New Jersey Criminal Defense Blog

New Jersey Senator Raymond Lesniak is working toward moving non-violent drug offenders out of prison and into treatment programs. According to a NorthJersey.com news report, Lesniak is proposing to provide inmates an opportunity to get out of prison two years earlier than their release date if they complete a six-month treatment program. The goal of the proposed plan would be to help drug addicts treat their problem instead of simply sending them back out into the world without help or keeping them locked up. It is not clear at this time how much opposition Lesniak will face in his attempt to move this proposal forward.

As it stands now, non-violent drug offenders face substantial prison time and heavy fines. The severity of the penalties they face depends upon the amount of drugs found and their prior criminal record. There are circumstances where a first-time offender may avoid a prison sentence. But failure to have skilled legal representation could result in unnecessarily harsh punishment.

A skilled drug crime defense lawyer will first determine if the charges can be disputed in court. If the defendant’s rights were violated during the arrest, an experienced attorney will work toward having the charges dismissed. If the best option for the accused is a guilty plea, a knowledgeable lawyer will work for alternative sentencing to reduce or completely avoid jail time and get the defendant the help they need.

The Princeton drug crime defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein believe in second chances for drug offenders. We help New Jersey residents charged with drug crimes receive a fair trial and we pursue alternative sentencing options on behalf of our clients. Please contact our law offices at 609-240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Assault charges in New Jersey may result in severe penalties, including jail time and heavy fines. Assault charges should only result from incidents where serious violence was intentionally caused or threatened or mistakenly caused with a weapon, and should not result from accidents and mistaken intentions.

The severity of an assault charge usually depends upon the severity of the injuries suffered and the criminal history of the defendant. Under New Jersey Statute 2C:12-1 (a), simple assault is when a person “attempts to cause or purposely, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another or negligently causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon, or, attempts by physical menace to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.” Aggravated assault is an even more serious allegation that results from a crime involving a person attempting to cause serious bodily injury to another “with indifference to the value of human life.”

Aggravated assault charges in New Jersey can result in up to 180 days in prison, five-year probation, and a $1,000 fine. Anyone convicted of assault also may face social and professional ramifications from having a criminal record. For example, employers who run background checks may be less likely to hire an employee who has an assault conviction.

The Princeton assault defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein defend those who have been accused of assault in New Jersey. We understand what is at stake for our clients and we vigorously defend their legal rights in court. To discuss your case at no cost, please call our office at 609-240-0040.

There are many types of Internet fraud. The most common examples of New Jersey Internet fraud cases include identity theft, Internet scams, fraudulent Internet auctions, and computer hacking. Law enforcement officials in New Jersey are attempting to crack down on this growing problem. Unfortunately, it is common for police officers to make mistakes and for unsuspecting New Jersey residents to face serious criminal allegations.

Fraud in New Jersey is defined as intentional deception meant to injure a person. Depriving a person of money or property for personal gain is a serious allegation that must be defended in court. It is common for these charges to result from mistaken identities and simple misunderstandings. If the defendant did not purposely intend to wrongfully obtain goods or property, the charges must be dropped.

Altering, manipulating, or deleting computer data for personal gain is a serious crime as well. Using personal computer data for personal gain can also have serious consequences. A skilled attorney will build a strong defense, negotiate the charges with the prosecution, and work toward having the fraud charges reduced or dismissed. A knowledgeable lawyer may prepare letters of reference, private lie detector tests, psychological reports, and character witnesses to prove that the defendant is an upstanding citizen who deserves to be heard.

The Princeton Internet fraud defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein ensure that the rights of our clients are protected throughout the legal process. Fraud charges can have a significant impact on the personal and professional lives of those who are charged with them. Even if the charges do not result in a conviction, an individual’s reputation may be tainted forever. If you or a loved one is facing fraud charges in New Jersey, please contact our criminal defense lawyers at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at no cost.

