New Jersey Criminal Defense Blog

A 47-year-old man from Newark has been arrested after crashing a stolen car near Observer Highway and Park Avenue in Hoboken, according to a news report in The Jersey Journal. When the authorities arrived at the crash site, the man attempted to flee on foot, but was chased down and arrested. The man faces many charges, including burglary, possession of weapons for unlawful purposes, motor vehicle theft, and resisting arrest.

Theft of a motor vehicle carries additional penalties that are added on top of burglary charges. Under New Jersey Code 2C:20-2.1: “In addition to any other disposition authorized by law, a person convicted under the provisions of this chapter of theft or unlawful taking of a motor vehicle shall be subject to penalties related to the number of times the suspect has been arrested for vehicle theft.” Not only will a first-time offender face jail time and hefty fines, but they will also face a $500 fine and a driver’s license suspension.

Auto theft is a serious crime that carries heavy penalties that can forever affect one’s professional and social life. Anyone facing these serious charges would be well advised to seek legal representation from an experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyer.

The knowledgeable attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein help defendants get the charges against them reduced or dismissed. If you are facing allegations of burglary or auto theft, call our law offices at 609-240-0040 before speaking with the authorities. We will help you fight for your rights and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.

If you have been involved in a domestic dispute in New Jersey, you may be facing serious criminal charges. These types of incidents often result from a misunderstanding or an argument that quickly gets out of hand. If the authorities arrive at your home because of a complaint and they observe any signs of abuse or injury, you may be charged with domestic violence in New Jersey. Having these serious charges dropped is not easy.

Even if someone decides that they do not want to press charges, once you are in the criminal justice system, it is up to the authorities to decide if charges will be pursued. In other words, there is little you or an alleged victim can do once the authorities are involved.

Typically in these types of cases you will immediately be given a temporary restraining order. This will force you to keep your distance from the alleged victim (or victims). Even if the charges are false, the restraining order could go on your record and it could hurt you socially as well as professionally. If you are facing domestic violence charges in New Jersey, it is necessary to fight back with a skilled criminal defense attorney. Repeat offenders face serious consequences and even first-time offenders may face jail time and heavy fines.

The reputed Princeton domestic violence defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein fight to protect the rights of clients charged with incidents of domestic violence in New Jersey. Anyone facing these charges should contact our law offices at 609-240-0040. Call us before discussing your case with the authorities.

The Pretrial Intervention Program (PTI) in New Jersey allows individuals an opportunity to avoid going to court and the stigma of having a criminal record. PTI is a rehabilitative program for first-time offenders and aims to prevent future transgressions instead of simply penalizing the alleged offender. Individuals interested in seeking help for problems such as drug or alcohol addiction may accept responsibility for their actions and seek rehabilitation to avoid jail time. While not everyone is accepted to a PTI program, first-time offenders would be well-advised to discuss their legal options with a skilled New Jersey criminal defense lawyer.

There are a number of reasons why a PTI program could be a worthwhile endeavor for someone charged with a crime in New Jersey. Acceptance into a PTI program eliminates the many fees that may be associated with a formal court process. If the defendant completes the program successfully, a criminal record will not be created.

Individuals with an addiction who apply for a PTI program will receive care for their addiction instead of having to spend time in jail wasting valuable resources. Often times, jail or prison time is not the solution to our communities' problems. A typical PTI program may last from one to three years. Individuals in a program may be subject to random drug screenings. Failure in a PTI program will result in the defendant going back to trial or to jail.

The attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know and clearly understand all the legal options available to New Jersey residents who have been charged with a crime. If you are facing charges, let us review the specifics of your case. Call us at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation today.

According to New Jersey Statute 2C:29-2, a person is guilty of disorderly conduct if “they purposely prevents or attempts to prevent a law enforcement officer from affecting an arrest.” It is not a defense to state that the arresting officer was making a wrongful arrest. As long as the arresting officer does not use unlawful force, it is illegal to resist arrest. What constitutes resisting arrest can range from moving your hands to avoid handcuffs to attempting to physically fight the arresting officer.

