New Jersey Criminal Defense Blog

Three New Jersey residents – one woman and two men – face multiple drug charges after a package of marijuana was shipped to them. According to NJ.com, the New Jersey drug crime arrest occurred in Burlington Township after police say they observed a 30-year-old woman pick up a mailed package that contained two pounds of marijuana. They also arrested a 41-year-old man who they believe was on the lookout for the package. Police then searched the home connected to the two suspects vehicles and arrested a 56-year-old man after finding marijuana paraphernalia in his rental home. The brother of the 41-year-old man is a known marijuana activist, according to the news report.

The penalties for marijuana possession in New Jersey are severe. Suspects can face up to six months of incarceration just for having 50 grams or less in their possession. Possession charges become even more serious if enough drugs are found to increase the charges to “intent to distribute.” All intent to distribute charges in New Jersey are felonies. Even having less than an ounce of marijuana can lead to 18 months in prison if police believe the suspect intended to sell the drugs.

Experienced attorneys know how to review the circumstances of a drug crime arrest to determine if the charges can be lessened or thrown out. First-time offenders of New Jersey drug crimes have a greater chance of having their charges reduced. All suspects, however, have a greater chance of fighting the charges if they have qualified legal representation.

The skilled Princeton marijuana defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have a thorough knowledge of state and federal marijuana laws. If you have been charged with a marijuana-related offense in New Jersey, please contact us at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation.

There are many differences between juvenile and adult courts in New Jersey. Anyone 18 years of age or older will be automatically tried in an adult court. Anyone under the age of 18 will be tried in juvenile court unless the offense is particularly serious. Very often, in cases involving rape or murder, a juvenile is likely to be tried as an adult. Besides age, the main difference between juvenile courts and adult courts is the approach to cases. Adult courts seek to punish criminals, while the juvenile courts seek to help adolescents get back on track instead of going back to a life of crime.

Another big difference between juvenile and adult courts is the type of sentencing options available to defendants. Adults face probation or jail time for their crimes. Juveniles, however, may serve time at a detention facility or be placed under house arrest. Other juveniles may be forced to attend counseling or participate in community service. These penalties go along with the basic premise of supporting an adolescent’s future, instead of simply punishing them for the criminal act.

Juvenile courts are built around the idea that children should not be labeled as criminals if they learn from their mistakes. In New Jersey, for example, a juvenile who pleads guilty to a lesser offense could have the case sealed. It is also possible that the conviction will be removed from their criminal record, depending on their future behavior. Records in adult court are sealed under rare circumstances.

The New Jersey juvenile crimes attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have successfully helped defend children who have been accused of various crimes in New Jersey. If your loved one is facing criminal charges and you would like to discuss the case at no cost, please call us at 609-240-0040. We will strive to ensure that your child's future is not jeopardized due to a one-time lack of judgment.

A person is guilty of simple assault under New Jersey Statute 2C:12-1 if he or she, "(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." This means that under New Jersey law, causing fear by being physically menacing can carry the same penalties as causing actual bodily injury. Fighting these serious allegations can be a complicated process. Anyone charged with simple assault and disorderly persons offenses in New Jersey would be well advised to seek guidance from a skilled criminal defense attorney.

Disorderly persons offenses, such as simple assault, can result in a permanent criminal record and up to six months of incarceration. These serious penalties apply even to those only suspected of threatening serious bodily injury. Allegations of dangerous threats often arise out of heated arguments and misunderstandings. A skilled Princeton defense attorney may determine that it is in the best interest of the accused to fight these types of charges in court.

Companies that perform background checks on their applicants may decide not to hire someone if there is a disorderly conduct charge on their criminal record. If they do not do their proper research, the potential employer may assume that the applicant was actually involved in a physical altercation and didn’t just threaten violence.

A New Jersey criminal defense attorney at Lependorf & Silverstein helps residents fight wrongful charges and unjust penalties. If you have been accused of a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey, please contact our law office at 609-240-0040. Calling us is your first step to fighting these serious charges.

A 16-year-old juvenile and a 22-year-old man have been arrested in connection with a number of burglaries in Cumberland County. According to The News of Cumberland County, the arrests were made on South Avenue in Bridgeton. Police made the arrests after the pair allegedly burglarized a few homes that evening. The juvenile and adult have both been linked to multiple arrests and burglaries. The 16-year-old faces six counts of burglary, six counts of criminal mischief and five counts of theft.