Recently, three people were arrested on suspicion of underage possession of alcohol and one 31-year-old man has been charged with driving under the influence following a Madison traffic incident. According to a news report in The Madison Patch, the arrests were made when police arrived at the scene following reports that a vehicle became stuck in the woods. Upon arrival, the officer determined that the driver was under the influence and three others were below the age of 21 and in possession of alcohol. Two of the underage arrestees were juveniles.

There are many underage alcohol laws in New Jersey. Under New Jersey Statute 2C:33-17a, it is a criminal offense to provide alcohol to persons under the age of 21. A person who is convicted of this offense could face up to six months in prison and a $1,000 fine. Consumption or possession of alcohol by a minor is a criminal offense under Statute 2C:33-15. When a juvenile is found to be in possession of alcohol, they could face substantial fines as well.

Anyone under the age of 18 found with alcohol may be charged as a minor. In such cases, community service and treatment programs may be available to avoid severe penalties. Underage drinkers over the age of 18 may have to face criminal charges in the regular court system because they cannot be tried in juvenile court anymore. In either case, a skilled lawyer can help have the charges reduced or even dismissed, depending upon the circumstances.

The criminal defense attorneys in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein understand the legal options available to New Jersey residents charged with underage possession. If you or a loved one faces alcohol-related charges in New Jersey, please call our law offices at 609-240-0040 right away for a free consultation.

A man was arrested on Wednesday, January 12 in Bridgewater for possession of marijuana after police searched the trunk of his car, reports The Star-Ledger.

According to the article, the 24-year-old man was arrested near Milltown Road and Stillwell Court. Officials say the man allowed police to search his vehicle, and authorities found about half a pound of marijuana in his trunk. He has been charged with possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute.

In such cases, the quantity of marijuana found by the police will determine if a possession charge is elevated to an “intent to distribute” charge. Possession of one ounce or more but less than five pounds of marijuana could result in a third-degree criminal charge under New Jersey Statute 2C: 43-3. Drug offenders facing third- or fourth-degree charges in New Jersey may be eligible for a pretrial intervention depending on the circumstances.

Serious drug charges such as intent to distribute can result in jail time and fines of tens of thousands of dollars. It is crucial to fight these charges with an experienced criminal defense attorney who has successfully handled marijuana cases in New Jersey. In cases where the defendant’s rights were violated during the arrest, the charges may be dropped.

The New Jersey marijuana defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein protect the rights of New Jersey residents accused of marijuana offenses. We are well-versed in search and seizure procedures, which law enforcement officials are required to follow during a drug arrest. If an officer has violated your constitutional rights, your charges will likely be thrown out. If you are facing drug charges in New Jersey, please call us at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation.

A 27-year-old Hopatcong man was arrested after allegedly threatening and robbing three people in a motel room in Andover Township on December 23, 2010.

According to a news report in The Daily Record, police believe the man broke into a motel and took $200 from one victim, $5 from another, and the wallet of the third before fleeing the scene. Hopatcong police arrested the man and are holding him in a Sussex County jail.

Under New Jersey Statute 2C:15-1: “A person is guilty of robbery if, in the course of committing a theft, he:(1) Inflicts bodily injury or uses force upon another; or (2) Threatens another with or purposely puts him in fear of immediate bodily injury; or (3) Commits or threatens immediately to commit any crime of the first or second degree.” If threats or violence are not present, then a robbery charge must be dropped.

The severity of the penalties resulting from a New Jersey robbery conviction depends upon the violent nature of the crime, whether or not weapons were used, and the criminal history of the defendant. These charges could result in years of imprisonment. It is crucial to fight any and all serious criminal charges such as robbery with an experienced attorney on your side.

The reputed New Jersey criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein understand the life-altering consequences posed by robbery or theft convictions. If you or a loved one is facing serious criminal charges in New Jersey, call our office at 609-240-0040 right away to find out how we can help defend your rights.

Many New Jersey legislators believe that Gov. Chris Christie’s proposed regulations on distributing medical marijuana undermines the intent of the law. According to NJ.com, Senator Nicholas Scutari scheduled a January 20, 2011 hearing to force the governor’s administration to adjust their proposed regulations. New Jersey only recently became the 14th state to adopt medical marijuana laws. The details regarding how the police will enforce these news laws are still being debated.

