New Jersey Criminal Defense Blog

A 38-year-old man has been charged with shoplifting after a worker allegedly saw him leave the store with baby food he did not pay for. According to The Jersey Journal, the shoplifting arrest occurred in a Stop & Shop store on Lefante Way in Bayonne. Officials say the man left the store with cans of baby formula in a bag. Police found a total of nearly $270 worth of baby food both in the bag and in his vehicle.

New Jersey handles shoplifting crimes differently than most states. Convicted shoplifters not only face community service, fines and possible jail time, but they also may be forced to return the monetary losses to the store. These losses may include costs incurred by the alleged victim. If it is proven in court that someone intentionally left a store without paying for an item, the defendant may have to pay for all of the victims' losses in addition to other court-ordered restitution and fines.

In New Jersey, the severity of the penalties defendants may face for shoplifting is directly related to the value of items taken and the criminal history of the defendant. Stolen items that are valued over $200 but under $500 may be considered a fourth degree offense, which could be punishable by up to 18 months in jail.

If you or a loved one has been accused of shoplifting in New Jersey, please understand that the consequences you face can be serious. The reputed Princeton theft crime defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have had a successful track record representing those who have been charged with shoplifting in New Jersey. Call us today at 609-240-0040 for a comprehensive case analysis.

There are many different degrees of arson charges in New Jersey. New Jersey Statute 2C:17-1 says an individual is guilty of second degree arson if the person causes a fire that deliberately places "another person in danger of death or bodily injury." A third degree charge may be filed if a person who "recklessly" placed another person in danger caused the fire; and a fourth degree arson charge may result from the failure to control or report a dangerous fire. You may face these serious charges even if the fire you cause is on your own property.

Police may suspect arson if a person stands to profit from the fire. If, for example, someone with fire insurance intentionally causes a fire, he or she may be subject to both arson and insurance fraud. Even unintentional fire accidents may result in arson charges if the police are given reason to believe the defendant caused the fire.

The severity of an arson charge in New Jersey will depend on what investigators believe your intentions were at the time. If there is reason to believe that a fire was started with the intention of causing serious damage or injury, the most severe penalties may be enforced. However, an accident should be not misconstrued as intentional. In cases where juveniles are accused of arson, a lot is at stake. A juvenile convicted of arson could face jail time and severe fines. If an act of arson results in death, New Jersey murder charges could also be filed.

The skilled Princeton criminal defense attorneys of Lependorf & Silverstein defend the rights of New Jersey residents. If you or a loved one faces these serious allegations, please call our office at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation. We will remain on your side, fight for your rights and work diligently to obtain the best possible outcome for your case.

A 13-year-old girl has been arrested in Jersey City after a witness identified her as a passenger in a stolen SUV. According to a news report in The Jersey Journal, the arrest occurred after a car accident on Secamus Road in Jersey City. Police arrested the arrested the 13-year-old girl on Kennedy Boulevard in North Bergen. Authorities have charged the teenager with receiving stolen property. It appears that the arrest was made based on witness descriptions of the male who was driving, the vehicle, and the teen passenger.

New Jersey Statute 2C:20-7 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 is probably stolen." In other words, in order to be convicted of burglary in New Jersey, a person must be aware that an item was stolen. Where there is no intent or knowledge of the burglary or theft, a defendant may not be convicted of burglary, theft or receiving stolen property.

Parents of juveniles who have been charged with a serious offense may be convinced that they will not be harshly penalized because of their age. This is not necessarily the case. Failing to secure a quality New Jersey criminal defense lawyer in a juvenile crime case can result in unnecessary and unfair punishment. Your child's future is at stake here.

If your child has been accused of a crime in New Jersey, please contact the experienced Princeton juvenile crime defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein to examine your legal rights and options. Contact our offices at 609-240-0040 today to find out how we can help protect your child's future.

If you have been charged with a drug offense in New Jersey, it would be in your best interest to have an experienced drug crime defense lawyer on your side, especially if that attorney has a sound knowledge of alternative sentencing options. In New Jersey, first- time offenders may be able to have their drug charges reduced by negotiating a deal with the prosecution. By accepting responsibility for your actions and agreeing to get help, you may be able to avoid jail time because very often, jail is not the answer to an addiction or substance abuse problem.