Penalties for this disorderly persons offense may include a fine of up to $1,000 and jail time. These charges may be increased to a third degree offense if the person threatened violence against an officer during the arrest and a fourth degree offense if the suspect creates a risk of physical injury. These charges are typically added onto other charges that may have led to the arrest.

In some cases, it is possible for these charges to be expunged five years after the sentence has been carried out. To be eligible to have a conviction removed, the defendant will have to have three or less disorderly or petty disorderly offense convictions.

The experienced Princeton criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to have these disorderly persons charges reduced or dismissed. In cases where it is not possible to have the charges dismissed, we help our clients have the conviction removed from their record. We provide no-cost case evaluations to anyone who is charged with resisting an arrest in New Jersey. Call us today at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help.

A 32-year-old man from West Orange has been arrested for attempted sexual assault and attempting to endanger a child after allegedly traveling to Bergen County to meet a teenager. According to a news report in The Bergen County Record, the County’s Computer Crimes Task Force claims to have found explicit online conversations between the man and a 13-year-old girl. He has been charged with luring, two counts of attempted sexual assault, and attempting to endanger the welfare of a child.

New Jersey Statute 2C:13-6 states: “A person commits a crime of the second degree if he attempts, via electronic or any other means, to lure or entice a child or one who he reasonably believes to be a child into a motor vehicle, structure or isolated area, or to meet or appear at any other place, with a purpose to commit a criminal offense with or against the child.” A conviction will most likely result in a prison sentence.

Anyone facing these types of serious allegations would be well-advised to immediately seek legal representation. A sex crime conviction in New Jersey can have a significant impact on a person’s personal and professional life. Job loss, inability to find employment or earn a livelihood, loss of professional licenses—are all likely consequences. Those convicted of sex crimes against children are looking at a lengthy prison sentence, hefty fines and mandatory registration as a sex offender.

The Princeton sex crime defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein understand the high stakes in these types of criminal cases. We aggressively attack wrongful charges and, depending on the circumstances, fight to have the charges reduced or thrown out. If you or a loved one has been charged with a sex crime in New Jersey, please call our law offices at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at absolutely no cost.

A sixth grader in New Jersey was recently charged with bringing a gun to school. According to a news report on NorthJersey.com, the incident occurred on a school bus that was traveling to Central Middle School in Branchburg, NJ. Authorities report that the young boy removed the unloaded weapon from his bag while on the bus. A student onboard the bus texted her mother and the authorities arrested the boy as soon as the bus arrived at the school. No threats were made to other students. It is unclear how the juvenile got the weapon or what his intentions were.

Unlawful possession of a firearm by a juvenile is a serious offense. New Jersey Statute 2C:58-6.1 states: “No person under the age of 18 years shall possess, carry, fire or use a firearm.” Juveniles determined to have been in possession of a firearm may face fourth degree criminal charges. Penalties may become even more severe if the gun puts other juveniles in danger or if the weapon was used in a threatening manner.

It is common for juveniles to make serious mistakes without realizing the legal ramifications of their actions. In such cases, a skilled lawyer is needed to ensure that the young defendant receives fair treatment by the authorities. In certain instances, charges may be reduced to community service or other alternative sentences. The purpose of the New Jersey juvenile justice system is to give youth a precious second chance.

If your son or daughter has been accused of a crime in New Jersey, the Princeton juvenile crime defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein can help. We offer free consultations at 609-240-0040. Please contact us for more information on how we can help protect the rights of your juvenile today.

Sebastian Bach, former Skid Row frontman, was recently arrested for alleged marijuana possession in New Jersey. According to TMZ, the arrest occurred in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Police pulled Bach over for failing to keep right on a highway. The 43-year-old singer was then charged with possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. This arrest is his second in a six-month period. His previous marijuana arrest occurred in Canada in December of 2010.

Possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana in New Jersey is a disorderly persons offense that can have serious consequences. Depending on the circumstances of the arrest and the criminal history of the defendant, a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey could result in up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Charges involving possession of drug paraphernalia have similar penalties that may be added onto drug possession penalties.

In some cases, a drug crime defense attorney can fight to have the charges thrown out before it goes to trial. In other cases, charges may be reduced if the defendant agrees to attend drug treatment programs. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help someone charged with drug possession understand their legal rights and options.

The Princeton marijuana defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein provide free consultations to anyone charged with marijuana possession and other disorderly persons offenses in New Jersey. If you or a loved one is facing these charges in New Jersey, please contact us at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at absolutely no cost.

In New Jersey, you do not have to be found with an illegal drug to face drug charges. In fact, possession of items related to illegal drugs may be all the authorities need to charge you with a disorderly persons offense.

New Jersey Statute 2C:36-2 states: “It shall be unlawful for any person to use, or to possess with intent to use, drug paraphernalia to plant, propagate, cultivate, grow, harvest, manufacture, compound, convert, produce, process, prepare, test, analyze, pack, repack, store, contain, conceal, ingest, inhale, or otherwise introduce into the human body a controlled dangerous substance.”

Disorderly persons offenses in New Jersey can result in up to six months in jail, a driver’s license suspension, and heavy fines. Depending on the criminal history of the defendant, a skilled attorney may be able to have the charges reduced or dismissed. Some defendants may be able to receive a conditional discharge for a probationary period of one year. If the defendant completes that year without any other incidents, the charges may be dropped.

The skilled Princeton drug crime attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have helped a number of clients avoid jail time or have serious drug charges reduced. Our lawyers are also extremely knowledgeable about search and seizure laws in New Jersey, and we can look to see whether your constitutional rights were violated during an arrest. If so, the court may decide to throw out all charges. Anyone facing drug possession charges or charges involving drug paraphernalia possession in New Jersey would be well-advised to contact our law offices before speaking with the authorities. Please contact us at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at absolutely no-cost.

A 13-year-old was recently arrested after setting fire to a school bathroom on the second floor of the Dr. William H. Horton School in Newark, according to a news report in The Star-Ledger. The seventh grader was arrested after investigators reviewed school surveillance tapes. The fire spread through the second and third floors and approximately 1,000 students were evacuated from the building. The juvenile was arrested and taken to a juvenile detention center.

According to New Jersey Statute 2C:17-1: “A person is guilty of arson, a crime of the third degree, if he purposely starts a fire or causes an explosion, whether on his own property or another's thereby placing a building or person in danger.” The location where the fire is set and the potential victims of the fire may determine the extent of charges and penalties the juvenile will face.

Juveniles charged with arson face serious penalties, including juvenile detention. In cases where someone was seriously injured or the suspect has a criminal history, the youth may be tried in adult court. Failure to secure the right representation could put the juvenile in danger of facing serious charges that may result in life-changing consequences.

The Princeton juvenile crime defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein fight to protect the future of our young clients who have been charged with a crime in New Jersey. We diligently work with families to achieve the best possible outcome in their particular case. If your son or daughter has been accused of a crime in New Jersey, please contact our law offices at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation today.

A 43-year-old man from Rhode Island has been arrested for allegedly failing to register as a sex offender after moving to New Jersey. According to The Gloucester Times, the arrest occurred in National Park. The man was originally convicted of a second-degree sexual assault in 1996. It is unclear from the report how long the man has lived in New Jersey or if he fully understood how much time he had before needing to register after moving.

New Jersey Code 2C:7-12-19 covers Megan’s Law Internet registration requirements for convicted sex offenders. Certain sex offenders are required by law to register in the county in which they reside. Anyone can have access to view this registry online. Depending on the conviction, the easily accessible website may display details about the alleged offender, where they live, what the offense was and, in some cases, what the offender looks like by posting a photo.