As the law currently stands, patients who would like to legally obtain medical marijuana must register with the Department of Health and Senior Services’ Medicinal Marijuana Program. Once registered, a certified doctor may prescribe use of the drug. Only patients with a debilitating medical condition such as terminal cancer or muscular dystrophy may receive a medical marijuana prescription in New Jersey. Not all debilitating conditions would automatically qualify for a prescription, so patients may have to file a petition for acceptance into the program.

During this transitional period surrounding the legalization of medical marijuana, there is bound to be a number of unnecessary or unlawful arrests. Patients believing they are legally obtaining marijuana may face harsh penalties. Stores that sell marijuana may face undue scrutiny and wrongful prosecution. Anyone mistakenly arrested for marijuana possession during this transitional period in New Jersey would be well-advised to fight the charges with the help of a skilled lawyer.

The Princeton marijuana defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein stay informed about the changing marijuana laws in New Jersey. We understand the rights of New Jersey patients and the seriousness of a marijuana offense. If you have been charged with possession of marijuana in New Jersey, please call our office at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at no cost.

On Sunday, January 2, police in Hamilton arrested a man for shoplifting. According to a news report on NJ.com, the 43-three year-old man was arrested after he allegedly tried to flee on foot. Police believe that the man and one other person shoplifted DVDs from an electronics store before brandishing a gun and running away. Police were able to find one man by following his footsteps in the snow but they could not recover the gun witnesses said he brandished. Police are searching for the second man involved in the incident.

New Jersey Statute 2C:20-11 makes it illegal for any person to “purposively 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.”

Shoplifting charges in New Jersey can become even more serious when a weapon is involved. Anyone facing these serious allegations would be well-advised to seek the guidance of a skilled criminal defense lawyer. An experienced attorney will work to have each charge reduced or dismissed.

The reputed Princeton defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have successfully handled many shoplifting cases in New Jersey over the years. If you have been accused of shoplifting, please call our knowledgeable lawyers who will help you understand your legal rights and options. Call us today at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can defend your rights.

A 54-year-old man from Clifton, New Jersey faces numerous charges after purportedly attacking his ex-girlfriend and attempting to elude the police after the alleged assault. According to The Daily Record, the man was arrested in Demarest after he attempted to flee the scene of a car accident on foot. Police believe the man attacked a woman outside of a school, drove off after school staff stopped the assault, then crashed his car and tried to evade police. He faces several charges, including aggravated assault while eluding authorities and drunken driving. It is not clear what led to the alleged attack.

Aggravated assault charges in New Jersey may result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the circumstances of the attack and the criminal history of the defendant. An aggravated assault conviction in New Jersey could result in a $1,000 fine, up to 180 days in jail, and up to five years of probation. Eluding the police is also a serious crime in New Jersey. Under Statute 2C:29-2, an eluding charge may be filed against an individual who “knowingly flees or attempts to elude any police or law enforcement officer after having received any signal from such officer to bring the vehicle or vessel to a full stop.”

In many cases, minor disputes may become heated and simple misunderstandings can lead to serious allegations. Anyone facing these types of charges should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney right away to learn their legal rights and options.

The experienced Princeton assault defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein offer free consultations to those accused of assault in New Jersey. We aggressively defend our clients and ensure that their charges are dismissed or lessened. If you or a loved one is facing assault charges in New Jersey, please call us at 609-240-0040 for a no-cost, comprehensive consultation.

Recently, a man from Coatesville, NJ was arrested for possession of marijuana after police allegedly witnessed him discard a bag that may have contained pot. According to a report by The Daily Local News, the drug arrest occurred in Coatesville on Sixth Avenue on January 1, 2011. Police found 16 baggies on the 21-year-old man that contained leafy substances. It is not clear if the substances in all of the baggies were determined to have been marijuana or if the man will be charged with possession with intent to sell.