One form of alternative sentencing involves drug treatment programs. Drug treatment programs are rehabilitative programs that are tailored to treating addiction and substance abuse. Depending on the terms of the plea deal, a defendant may be able to opt for a program that best suits his or her needs and availability. Some programs require the individual to stay in a specific place such as a group home or halfway house while others may allow a person to attend scheduled meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous. The severity of the charges the defendant faces and his or her prior criminal record could determine what type of drug treatment program he or she may attend.

New Jersey Statute 2C:43-12 allows first-time offenders to avoid jail time by attending one of these programs. This option allows a defendant to work directly with a county probation department to avoid serious penalties and get help for their addiction. This type of alternative sentencing is rarely offered to repeat offenders. This is because repeat offenders in New Jersey typically face more severe penalties. This is why all charges, even minor ones, must be taken seriously and fought aggressively.

The dedicated New Jersey drug crime defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein understand the many legal options available to New Jersey defendants. Let us review your case and help you understand your alternative sentencing options. If you or a loved one has been charged with a drug crime, please contact us at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help you.

In New Jersey, juveniles convicted of certain crimes or offenses may be able to get a fresh start by filing a petition in court requesting that their Princeton juvenile crime defense lawyer or sealed. This is a process, which allows offenders to tell prospective employers, landlords, licensing agencies or universities that they have a clean record and have never been arrested or convicted. However, this does not erase all consequences of a juvenile court conviction.

What are the advantages of sealing your juvenile record? If the court approves your petition to seal it, the court then treats the juvenile court proceedings as if they never happened. This means your juvenile court history will not show up if someone, perhaps a prospective employer, does a background check on you. Therefore, sealing your juvenile records can have significant advantages when you are applying for a job, professional license, college admission, or any other situation which might involve inquiries about your criminal history.

The types of records which may be eligible for sealing depend on the age of the juvenile, the nature of the offense committed and subsequent arrests or convictions. The process involves the former offender filing a petition with the juvenile court. Most jurisdictions require payment of a fee to file the petition. There are some circumstances under which the sealed records will remain accessible. An example is when you apply for a job in law enforcement. Also, if you are convicted of another offense in the future, the juvenile record, although sealed, may be taken into consideration and could even determine the severity of the sentence that is handed down.

If your child has been accused of a crime in New Jersey, or, if you would like to get your juvenile record sealed, please contact an experienced Princeton juvenile crime defense lawyer with Lependorf & Silverstein for a free and comprehensive consultation. Our skilled criminal defense lawyers work tirelessly to obtain the best possible outcome for our clients. Call us today at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help.

A member of the Bridgeton Police Department in New Jersey has been arrested for allegedly stalking and harassing after an incident with a woman who had a restraining order against him. According to The News Of Cumberland County, the officer faces a fourth-degree stalking charge and one charge of harassment, which is a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey. A Cumberland County prosecutor has confirmed that the officer has been suspended from the police department.

Under New Jersey Statute 2C:12-10, stalking involves “repeatedly maintaining a visual or physical proximity to a person,” and “following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating to or about, a person.” Stalking charges may result from a victim feeling emotional distress and mental anguish because of the actions of the defendant. A fourth-degree stalking charge is when a person “knowingly engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety.”

These types of allegations can have social and professional consequences for those facing the charges – regardless of whether they result in a conviction. It is important to fight any false allegations with a skilled Princeton criminal defense attorney who has experience handling similar cases. Simply being charged with a disorderly conduct offense such as stalking or harassment can have devastating consequences, especially for a person who is employed in law enforcement or a position of eminence or authority. That is why it is critical to fight these types of charges promptly, efficiently, and aggressively.

The criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein protect the rights of those charged with disorderly persons offenses in New Jersey, as well as other crimes. If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, please contact our offices at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case and examine your legal options.