A person is guilty of burglary under New Jersey statute 2C:18-2 if he "enters a research facility, structure, or a separately secured or occupied portion thereof with purpose to commit and offense therein." Burglary charges escalate from third-degree crime to a second-degree offense if someone is injured during the crime or a weapon is used.

Juveniles facing these serious charges may have more potential sentencing options than those available to an adult. In general, juvenile courts in New Jersey are thought to focus on rehabilitation over punishment. This does not mean, however, that the juvenile involved in a serious crime will automatically avoid incarceration or punishment for committing crimes. All charges must be taken seriously and vigorously fought with the guidance of a skilled Princeton juvenile criminal defense attorney.

The reputed criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein defend New Jersey residents of all ages facing burglary charges. We carefully review the specifics of each case in order to build a solid defense. Contact us today at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help.

A 21-year-old man has been charged with shoplifting in Union County following a police investigation. According to a February 9, 2011 report by The Independent Press, the man was arrested in New Providence. Police believe the man stole over $1,700 worth of candy and Red Bull from a business on Springfield Avenue. It is unclear how they determined he stole the items or how he could have possibly walked away with $1,700 worth of items that are individually priced at less than $2.

New Jersey’s shoplifting statute 2C:20-11 makes it a crime 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."

Convicted shoplifters in New Jersey must not only pay for their crime through jail time, community service and fines, but also by reimbursing the storeowner for all monetary losses and court costs. This means that convicted shoplifters in New Jersey technically pay for their crime and their conviction. Also, shoplifting can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the quantity and value of the merchandise that was allegedly stolen. It is extremely important for someone accused of shoplifting in New Jersey to retain the services of an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer.

If you have been accused of shoplifting, the skilled New Jersey shoplifting defense lawyers of Lependorf & Silverstein can help. Call us at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case. We aggressively defend all our clients and ensure that their legal rights are always protected.

A 24-year-old man faces drug charges after being pulled over for talking on a cell phone while driving. A February 9, 2011 report by The Independent Press states that the arrest occurred on Short Hills Avenue in Millburn. Police allegedly found more than 50 grams of marijuana in the vehicle after pulling him over for driving while using his phone. He faces New Jersey possession with intent to distribute charges, in addition to a failure to wear a seat belt and a cell phone violation. It is not clear from the report how the officers seized the drugs, if the drugs were in plain sight, or if the driver agreed to a search of his vehicle.

Possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana in New Jersey is a felony that could result in up to18 months in prison. Possession with intent to distribute of over one ounce and less than five pounds of marijuana could result in five years of incarceration.

All drug crime charges in New Jersey are serious because they have the potential for lengthy prison sentences and hefty penalties. A skilled attorney will carefully review all the specifics of the arrest to determine if the defendant’s rights were violated in any way. Additionally, an attorney may seek to have the charges lessened or thrown out.

There are few sentencing options available for defendant’s facing felony charges in New Jersey. The experienced Princeton marijuana defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have successfully defended those accused of marijuana possession in New Jersey. Our attorneys have thorough knowledge of state and federal laws involving marijuana. If you have been accused of marijuana possession in New Jersey, please contact our office at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case.

Criminal mischief is a broad term that covers many types of activities considered to be dangerous and reckless. The severity of the mischief charges are directly related to the value of the property damaged, the location where the alleged criminal act took place, and the criminal history of the defendant. Anyone facing these serious charges in New Jersey would be well-advised to speak to a skilled Princeton criminal defense attorney to explore their options.

New Jersey Statute 2C:17-3 states that an individual is guilty of criminal mischief if they "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." The degree of the charges often depends on the amount of damage caused. Criminal mischief is a third degree crime, for example, if the defendant knowingly caused $2,000 worth of damage or more. It is a fourth degree crime if the monetary loss is more than $500 but less than $2,000.

Every case is different, but it is common for a defense attorney to focus on the intent of the alleged criminal activity. Serious criminal mischief charges require the prosecution to prove that the defendant intended to commit the crime. This means that accidental damage should not result in a conviction. Did the defendant intend to cause damage, knowingly frighten others or purposely remove property that is meant to regulate the safety of others? If not, the charges should be lessened or dismissed.