New Jersey Statute 2C:35-10(3) states that it is “unlawful for any person, knowingly or purposely, to obtain, or to possess,” marijuana. The quantity of marijuana the police seize will determine the severity of the charges a defendant will face. Less than 50 grams of marijuana often results in a disorderly persons charge. Possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana is a fourth-degree crime that could lead to up to $25,000 in fines.

A drug crime defense attorney will carefully examine the way that the drugs were seized and dissect the specific charges a defendant faces. In circumstances where a case cannot be thrown out, alternative sentencing may be a possibility. For example, first-time offenders may be able to opt for drug rehabilitation services instead of jail time.

The New Jersey marijuana defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein help New Jersey residents understand their legal rights. We provide free case evaluations to anyone who has been arrested for possession, sale, or cultivation of marijuana in New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been charged with a marijuana-related offense, please call us today at 609-240-0040.

A man from Newport, NJ has recently been arrested for allegedly possessing stolen items, including electronics, jewelry, and sunglasses. According to a news report in The Newport Patch, the arrest was made at the man’s home on Freebody Street in Newport the morning of January 2, 2011. Police were speaking with the man regarding a previous arrest when they discovered items consistent with goods that had recently been reported stolen. The report says the 19-year-old man admitted to stealing the items before he was arrested.

Possession of stolen items is considered theft whether or not the defendant personally took the items. New Jersey Statute 2C:20-7(a) states: “A person is guilty of theft if he knowingly receives (or brings into this State) movable property of another knowing that it has been stolen, or believing that it has probably been stolen.” A guilty conviction requires the prosecution to prove that the defendant had stolen property and that they knew it was stolen.

It is important to carefully choose what you say to police when discussing the accusations made against you. Admitting fault in any way could make it extremely difficult to dispute the charges in court. Anyone discussing theft charges in New Jersey with the police would be well-advised to request to speak with an attorney.

The skilled Princeton criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein ensure fair trials for their clients. We help anyone charged with a crime in New Jersey understand their legal options. If you or a loved one is currently facing allegations of theft, shoplifting, or possession of stolen items, please call our reputed attorneys at 609-240-0040 right away to discuss your case.

A 19-year-old man has been arrested after eluding police for five months following an alleged assault at a convenience store in Sparta Township. According to The Daily Record, the assault occurred the night of July 17, 2010 and the man was arrested the morning of January 1, 2011 in North Bergen, NJ. Police have charged the man with three counts of making terroristic threats, simple assault, and hindering apprehension.

New Jersey Statute 2C: 29-3b states: “When someone hinders (his/her) own apprehension or trial, he is interfering with the process of government.” To be found guilty of hindering apprehension, a person must be aware that the police are trying to arrest them and they must actively attempt to prevent and obstruct that arrest from taking place.

Simple assault is an act or threat of violence. The specifics regarding what constitutes simple assault are covered by New Jersey Statute Section 2C:12-1. The penalties for assault range from up to six months in jail, and up to $1,000 in fines. A simple assault charge may become a more serious aggravated assault charge if the accused is a repeat offender or if serious injuries result from the incident. In such cases, it may be more difficult to pursue alternative sentencing to avoid jail time.

The Princeton criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein offer free consultations to anyone facing New Jersey assault charges. We actively explore alternative sentencing options for our clients. Additionally, your case may be thrown out depending on your criminal history and the circumstances of your arrest. Call us today at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help.

New Jersey lawmakers are progressing towards passing a new law that may allow a certain amount of force used in self defense. According to The Daily Record, the new legislation creates “a limited self-defense justification for domestic violence victims who use force to protect themselves.” If the bill becomes law, the court may take into consideration the existence of permanent or temporary restraining orders, what circumstances led to the restraining orders, and conduct that constitutes a violation of the order. Previous acts of domestic violence could also be considered. A second bill will disallow someone who has violated a domestic violence-related restraining order from posting 10 percent of their bail.

It is not clear if the validity of the restraining order will be taken into consideration. For example, if someone wrongfully files for a restraining order with ulterior motives, that restraining order may now be used as evidence in the future.