Four students at a New Jersey high school are facing disorderly conduct charges after allegedly committing a practical joke. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the incident occurred at Woodbridge High School when the four students released chickens on campus as part of a senior prank. In addition to being suspended, the four high school students also face charges of disorderly conduct and trespassing. Many readers who have commented on the newspaper’s website have stated their concern that these young people are facing excessive and unnecessary charges for a “harmless prank.”

Improper conduct can result in disorderly conduct charges. Under New Jersey statute 2C:33-2(a), disorderly conduct includes causing a “public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm.” This incident shows how a harmless prank or error in judgment can adversely affect a young person’s future.

Many juvenile charges in New Jersey result from harmless activities and poor choices. In such cases, serious charges and penalties may not be warranted. Without proper legal representation, however, a young defendant might face stiff, unnecessary penalties.

If your child has been charged with a disorderly persons offense or any other crime in New Jersey, the Princeton juvenile crime defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein are here to help. We have extensive knowledge of New Jersey juvenile law and understand that juvenile cases must be handled with a unique sensitivity and approach. We help our clients and their families understand the charges they face. In many cases, we can work with the authorities to have the charges reduced or dismissed. Call our law offices at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at no-cost.

Everyone has a right to privacy afforded by the Constitution. The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”

Police do not automatically have the right to search your vehicle after pulling you over. The Fourth Amendment does protect individuals from “unreasonable” searches and seizures by both state and federal law enforcement authorities. On the other hand, the Fourth Amendment does allow law enforcement officials to conduct searches that are “reasonable.” Officials can conduct a search if they have a court-issued search warrant or have probable cause to believe that a crime was committed.

Judges who deal with the question of whether a lawful search was conducted consider two important questions. Did the defendant have the expectation of privacy under the circumstances? Is that expectation reasonable, or is it one recognized by society as reasonable? If a judge determines that a search and seizure was conducted illegally or that it violated the defendant's constitutional rights, the evidence and the case can be thrown out.

If you have been charged with a crime and believe that your Fourth Amendment rights were violated, please contact the Princeton criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein for a free consultation. We will carefully review all the details surrounding your case and ensure that your rights are protected. Call us today at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help.

Underage drinking is a criminal charge in New Jersey that can have serious consequences. It is a misdemeanor for individuals under the age of 21 to knowingly possess or consume alcohol. If an underage person is determined to have been driving under the influence, the consequences can be even more severe. Anyone with a family member facing New Jersey underage DUI charges would be well advised to speak to an experienced Princeton criminal defense lawyer to discuss their options.

Drivers under the age of 21 may face severe penalties if they operate a vehicle with any alcohol in their blood at all. Penalties include a driver’s license suspension, up to 30 days of community service, and mandatory alcohol education classes. If the driver is over the age of 18, the penalties may include a fine of up to $1,000, a seven-month license suspension, and jail time. These charges may be added on to the underage drinking charges. Additionally, drivers charged with DWI may face a significant increase in their current and future auto insurance rates.

Depending upon the circumstances of the case, the criminal history of the defendant and the amount of alcohol consumed, an experienced Princeton DWI attorney may be able to have charges reduced or thrown out. Alternative sentencing options may also be available to defendants. Having an underage drinking charge on your record could also prove detrimental to future employment or educational opportunities.

If you or a loved one is facing underage drinking charges, please contact the experienced Princeton criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein. We have a proven track record of protecting the rights of young drivers in New Jersey. You can reach us directly at 609-240-0040 for a no-cost consultation and case evaluation.

A 24-year-old woman has been charged with attempting to rob a pizza deliveryman. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the incident took place near Market and Jefferson streets in Palmyra. Police believe the woman attempted to grab the deliveryman’s money while he tried to give her change. The authorities tracked down her location by using her cell phone records. She is currently being held in county jail on $35,000 bail.

Robbery charges are typically more serious than other theft crimes because of the physical presence of a victim. In New Jersey robbery cases, there is almost always the infliction of bodily injury or the threat of injury. Someone does not, however, have to cause or threaten violence to be charged with robbery. Under New Jersey statute 2C:15-1, robbery charges can also stem from an attempt to commit theft followed by an "immediate flight after the attempt." This means that robbery charges may be filed if police suspect that the defendant attempted to rob the victim and then ran away when the attempt failed.