Being forced to register as a sex offender can cause substantial damage to one's reputation and even jeopardize an individual's chances of obtaining gainful employment or a place to live. Failing to register with local authorities will result in additional penalties. Convicted sex offenders who have moved to the state of New Jersey must register within 10 days of arrival. Offenders who have moved within the state only have 10 days to register as well. All offenders must verify their address every 90 days, regardless of whether or not they have moved. Failure to do so is a fourth degree offense.

Megan’s Law is one of many reasons why it is so crucial to fight sex crime charges with an experienced New Jersey sex crime defense attorney at your side, like those at Lependorf & Silverstein. If you have been charged with a sex crime in New Jersey, please call our law offices at 609-240-0040 before discussing your case with the authorities. We will fight hard to ensure that your rights are protected.

A 25-year-old woman from Asbury Park has been arrested for allegedly trying to exchange counterfeit money for $100 bills at a bank. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the incident occurred at a bank on Middlesex Avenue in Metuchen. A bank teller became suspicious after the woman gave $3,000 to them to have it exchanged for $100 bills. Authorities report that some of the money she gave to the teller was counterfeit and that the suspect's vehicle contained a substantial amount of money that may have been connected to drug sales. An investigation is ongoing.

The charges that may result from a counterfeit case are connected to the amount of counterfeit bills seized and the retail value of the items purchased with the counterfeit money, if applicable. Under New Jersey Statute 2C:21-32, it is a fourth degree offense to have up to $1,000 of fake bills and a third degree offense to have between $1,000 and $15,000 of counterfeit money.

The consequences of a conviction on these charges may also depend on the criminal history of the defendant. Penalties for this type of a crime can be severe. So it is important that anyone facing these serious allegations seek skilled representation before discussing their case with the authorities.

The Princeton criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein offer free consultations to anyone facing fraud or counterfeiting charges in New Jersey. We understand the serious consequences of these charges, and our knowledgeable attorneys can work to get these charges reduced or even dismissed, depending on the circumstances of your case. Call us today at 609-240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Two women, aged 21 and 20, have been arrested in Hackettstown, New Jersey for allegedly injuring each other in a fight. According to The Warren Reporter, the incident occurred on Church Street in Hackettstown. Officials say two women began fighting after they got into an argument over a cat. Both women sustained minor injuries but refused medical attention. They both have been charged with disorderly conduct and simple assault.

Under New Jersey Statute 2C:12-1, a person in New Jersey is guilty of simple assault if they “attempt to cause or purposely, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another.” A person may even face simple assault charges for threatening to cause injury or putting an individual in fear of “imminent serious bodily injury.”

Simple assault charges in New Jersey often result from a misunderstanding or a minor altercation that got out of hand. When the authorities get involved, these seemingly minor incidents can result in serious penalties. Disorderly persons offenses in New Jersey could result in up to six months of jail time. Anyone facing a disorderly persons charge would be well-advised to speak with a skilled criminal defense lawyer to begin building a strong defense case.

The New Jersey assault attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein handle all types of disorderly persons offenses. Our reputed lawyers have a long and successful track record of getting these potentially serious charges reduced or dismissed completely. We provide free consultations at 609-240-0040 to anyone facing disorderly persons offenses in New Jersey. Call today.

The purpose of the New Jersey juvenile court system is to rehabilitate young offenders and not to simply punish them. New Jersey has an Office of Juvenile Parole and Transitional Services to help juveniles back into their communities after they have served a sentence. Transitional services officials review the circumstances of each case to determine the level of supervision the juvenile may require. Whether the juvenile requires intensive or minimum supervision, the goal is to safely integrate youths back into society.