Domestic abuse is a serious problem in New Jersey and the law should protect the victims of domestic violence. We should not, however, rush to convict someone of domestic abuse without first making sure all of the facts are accurate and the accused is given a fair trial.

The Princeton domestic abuse attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein help those accused of domestic violence in New Jersey fight false allegations. We also make sure that our clients understand their legal rights. If you have been accused of domestic violence, please call our law offices at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help.

Over holiday weekends, it is common for there to be an increase in criminal activity, such as drunk driving, physical assaults, shoplifting, and more. According to NJ.com, police in Hoboken were involved in eight separate assault cases over the New Year’s weekend. In at least two incidents, two men sustained injuries in assaults. Police say alcohol was likely involved in both cases.

According to New Jersey Statute 2C:12-1, a person is guilty of simple assault if he or she “attempts to cause or purposely, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another; or negligently causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon or attempts by physical menace to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.”Aggravated assault is an even more serious charge involving a person attempting to cause serious bodily injury. Both charges are serious and can result in jail time and heavy fines.

In simple assault cases, individuals who are first-time offenders may be able to have their charges reduced or even thrown out with the help of a skilled New Jersey criminal defense lawyer.

The Princeton simple assault defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have for many years successfully represented those facing assault charges in New Jersey. We help our clients build a strong defense by carefully examining the circumstances surrounding the incident in question. If you or a loved one faces assault charges in New Jersey, please call our law office at 609-240-0040 right away to obtain more information about your legal rights and options.

The criminal defense law firm of Lependorf & Silverstein is proud to announce the debut of its New Jersey domestic violence defense website, http://www.nj-domesticviolence.com. The new website was formed to provide those accused of domestic violence a resource for crucial information about their legal rights, insights into New Jersey law, and a place to find reputable legal assistance for domestic violence defense.

The New Jersey domestic violence defense website is extensive in its scope, and covers many aspects of domestic violence crimes in New Jersey, such as:

• Child and spousal abuse;
• Consequences and penalties of a domestic violence conviction;
• Domestic battery;
• Domestic violence laws;
• Elder abuse;
• Sexual assault;
• Stalking;
• Temporary restraining orders; and more.

It is important for those who have been accused of a domestic violence crime in New Jersey to understand their legal rights. The penalty for a domestic violence crime conviction in New Jersey can include jail time, fines, forced payment for medical care and other expenses, loss of spousal and/or parental rights, loss of a professional license, and imposed community service. There can also be a severe impact on a person’s personal and professional reputation following a domestic violence conviction in New Jersey.

Lependorf & Silverstein’s new domestic violence defense website can help those who have been accused of a domestic violence crime in New Jersey understand the legalities around the accusation, and learn the common defenses that may be available. The website also provides access to statistics, valuable resources, and information as to how Lependorf & Silverstein can help an accused individual fight wrongful charges of domestic violence in New Jersey.

If you would like to learn more about domestic violence crimes in New Jersey or how the attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein can help defend your rights, visit the new website or call 609-240-0040 today.

A 62-year-old woman and her 29-year-old son have been accused of selling marijuana out of their New Jersey apartment and were recently arrested. According to a NewsDay.com report, the arrests were made on December 15 in Keansburg after concerned citizens notified police of their alleged activity. Both the mother and son face charges of marijuana possession and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. It is not clear from the report how much marijuana was seized by authorities or what evidence the police had before entering their household.

Under New Jersey Statute 2C:35-10a, it is illegal to possess marijuana. Possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana may result in a fine of $1,000, a jail term of up to six months, and driver’s license suspension. Possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana is a felony that may result in up to 18 months in prison. Possession of marijuana in New Jersey with intent to distribute is an even more serious crime that is covered by Statute 2C:35-5. Depending on the amount of marijuana found, a conviction may result in five to 10 years in a state prison.

Someone does not have to be caught selling drugs to be charged with possession with intent to sell. In these types of cases, it is important to review how the drugs were seized by police and whether or not a proper warrant was issued before the arrests were made. A skilled drug crime attorney will consider all aspects of a case before building a defense.