Anyone facing such serious charges would be well advised to speak to an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney. Having quality legal representation can make the difference between facing harsh penalties, such as incarceration, and getting your charges dismissed or reduced. The knowledgeable criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein handle all types of robbery and theft charges in New Jersey. If you or a loved one faces these serious allegations, please call 609-240-0040 right away for a free consultation.

An individual who is facing shoplifting charges in New Jersey may feel embarrassed and worried about the adverse impact a criminal charge may have on his or her future. Although they may not seem serious, it is important to take all shoplifting charges seriously and to fight back with a skilled criminal defense lawyer.

There are many acts under New Jersey Statute 2C:20-11, which could lead to shoplifting charges. It is illegal to deliberately take possession of an item without paying the merchant. The act of concealing an item, removing an item's price tag, changing a product's container, or entering a store with the intention of committing shoplifting – can all lead to New Jersey shoplifting charges. The severity of the charges stemming from a shoplifting arrest depends on the value of the stolen items and the criminal history of the defendant.

To obtain a conviction in a shoplifting case, the prosecutor must prove that the defendant knowingly and purposely committed the crime. For example, if a person inadvertently walked out with an item, then he or she cannot be charged with shoplifting. A knowledgeable attorney can work to have the charges and penalties reduced or thrown out. In many cases, simply repaying the value of the item can result in the charges being significantly reduced or dismissed.

The Princeton shoplifting defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein aggressively defend all criminal charges on behalf of our clients. Bringing a skilled criminal defense lawyer early on in the process could greatly increase your chances of having the penalties reduced. Call our offices at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at absolutely no cost.

Every year the Hoboken St. Patrick’s Parade is marred by high crime rates, increased police activity, and public intoxication. The Jersey Journal reports that police made 34 arrests and issued 296 citations during this year's parade. This is actually a drop from the 555 citations handed out at the Hoboken parade last year. Many of the alcohol-related arrests and citations this year reportedly included simple assault, domestic violence, and unruly house parties.

A seemingly minor disorderly persons offense in New Jersey can result in serious penalties. Many alleged offenders take disorderly persons offenses lightly and fail to fight the charges. This can be a huge mistake. New Jersey disorderly persons offenses can still result in jail time, fines, and other penalties. A conviction can also go on your permanent record.

One example of a common charge resulting from an arrest made during a holiday or celebration is public intoxication. In New Jersey, a public intoxication charge could result in a fine of up to $1,250 and up to 90 days in jail. Assuming that you will not face jail time because you are a first time offender is a serious mistake. All charges should be discussed with an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney.

The criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein carefully examine every case to help our clients determine their best course of action. If you have been charged with a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey, please contact us at 609-240-0040 for a free, comprehensive, and completely confidential consultation.

A 27-year-old man was arrested after officials say he stole underwear from a dryer in a Laundromat in Mount Olive, New Jersey. According to a news report in The Star Ledger, the alleged theft occurred near Route 46 in Mount Olive. Police believe the man placed a woman’s underwear in his bag. He was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.

Many first-time offenders facing New Jersey disorderly conduct charges may face light penalties. It is a mistake, however, to assume that such a charge will not have serious consequences. Without proper representation, defendants may face the most severe penalties possible for their alleged acts. In New Jersey, a disorderly conduct charge may result in a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail.

A skilled New Jersey criminal defense attorney can typically have the penalties stemming from a disorderly conduct charge reduced. By getting involved early on in the process, an attorney may even negotiate a deal with the prosecution to have the charges thrown out if the defendant agrees to a lesser penalty such as community service. Keeping an offense off a record is an important step to protect your future. This option is not always available, but anyone charged with a crime in New Jersey would be well advised to speak to a knowledgeable lawyer regarding their legal options.

The criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein provide free consultations to anyone facing disorderly conduct charges in New Jersey. You can reach us directly at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at no cost.

