracy to possess a controlled dangerous substance and loitering with the intent to purchase a controlled dangerous substance,” the two women were released and they now await their court appearance.

It seems as though calling the police by mistake would not be something that happens on a regular basis for those seeking illicit substances; however, it is more common than most people realize. Earlier this year in June, two individuals were arrested for related drug charges after they accidently sent an off-duty corporal a text message in search of marijuana.

Being charged with a drug crime in New Jersey can impose many challenges for a person to endure. It is common for those arrested for drug offenses to not know their rights, which puts them at an even greater disadvantage if they do not seek legal advice from an experienced New Jersey drug crime defense attorney.

Continue reading "Wrong Number Mishap Results in Drug Possession Arrest of Two Women in Salem County" »

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , Drug Offenses

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The Internet has countless purposes and is used in practically every household on a daily basis. However, as a recent Internet sex crime demonstrates, what you do with your spare time on your private computer may not be as private as you think.

A recent report from northjersey.com discussed the case surrounding a well-known and liked Maywood chiropractor who has been sentenced to five years for luring underage girls on the Internet through sexual conversations. One of the girls whom he had arranged to have sex with was only 15 years old. Unbeknownst to him, the young girl happened to be an undercover cop, and the man was about to be arrested. The 2004 undercover sting operation placed the man in custody, although the case has not been settled until now due to pre-trial motions.

According to the report, the judge called the convicted sex offender “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” since he played an active role in the community leading food drives and providing free chiropractic care to the underprivileged, yet led a completely different type of lifestyle within the privacy of his own home. In the end, the man pleaded guilty to two counts of luring, in addition to a weapons offense for an illegal gun contained in a vault at his home. He was then sentenced to three years for the weapon offense, to run in tandem with the five year sentence for the luring offenses.

Being charged with a sex crime can turn a person’s life upside down. Especially when a sex offense involves minors, societal scorn can have irreversible influences on a person’s reputation, as well as tarnishing the name of his or her family. In addition to these consequences, sex crime convictions have the potential to impose severe penalties such as lengthy jail sentences, sex offender registration, and steep fines that can leave the accused in debt. In order to ensure that all of your Constitutional rights are protected under the law, it may be in your best interest to seek the services of a skilled New Jersey sex crime defense attorney.

Continue reading "Two Sides to One Man: Well-Known Chiropractor Sentenced for Sex Crimes" »

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , Legal Information , Sex Crimes

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After a nine-month investigation called “Operation Orange Crush” that involved multiple agencies, 34 gang members have been arrested for several drug offenses and weapons violations. According to an nj.com report, Essex County is the location where the alleged gang members of the Brick City Brim Bloods and the MOB Piru set of Bloods participated in dealing drugs. Authorities discovered and confiscated 41 grams of marijuana, 153 grams of heroin, and more than 1,900 glassine envelopes of heroin; all amounting to over $30,000 in value. In addition, a sawed-off shotgun, five handguns, and an assault rifle were found by law enforcement.

Criminal offenses that relate to drug possession and sale carry serious consequences. If you’ve been charged with a drug crime, the severity of penalties held against you will greatly depend on the type of drug you are accused of possessing or selling, as well as the amount of those particular drugs. In this specific case, many of the individuals arrested in Essex County may face lengthier jail sentences and increased fines due to weapons being involved. Also, the article mentioned that 22 of those arrested have a history of violence on their record, which may also contribute to steeper penalties.

Continue reading "Essex County Drug Arrest of 34 Gang Members" »

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , Drug Offenses , Gang Crimes , Legal Information

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The recent sentence of the former chief financial officer of Lincoln Park reflects the severe consequences of being convicted of official misconduct. Two years ago, New Jersey Attorney General guidelines were toughened regarding official misconduct charges, making it so that a convicted offender would have to serve a minimum sentence of five years without parole. Not having the opportunity of parole is a devastating penalty indeed. The former chief financial officer was sentenced under this exact guideline on September 22, 2009. According to an article, the 59-year-old man pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree official misconduct. He was originally charged with six counts of official misconduct and theft and could have been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

The convicted man’s attorney stated that the new guidelines for a minimum sentence for official misconduct “strips defense attorneys, persecutors and judges of their roles of being able to treat cases individually on their merits and tailor just resolutions.” The attorney makes a valid point, particularly since the offenses committed by his client allegedly took place before the new guidelines were put into effect.

Continue reading "Former Chief Financial Officer Sentenced for Stealing $21,000 from Lincoln Park " »

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , Legal Information , White Collar Crime

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It may surprise some New Jersey residents that a person can be charged with an assault offense without ever actually laying hands on another individual. Aggravated assault occurs when an individual attempts to cause serious bodily injury to someone else, either with or without the use of a deadly weapon.

According to a northjersey.com article, police responded to a call from a woman who said that her ex-boyfriend was outside of her home despite there being a restraining order forbidding him from being near her. When police arrived at the scene, the man tried to walk away from them, but officers blocked his way. Then, the Union City man allegedly waved a 10-inch steak knife at police and began yelling and telling them to shoot him. Apparently, the man had the steak knife underneath his shirt in his waistband. The article stated that after negotiators convinced the man to surrender, he was arrested for aggravated assault, making terroristic threats, violating a permanent restraining order, resisting arrest, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon.

Being charged for multiple crimes puts an individual in quite a challenging position, especially if he or she has an existing assault criminal record. However, an experienced NJ assault defense attorney can help a person being charged with an assault offense, even if there are multiple charges being filed against you. With a lawyer on your side that is highly familiar with how local New Jersey courts operate, in addition to having a thorough understanding of the many complexities surrounding criminal cases, you can be assured that your rights will be protected.

Continue reading "Aggravated Assault Charges Against Man With a Steak Knife" »

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Posted In: Assault , Criminal Defense

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