The New Jersey marijuana defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of protecting the rights of New Jersey residents. If you or a loved one is facing drug charges in New Jersey, call our office at 609-240-0040 right away to discuss your case.

Four teenagers from Lakewood, New Jersey have been arrested following allegations of intimidating a bus driver. According to a news report in The Daily Record, the four 15-year-old boys were arrested on a school bus in Lakewood. Police believe that the boys crowded behind the bus driver, refused to sit, and used racial slurs about the KKK to intimidate the African-American bus driver. Prosecutors state the charges “will need to be reviewed to the full extent of the law.” It is unclear what led to this situation or the severity of the penalties these teens could face.

In cases where the criminal allegations are not severe, teenagers under the age of 18 are likely to be charged as juveniles. While the penalties for juvenile crime are not as serious as adult crimes, juvenile crime charges in New Jersey should not be taken lightly. Accepting a conviction of a juvenile crime and becoming a repeat offender can lead teenagers down a path from where there is no return.

A skilled juvenile crime defense attorney will work with the authorities to try to avoid a trial. With proper representation, a juvenile crime conviction may result in community service instead of juvenile detention. In such cases, the charges may also be dismissed or expunged from the young defendant’s record. Each case is different, but the family of any juvenile charged with a crime in New Jersey would be well-advised to discuss their legal options with an experienced attorney.

The Princeton juvenile crime defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein work to protect the rights and the future of young New Jersey residents. If you have a son or daughter who is facing serious juvenile criminal allegations in New Jersey, please call our office at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case.

New Jersey law defines terrorist threats as a threat of violence intended to intimidate an individual or group, with a disregard for public safety. An actual act of violence does not have to occur for someone to be charged with making a terrorist threat. As long as the defendant willfully threatened someone and a victim felt fear because of that threat, there may be charges filed. Since the terrorist attacks in New York on September 11, these charges have become even more serious and the definition of “terrorist activity” has evolved and expanded. Anyone facing these serious allegations would be well-advised to seek the advice of an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney.

The severity of the penalties a defendant faces depends upon the severity of the threat and the defendant’s criminal history. Common penalties for terrorist threat charges include extended jail time, loss of the right to vote or buy a gun, and fines of up to $250,000.

A skilled criminal defense lawyer can take apart wrongful terrorist threat charges by examining the evidence against the defendant. Did the defendant willfully make the threat? Did the alleged victim actually feel fear and was that fear reasonably justified? Did the threat actually suggest grave purpose? Cases involving false allegations, mistaken identities, and misunderstandings should not result in a conviction for terrorist threat charges.

The Princeton terrorist threat criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein represent New Jersey residents facing serious allegations. We offer free consultations to anyone charged with making criminal and terrorist threats. Call us today at 609-240-0040 to better understand your legal rights and schedule a free consultation.

A 50-year-old man has been arrested for purportedly being involved in a series of purse-snatching incidents all over New Jersey for the past few weeks. According to a CBS News report, the arrest was made in Hackensack, New Jersey, following an out-of-state law enforcement tip. Police believe that the man was a career criminal who had committed theft crimes for decades. It is unclear at this time what evidence the police had before making the arrest or if the man was caught in the act of committing a crime.

Purse-snatching is often defined as a type of robbery because of the presence of a victim and the presence of physical threat to the victim. Under New Jersey Statute 2C:15-1, a robbery must involve the infliction of bodily injury or a threat of violence. Robbery is a second-degree crime unless the incident resulted in a serious bodily injury or a deadly weapon was used. A second-degree robbery conviction may result in several years of imprisonment.

Serious allegations such as robbery must be fought with an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Repeat offenders typically face harsher penalties than first-time offenders, so it is important for all allegations to be aggressively defended. A skilled criminal defense lawyer can work to have charges lessened and jail time reduced through alternative sentencing such as community service.

The New Jersey criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have an excellent track record of obtaining case dismissals for clients accused of a crime. If you or a loved one is facing serious theft or robbery charges in New Jersey, it is crucial that you call our office before discussing the case with the authorities. Call us at 609-240-0040 today to find out how we can help.