A criminal act against a current or former spouse, a current or former household member, or a current or past significant other is considered an act of domestic violence. In New Jersey, acts of domestic violence include harassment, threatening, striking, assaulting, and kidnapping. Police officers must act if they suspect an act of domestic violence has occurred or if someone has been injured. There are many serious consequences for domestic violence in New Jersey. Anyone facing these life-changing allegations would be well-advised to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney right away.

One common result of a domestic violence allegation in New Jersey is a restraining order. A restraining order will legally keep someone away from the alleged victims. Under New Jersey Statute 2C:25-34, a central registry will keep the names of anyone who has been issued a New Jersey domestic violence restraining order.

Since domestic violence covers such a wide range of criminal offenses, the severity of the charges can vary. In cases involving serious injuries resulting from acts of violence, the penalties may be severe. Convicted offenders of domestic violence in New Jersey could face serious penalties, including a lengthy prison sentence.

Many claims of domestic violence result from wrongful allegations and ulterior motives. It is important to fight these types of allegations with an experienced domestic violence defense attorney. The Princeton domestic violence defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein carefully review the circumstances of each case in order to build a strong case on our clients’ behalf. If you are facing allegations of domestic violence in New Jersey, please contact our office at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at no-cost.

A disorderly persons charge is an offense and not a crime in New Jersey. It is a category of offense that typically involves something relatively minor, such as a petty theft or a drug possession charge. While an indictable charge could result in a full trial by jury, a disorderly persons charge will most likely result in a trial in front of a municipal court judge. A disorderly persons charge should not, however, be taken lightly. All charges should be faced with the assistance of a skilled Princeton criminal defense attorney.

There are many potential acts that may result in a disorderly persons charge in New Jersey. Public drunkenness, disturbing the peace, and loitering are all forms of disorderly person charges. Potentially more serious charges include fighting and marijuana possession.

Even though an offense is considered less serious than a crime, the resulting penalties can still be quite serious. In some cases, a municipal court judge could charge an offender with a fine of up to $1,000 and a jail sentence of up to six months. While a disorderly persons charge will not result in a loss of the right to vote, it could result in the loss of one’s driving privilege.

The skilled lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein help defendants facing disorderly persons allegations in New Jersey have their charges reduced or dismissed. To begin building your defense, please call us at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation today.

Two teenage boys, ages 14 and 16, were arrested recently for conspiracy to commit burglary after they were seen in an elementary school. According to an article in The Warren Reporter, the incident took place at the Blairstown Elementary School in Blairstown, NJ. Police found the two juveniles hiding nearby on private property and discovered the boys’ property inside the school containing marijuana. The many charges the young boys face include burglary, mischief, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

Under New Jersey law, burglary is committed when someone enters a building with the intent to steal. Police do not need much evidence to arrest someone for burglary. Examples of suspicion of burglary include entering a store without any money or possessing burglary tools. Often, young people who are arrested on suspicion of burglary are just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Mistakes can be made and juveniles often do not understand the legal ramifications of their actions. Teenagers facing serious New Jersey juvenile crime charges need immediate help.

The Princeton juvenile crime defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein routinely help young clients have the charges against them lessened, dropped and kept off their permanent record. We work diligently to protect the future of these young people who deserve a second chance. If your child is facing criminal charges in New Jersey, call us today at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help.

A 29-year-old man has been arrested after receiving a home delivery of marijuana. The Star-Ledger states the arrest took place on Freeman Street in Newark, NJ. Police report that the man received about 19 pounds of marijuana in the mail and during the arrest they found an addition seven pounds in his apartment. The total street value of the drugs was estimated at $80,000.

The severity of the penalties someone in possession of marijuana in New Jersey may face depends upon the amount of marijuana found and whether or not the suspect intended to sell the drug. Possessing over 50 grams of marijuana in New Jersey is a felony that could result in 18 months in prison. These charges become much more severe if the police believe the suspect intended to sell the drugs. Having over 25 pounds of marijuana with intent to sell could result in up to 20 years in prison.