The New Jersey criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a reputation for successfully handling all types of criminal mischief cases. Let us review your case at no cost. Please call us at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help.

There are many types of actions that could result in an allegation of disorderly conduct. In New Jersey, disorderly conduct is a petty offense that could result in up to 30 days in a county jail. In general, disorderly conduct charges are not defined as a crime, but they will be included on your criminal record. Disorderly conduct charges typically remain on a person’s criminal record for at least five years. So, in New Jersey, it may leave a blemish on your record for several years.

Disorderly conduct charges, under New Jersey Statute 2C:33-2, are separated into two subsections: improper behavior and offensive language. With proper representation, it is common for offensive language charges to be dismissed in court. It is not in the best interest of the defendant, however, to assume that the charges will not result in a serious penalty. Any and all disorderly conduct charges should be taken seriously and discussed with a skilled criminal defense attorney in New Jersey.

Disorderly conduct charges stemming from offensive language are typically reserved for the most offensive language. The court must determine if an average person would be offended by your words. A skilled criminal defense attorney should be able to have these charges dismissed in court. But failure to obtain proper representation could result in a fine up to $500 and even possible jail time for the defendant.

The Princeton criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein serve all of New Jersey. If you are facing disorderly conduct charges, please call our office at 609-240-0040 to get more information about your options. Having a conviction on your criminal record could adversely affect your ability to get a job or maintain a career. Call us today to find out how we can help.

Two men face multiple drug charges in East Greenwich Township after police found over a pound of marijuana and $7,500 in cash in their vehicles. According to The Gloucester County Times, the arrest was made at a truck stop in East Greenwich Township. Police believe they witnessed a drug deal taking place. The officers obtained permission from one of the men to search his vehicle, where they found over a pound of marijuana. They searched the other car after obtaining a warrant and found the cash. Both men face several charges including possession of a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia possession and distribution of a controlled substance.

The severity of a New Jersey marijuana possession charge is directly connected to the defendant's criminal history and the amount of drugs found. New Jersey Statute 2C:35-5 states that marijuana in a quantity of one ounce or more but less than five pounds is a crime of the third degree, which could result in a fine up to $25,000.

It is in the best interest of anyone facing drug charges to contact a skilled New Jersey drug crime attorney. Did the police actually observe an exchange of illegal goods? Did the police properly obtain permission to search the suspect and his vehicle? If the defendant’s rights were violated in any way, the charges could be thrown out with the help of a skilled attorney.

The New Jersey marijuana defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein fight for their clients’ legal rights. We also have an excellent track record of obtaining alternative sentencing for those accused of a wide range of drug offenses. If you have been charged with a drug crime in New Jersey, please call 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help.

A woman has been arrested for leaving her 1-year-old child in her car when she went into a Walmart store in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the incident took place in Hanover Township. The woman left her child asleep in her vehicle while she went into the store to buy a bandage for her child’s arm. Police saw the sleeping infant inside the vehicle with the doors unlocked and the engine running. The article does not specify how long the infant may have been left alone.

New Jersey Criminal Code 2C:24-4 states: "Any person having a legal duty for the care of a child or who has assumed responsibility for the care of a child who engages in sexual conduct which would impair or debauch the morals of the child, or who causes the child harm that would make the child an abused or neglected child," is guilty of a crime.

Child endangerment charges may result from the abuse or neglect of a child or any act that puts a child in harm's way. These laws are meant to protect the welfare of New Jersey children. Unfortunately, it is common for these types of charges to stem from false allegations or misunderstanding. If you believe that you are wrongfully facing child endangerment charges, please call a skilled New Jersey defense attorney right away.

The reputed criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf Silverstein protect the rights of parents throughout New Jersey. If you are facing child endangerment charges, call our offices at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at no cost.

A man from East Orange has been arrested for weapons offenses after allegedly trying to enter a Newark welfare office with multiple weapons. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the 40-year-old man was arrested after officials say he entered the welfare office to request food stamps. Police allegedly found on his person a handgun, switchblade and brass knuckles. The man is being held in an Essex County jail on three weapons possession charges. It is not clear if the man realized that having these weapons was illegal on the premises because he apparently allowed his backpack to be x-rayed.