Unfortunately, shoplifting incidents in New Jersey and elsewhere in the country tend to escalate during the holidays. According to NJ.com, between December 14 and 19, there were multiple arrests made along and near Route 22 in New Jersey involving shoplifting. For example, a 30-year-old woman was arrested on December 19 at a Sears store after allegedly being seen slipping a bottle of perfume inside her handbag. An 18-year-old man from South Plainfield was also arrested on suspicion of stealing a USB cable from a Wal-Mart store. A 20-year-old man from Scotch Plains was arrested on December 17 for allegedly shoplifting less than $10 worth of costume jewelry from Kohl’s. The holiday season continues to be notorious for an increase in shoplifting arrests in New Jersey.

Under New Jersey Statute 2C:20-11: “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,” may be charged with shoplifting.

Whether you have been charged with petty theft, shoplifting, grand theft, or burglary in New Jersey, it is critical that you have the representation of a skilled criminal defense lawyer. Any criminal conviction carries serious consequences, including jail time, probation, monetary penalties, and the stigma of a criminal record.

The Princeton criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have successfully defended numerous individuals who have been charged with shoplifting in New Jersey. Some are victims of mistaken identity or a misunderstanding while others simply need help with pathological or psychological issues. If you or a loved one has been charged with shoplifting in New Jersey, please contact our law offices at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case.

A 21-year-old Jersey City woman has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting two police officers. According to The Hoboken Patch, the arrest was made during the early morning on Hudson Street in Hoboken. The police stopped to speak with three women whom they believed were involved in a dispute with two men. Police have stated that the Jersey City woman became irate and punched, choked and wrestled the police officers before being arrested. She has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault.

Under New Jersey Statute 2C:12-1, a person commits aggravated assault when he or she: "Attempts to cause serious bodily injury to another, or causes such injury purposely or knowingly or under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life recklessly causes such injury." In cases involving an assault on a police officer, it is common for the prosecution to seek the stiffest penalties possible.

The severity of the penalties someone may face for assault will usually depend on the injuries sustained, the circumstances of the case, and the criminal history of the defendant. Some assault cases result from an extenuating circumstance in which the defendant felt threatened and acted in self defense. Not all acts of violence automatically result in an assault conviction. Anyone facing assault charges would be well-advised to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney right away.

The reputed criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein carefully examine every client’s situation to determine the best course of action. Whenever possible, we pursue alternative sentencing for our clients so that they may avoid unnecessary jail time and heavy fines. Call our skilled Princeton criminal defense lawyers at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive evaluation of your case.

Families dealing with a juvenile crime are often thrown into emotional turmoil. Even though some juvenile crimes only result in minor penalties such as court-ordered community service, all charges should be taken seriously. Having a criminal record puts juveniles at risk for harsher penalties if they are charged with other offenses in the future. The penalties and consequences of being convicted as a juvenile in New Jersey depends on the prior criminal history of the youth, the circumstances of the crime and whether or not the juvenile admits fault for the incident.

A defendant under the age of 18 will typically be charged as a minor. In cases involving serious crimes such as kidnapping, murder or rape, a minor may be charged as an adult. For those being charged as a minor, New Jersey offers a unique program called the neighborhood justice system. Juveniles who admit fault for a crime may be able to face a panel of neighbors and accept whatever penalties the committee imposes as opposed to going to court. In such cases, local residents can work with the youth to determine the best punishment for the crime committed. If the juvenile refuses to admit fault for the charges, he or she may have no other option but to go to court.

A juvenile crime conviction may result in a wide range of penalties. Unlike adults, the juvenile justice system is built on the principle of education over incarceration. This does not mean, however, that juvenile detention can be avoided in all cases. In addition to detention, volunteer work through community service and rehabilitation services are common forms of punishment.

To understand the penalties your child may face in such cases or to obtain the help your child needs, please contact the law offices of Lependorf & Silverstein at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation. Let our Princeton juvenile crime defense lawyers help you determine the best course of action so that your child can stay out of jail.