Anyone facing serious marijuana charges in New Jersey would be well advised to seek legal representation before speaking with the authorities. Making a mistake and saying the wrong thing could greatly reduce the chances of successfully fighting the serious accusations.

The New Jersey marijuana defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have an excellent track record of protecting the rights of those charged with possessing marijuana. If you or a loved one is facing marijuana possession charges in New Jersey, call 609-240-0040 today to discuss your case at no-cost.

Apart from something horrible happening to your child, it is a parent’s worst nightmare to hear that their child has been arrested. It is crucial that parents in these situations speak to a skilled juvenile crime defense attorney immediately to ensure that their child’s rights are protected. Juvenile crime cases in New Jersey are often a lot more complex and are handled much differently than cases in the adult criminal justice system.

An experienced lawyer will work directly with the probation officer and district attorney assigned to your child’s case to attempt to stop the legal proceedings before a petition is filed. In some cases, an agreement to monitor the child can result in the case being thrown out before a petition is even filed. Depending on the circumstances surrounding a child’s arrest, it may be possible to keep your child’s record clear by avoiding a trial altogether.

If the case goes to court, a knowledgeable attorney will review the circumstances of the arrest, the prior criminal history of the child, and the behavior of the arresting officers to begin building a strong defense. Failure to secure proper representation could result in unnecessarily harsh penalties that could put your child’s future in jeopardy.

The Princeton juvenile criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein help protect the rights of New Jersey families. If your child has been accused of a crime in New Jersey, please contact our lawyers at 609-240-0040 for a free and confidential consultation. We will carefully examine the facts of the case and make sure that your child gets the help they need.

It is illegal to expose yourself in public in the state of New Jersey. There are nuances to this law and it is important to understand exactly what the law defines as lewd behavior or lewd conduct. Anyone facing serious disorderly person offenses because of alleged lewd behavior would be well-advised to speak to a skilled attorney. There are a number of potential actions an attorney can take to have the charges lessened or dismissed.

New Jersey Statute 14-4 states: “A person commits a disorderly persons offense if he does any flagrantly lewd and offensive act which he knows or reasonably expects is likely to be observed by other non-consenting persons who would be affronted or alarmed.” The statute also states that it is illegal to expose yourself for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification.

Exposing yourself in public is not automatically a crime. The prosecution must prove in such cases that the lewd behavior was witnessed by an observer who was offended or traumatized by the act. Lewd conduct in New Jersey involves an act of exposure for the purposes of offending or alarming someone. Lewd conduct charges can be dropped if the act was committed without the knowledge of a person present. If the defendant was not aware that someone was in the area or that someone would be offended, the charges can be dismissed.

Disorderly conduct charges on a criminal record can affect someone’s ability to get and maintain employment. It is important to face these serious charges with a reputed criminal defense attorney. The experienced New Jersey lewd conduct defense lawyers of Lependorf & Silverstein have successfully defended the rights of those facing disorderly persons charges for many years. If you have been accused of lewd conduct in New Jersey, please contact us at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at no cost.

A 21-year-old man from Garden City was arrested twice in one day for disorderly conduct on January 29. According to The Observer & Eccentric, police arrested the man at his home following a non-physical disagreement in which police heard the man yelling at his wife. Later that day, police observed the man becoming agitated in a gas station and arrested him after he turned over a steel rack of merchandise. It is unclear why the man was agitated, but no one was physically harmed by his actions.

New Jersey Statute 2C:33-2 states that: “A person is guilty of a petty disorderly persons offense, if with purpose to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof he engages in a fight or threatening behavior or creates a hazardous or physically dangerous condition.” Disorderly conduct covers a wide range of criminal activity. These charges can result in serious consequences for defendants.

All criminal allegations must be taken seriously and in most cases, it is in the best interest of the defendant to fight the charges with a skilled New Jersey criminal defense attorney. A lawyer will review the circumstances of the alleged disorderly conduct and the history of the defendant to determine whether the event was a one-time or repeat occurrence. In some cases, individuals may need the help of a psychiatrist or counselor. Jail is not the answer.