Under New Jersey Statute 2C:58-5, all gun owners must have a permit for their firearms. A firearm, even if a permit covers it, must be unloaded while it is being transported. A person who knowingly has a loaded weapon is guilty of a third degree crime. Additionally, "any person who knowingly has in his possession any other weapon under circumstances not manifestly appropriate for such lawful uses as it may have is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree."

Even gun owners who have a permit must be careful about how or where they carry their weapon. Having a loaded weapon on government property, for example, could lead to serious criminal penalties. A skilled Princeton weapons violation attorney will review the circumstances surrounding an arrest and the reasoning behind why the defendant had the weapons before building a defense.

The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein fight for our clients’ right to bear arms. We understand the many complicated weapon laws in New Jersey and we have a proven track record of having charges reduced or cases thrown out. Call us today at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case.

Harassment charges commonly result from a misunderstanding or an ulterior motive. Unfortunately for the defendant, being charged with harassment can have serious professional and social ramifications. Additionally, New Jersey harassment charges may lead to 30 days in jail and heavy fines. Fighting these allegations can be a complicated progress.

There are a number of inappropriate actions that may result in a harassment allegation. According to New Jersey statute 2C:33-4, a person is guilty of harassment if he or she:

• Makes, or causes to be made, a communication or communications anonymously or at extremely inconvenient hours, or in offensively coarse language, or any other manner likely to cause annoyance or alarm
• Subjects another to striking, kicking, shoving, or other offensive touching, or threatens to do so; or
• Engages in any other course of alarming conduct or of repeatedly committed acts with purpose to alarm or seriously annoy such other person.

Being charged with harassment may have a negative impact on the defendant’s professional and social life. Employers who see a harassment conviction on an applicant’s criminal record may choose not to hire the individual. It is crucial to fight any and all wrongful harassment allegations with the assistance of a skilled criminal defense attorney.

The Princeton criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein carefully take the circumstances of each case into consideration before building a defense. If you have been charged with harassment in New Jersey, please call our office at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation. We will remain on your side, fight for your rights and make sure you obtain the best possible outcome in your case.

Resisting arrest and eluding law enforcement are serious offenses that are often wrongfully charged. When someone is not aware that the police are searching for them, they should not be charged with eluding an officer. Additionally, when a police officer is acting outside the law during the arrest, the victim should not be charged with resisting arrest. It is important for anyone facing these serious allegations to speak to a skilled Princeton criminal defense attorney to discuss their legal rights and options.

Under new Jersey Statute 2C:29-2: "A person is guilty of a disorderly persons offense if he purposely prevents or attempts to prevent a law enforcement officer from effecting an arrest." Someone may also be charged with violating 2C:29-2 if he or she "uses or threatens to use physical force or violence against the law enforcement officer or another" or "uses any other means to create a substantial risk of causing physical injury to the public servant or another."

A court must take into account the circumstances of the arrest before convicting someone of violating New Jersey statute 2C:29-2. When someone fears for their life or believes that the police officer is acting illegally, a resisting arrest charge should be thrown out. Additionally, the defendant must have reasonably known that they were being pursued before being charged with eluding an officer. A skilled New Jersey defense lawyer will consider all aspects of a case when building a defense.

The New Jersey criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein understand that mistakes can be made by the authorities as well as by citizens. We strive to ensure that our clients' legal rights are protected. If you have been charged with evading or resisting arrest in New Jersey, please call our office at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at no cost.

Drug offenses in New Jersey can result in serious jail time and heavy penalties. Courts may offer drug offenders opportunities to pursue help for their addiction instead of serving a full jail sentence. The point of alternative sentencing is to provide the alleged offender an opportunity to break the cycle of drug use and incarceration and help get them on the road to recovery. Anyone facing drug charges in New Jersey would be well-advised to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss the legal options available.

First-time drug offenders facing disorderly persons offenses may be offered a conditional discharge under New Jersey statute 2C:36A-1. Anyone facing first-time possession of marijuana or drug paraphernalia charges may plead guilty and accept supervisory treatment to avoid a jail sentence. Individuals accepting a conditional discharge may have to enroll in a drug treatment program and periodic drug tests. In some cases, a skilled attorney may even be able to get the defendant into a pre-trial intervention that will help them avoid jail time by entering a treatment program.