The reputed attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have helped numerous clients throughout New Jersey have their disorderly conduct charges dismissed. Before speaking to the authorities about your case, call our offices at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation.

Def Jam artist Juelz Santana was arrested in New Jersey for marijuana possession. According to Artist Direct News, the arrest occurred at his Bergenfield, NJ recording studio. After conducted a 10-month investigation, police raided the studio and found 17 bags of marijuana and two fully loaded 9mm guns. The report makes it clear that the police suspected Santana was involved in illegal activity, but it is not clear what evidence they had before filing for the warrant that allowed them to conduct the drug raid.

Even though new laws in New Jersey make medical marijuana legal, possession of the drug still carries heavy penalties. Although medical marijuana is legal in several states, it is still a federal offense to possess marijuana for recreational or medical use. The severity of the penalties marijuana possession in New Jersey depends upon the amount of marijuana found and whether the defendant intended to sell or distribute the drugs. For example, an “intent to distribute” charge is typically much more severe than a simple possession charge.

New Jersey marijuana penalties are directly connected to the amount of drugs seized by the police. For example, intent to distribute one ounce to five pounds of marijuana could result in up to five years in prison, while five to 10 pounds of marijuana could result in up to 10 years in prison.

The Princeton marijuana charge defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein carefully examine the specifics of a drug crime arrest to determine if the defendant’s rights were violated in any way. We will fight to have the charges lessened or dismissed. Anyone facing drug crime charges in New Jersey can reach our offices at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation.

A teenager was recently charged with having a fake identification to purchase alcohol in Madison, New Jersey. The Independent Press reports that a 19-year-old man was arrested outside a liquor store after an officer stopped the teen to check his proof of age. The officer determined that the teenager had a fake ID and arrested him on suspicion of underage possession of alcohol and for having a false ID.

In New Jersey, people under the age of 21 who are found with alcohol may face a wide range of penalties. First-time offenders may not face severe punishment. However, if the individual becomes a repeat offender, the penalties can become quite severe. Minors in possession of alcohol in New Jersey could face fines from $200 to $400, three to 14 years of probation, and jail time. Illegal possession of alcohol is a common charge among New Jersey juveniles.

Having an experienced New Jersey juvenile crime defense attorney can make all the difference between entering an alcohol rehabilitation program and jail time. A skilled lawyer will make sure that a juvenile’s rights are protected at all times and that the penalties reflect a fair assessment of the situation.

The juvenile crime lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein fight to have our clients’ charges dropped or lessened. If your child has been accused of underage drinking, underage possession, or underage DUI in New Jersey, please don’t hesitate to contact the experienced attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein by calling 609-240-0040. We always offer free consultations.

Graffiti is often related to gang activity, which often means that the penalties for graffiti crimes in New Jersey tend to be harsh. In fact, New Jersey vandalism convictions can result in a criminal record that can have long reaching and negative effects on a juvenile’s life. If your child has been arrested for graffiti and vandalism in New Jersey, it would be in your best interest to contact an experienced juvenile crime defense lawyer to examine your legal options.

The penalties for juvenile graffiti charges can depend upon the amount of damage done and the prior criminal history of the young defendant. In most cases, the court will require the juveniles to repair the damaged property or pay the amount of money necessary to cover the costs of the damage. There is also the possibility of heavy fines, school expulsion, mandatory counseling, community service, probation, and in the most severe of cases, jail time.

A Princeton juvenile vandalism defense attorney will do everything possible to either have the charges dropped or lessened so that the juvenile does not have spend time in jail. By calling upon character witnesses and discussing the child’s history, a skilled attorney can show the difference between a “criminal” and a youth who made the wrong choice. Volunteering to repair the damage or doing community service is a good way to have the charges lessened. The juvenile justice system in New Jersey is based on rehabilitation as opposed to punishment.

The juvenile defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have handled many graffiti and vandalism cases involving New Jersey young people. We understand that the stakes are high and that your child’s future could depend on the outcome of their case. Call our law office today at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help.