Drug court programs are also available to some drug offenders in certain New Jersey counties. These programs exist to help drug addicts who have already failed the other rehabilitation programs available to them. These programs could last up to five years. Offenders accepting this alternative sentencing will have to attend treatment sessions, agree to random drug testing, and regularly report to a drug court judge.

Drug crimes in New Jersey are usually punished with jail time. A drug crime conviction can be devastating for a person's career and future. It can affect an individual's ability to earn a livelihood. If you or a loved one is facing drug charges, please contact the experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyers of Lependorf & Silverstein at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation.

A 26-year-old man has been charged with invasion of privacy after allegedly concealing a camera in a women’s bathroom. According to a news report on NorthJersey.com, the incident occurred at the A&P Supermarket on Valley Road in Montclair. The camera was discovered by a worker on Tuesday, January 18. Police believe that the man installed a hidden camera above a toilet in the women’s room. It is unclear from the report how the police found the camera or how they determined the man was responsible for its installation.

Under New Jersey statute 2C:14-9: "An actor commits a crime of the fourth degree if, knowing that he is not licensed or privileged to do so, and under circumstances in which a reasonable person would know that another may expose intimate parts or may engage in sexual penetration or sexual contact, he observes another person without that person's consent and under circumstances in which a reasonable person would not expect to be observed."

An invasion of privacy conviction can be harmful to a person's reputation. Such an allegation, even if it does not result in a conviction, can tarnish your reputation. If you have been charged with invasion of privacy, it is important to contact a skilled Princeton criminal defense attorney who will carefully review the circumstances of a case to determine if the charges may be reduced or thrown out completely.

The criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a successful track record of protecting the rights of New Jersey residents. If you have been accused of invasion of privacy, please call our office at 609-240-0040 right away to discuss your case and examine your legal options.

A 34-year-old New Jersey man has been arrested for marijuana possession following a vehicle stop for failure to wear a seatbelt. According to NJ.com, the marijuana arrest occurred at Somerset Street and Veterans Memorial Highway in Raritan on January 14. After being pulled over for not wearing his seatbelt, the Bridgewater native was charged with possession of marijuana. It is unclear from the report how the police determined that the man had marijuana or if proper search and seizure procedures were followed.

The severity of the penalties for marijuana possession depends on the criminal history of the defendant and the amount of drugs found by the police. As a general rule, if the amount of drugs found is greater than one person can reasonably use, a possession charge may turn into a possession with intent to sell.

The penalties for marijuana possession in New Jersey increase if more than 50 grams of the drug is found. Possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana amounts to a disorderly persons offense that may result in a driver’s license suspension. Possessing over 50 grams of marijuana amounts to a fourth-degree offense, which could result in 18 months in jail and a fine of up to $25,000. In either case, the extent of the penalties could depend on the quality of legal representation the defendant has in court. A skilled New Jersey marijuana offense attorney can help reduce the charges being held against you or in some cases, have the case thrown out completely.

The reputed criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein understand New Jersey marijuana laws. If you or a loved one is facing marijuana-related charges in New Jersey, please call 609-240-0040 today to begin building your defense.

A teenager was arrested in Washington Township for allegedly setting off a smoke bomb. According to The Gloucester County Times, the incident occurred in Washington Township on December 17. The teenager was arrested nearly three weeks after the incident for allegedly triggering the device, which reportedly disturbed up to 300 people at the ice rink. On January 13, the youth was charged with a juvenile petition for recklessly creating a risk of widespread injury. It is not specified how the police determined the teenager was responsible for setting off the smoke bomb or if anyone was injured.

New Jersey statute 2C:17-2 states: "A person who, purposely or knowingly, unlawfully causes an explosion, flood, avalanche, collapse of a building, release or abandonment of poison gas, radioactive material or any other harmful or destructive substance commits a crime of the second degree. A person who, purposely or knowingly, unlawfully causes widespread injury or damage in any manner commits a crime of the second degree." The severity of the penalties depends on the damage caused in the incident and the intent of the criminal act.

Juveniles often do not realize the extent of the damages they can cause with what they intend to be a simple prank. It is important that juveniles who make a mistake are not tried in court like a criminal. A skilled Princeton juvenile defense attorney will ensure that the young person's rights are protected and that he or she gets help.

The skilled juvenile crime attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein represent the youth of New Jersey. We work with prosecutors to make sure that the future of the juvenile is taken into consideration in each and every case. If your child has been accused of a crime in New Jersey, please call our law offices 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help you.

Having a New Jersey criminal record as a juvenile can negatively affect your child’s future. Fortunately for New Jersey minors, there are opportunities to clear youthful indiscretions from a criminal record. A skilled New Jersey juvenile criminal defense attorney can request a judge to seal a youth’s criminal record. Once the youth has served their time and shown remorse for their actions, the court may grant an order to remove any convictions from that person’s record.

Once a juvenile’s criminal record is sealed, the public will not be able to view it, and it is as if the crime never happened. Companies that perform background checks cannot view sealed records, so the youth should be able to successfully seek and obtain gainful employment as well. To have a sealed record completely thrown out, the youth must participate in community service, counseling, or other forms of alternative sentencing. Sometimes, it may even be necessary to serve out time in a juvenile detention facility.

There are certain exceptions where a juvenile’s convictions may not be erased. An example of such a situation is when a youth is tried as an adult. This usually happens when the crimes in question are extremely serious, such as rape or homicide. Additionally, repeat offenders may have fewer options than first-time offenders. An experienced juvenile crime defense lawyer can help ensure that the youth is treated fairly and provided an opportunity to right their wrongs without jeopardizing their future.

Contact a Princeton juvenile crime defense lawyer at Lependorf & Silverstein if your child has been convicted of a crime as a juvenile. Our law firm has a proven track record of protecting the rights of young people in New Jersey. Please contact our law offices to find out how we can help clear your child’s criminal record. Call us at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

You may think that being charged with a marijuana offense in New Jersey is not a serious issue. The truth is, even minor charges, such as marijuana possession for personal use, can result in prison time and fines. If you are facing marijuana charges, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced marijuana defense lawyer to better understand your legal rights and options.

The severity of the penalties for a marijuana charge is related to the amount of marijuana found and the criminal history of the defendant. If police seize less than 50 grams of marijuana, the defendant may face a disorderly persons offense, which may result in up to six months in county jail. Having more than 50 grams but less than one ounce may result in a fourth degree offense punishable by up to 18 months in jail. Possession of up to five pounds of marijuana could result in up to five years in prison. Possession of up to 25 pounds of marijuana could result in 10 years in prison and any more than that could result in 20 years in prison.

Jail time is not the only penalty a marijuana offender will face. Anyone charged with a marijuana charge may face heavy fines, participation in mandatory treatment programs and the stigma of being a drug user. This type of label could affect someone socially and professionally.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a marijuana crime in New Jersey, please contact the experienced Princeton marijuana defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein at 609-240-0040. We have a successful track record of defending marijuana-related charges. Call us today to find out how we can help you.

Shoplifting charges in New Jersey can easily result from a simple mistake or misunderstanding. Accidently walking out of a store without paying for an item is not technically a crime, but it is often viewed as one. If you are facing shoplifting charges in New Jersey, is it important to fight back with a skilled criminal defense lawyer who understands your rights and will listen to your side of the story.

The following acts are considered shoplifting under New Jersey Statute 2C:20-11:

• Purposefully removing an item from a store without paying
• Purposefully altering the price of an item
• Purposefully transferring an item to remove its value

The similarity between all of these forms of shoplifting is the deliberate intent of a person to take property that does not belong to them.

It is common for someone to be wrongfully charged with shoplifting if they accidentally leave a store without paying for an item. Having a product inadvertently put in a bag or leaving the store without realizing you have an item that is not paid for does not constitute shoplifting. Additionally, to be charged with shoplifting you must have entered the store with the intention of committing a crime.

If you are facing shoplifting charges in New Jersey, the Princeton criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein are here to help. We fight for our clients to receive a fair trial, and, whenever possible, we will have the charges lessened or dismissed. Call us at 609-240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.