The Juvenile Transitional Services meet with a juvenile numerous times immediately following a juvenile court proceeding. Depending upon the severity of the crime and the prior criminal history of the youth, the Juvenile Transitional Services may impose a number of restrictions on the offenders after they serve their sentence. For example, many juveniles who have been paroled face strict curfews and drug and alcohol screenings. In some cases, the transitional service will play an active role in monitoring the juvenile to make sure that no further criminal acts are being committed.

The New Jersey Juvenile Transitional Service has good intentions but it does impose potentially significant restrictions on young individuals who did not commit serious crimes. If your son or daughter is facing criminal charges in New Jersey, it may be in your best interests to consult with an experienced juvenile crime defense lawyer, who can advise you on the best course of action for the situation.

The Princeton juvenile defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein help families protect their children’s future. We provide no-cost case consultations at 609-240-0040. Call us today to find out how we can help.

A 20-year-old Bridgeton man has been charged with possession of marijuana in New Jersey. According to The News of Cumberland County, the arrest occurred on Pine Street in Vineland recently. He was arrested both for possession of under 50 grams of marijuana and failure to appear in court. It is unclear how the authorities seized the marijuana.

In New Jersey, the amount of marijuana seized by the authorities will affect the severity of the charges the defendant will face. Marijuana possession charges, however, should not be taken lightly. Marijuana possession is a disorderly persons offense that could result in up to six months of jail time and a fine of $1,000. Additionally, the court may require the defendant to go through a mandatory drug treatment program.

There are penalties that convicted drug offenders may face in addition to those imposed by the authorities. Being convicted of marijuana possession in New Jersey could have serious ramifications. For example, employers may be reluctant to consider an applicant with a history of drug possession. Some employers may even suspend or fire an employee who has been arrested on suspicion of drug possession. That is why it is crucial that anyone charged with marijuana or drug possession seek legal guidance from an experienced criminal defense attorney.

The Princeton marijuana defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein handle all types of marijuana possession charges. Our reputed attorneys provide free consultations at 609-240-0040 for anyone facing marijuana possession charges in New Jersey. Call us today to find out how we can help you.

A new bill that would restrict where registered sex offenders may live has passed in the New Jersey Senate. According to The Times Statehouse Bureau, Senate Bill S837 passed unanimously on April 28, 2011. The bill will allow New Jersey towns to set up 500-foot buffer zones around playgrounds, schools, and daycare centers. These new restrictions would affect all convicted sex offenders, including juveniles. It is unclear what will happen to individuals already living in these buffer zones. It is also unclear if it is unconstitutional to restrict a sex offender’s housing options after they have already served a sentence.

Megan’s Law forces convicted sex offenders in New Jersey to annually register with local law enforcement agencies. Since 2001, this registry has been online. The online registry allows people to view who in their area may have been convicted of a sex crime, where they live, and what crimes they committed. New Jersey Statute 2C:7-2 lists a number of sex crimes that may result in required registration as a sex offender in New Jersey. This list includes predatory acts against children, aggravated sexual assault, and aggravated criminal sexual contact. In some cases, a conviction of attempting one of these crimes may be enough to result in registration as a sex offender.

Sex offender registration has long-term social and professional consequences. Restricting where someone can live is just one more possible penalty that a convicted sex offender will face. Anyone charged with a sex crime in New Jersey would be well advised to seek legal guidance from an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

The Princeton sex crime defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein fight to protect the future of our clients who have been charged with a sex crime. We offer free consultations to anyone facing sex crime charges in New Jersey at 609-240-0040. The stakes are high in sex crime cases. Call us today to find out how we can help.

New Jersey makes a distinction between simple assault and aggravated assault. Depending on whether or not a weapon is involved a simple assault charge may become an aggravated assault charge. This increase in charges and penalties may also occur when the alleged victim suffers a serious injury.

Simple assault in New Jersey is defined by Statute 2C:12-1. A person is guilty of assault if they “attempt 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.” A simple assault is a petty disorderly offense that could result in a maximum fine of $1,000 and six months in county jail.

A simple assault charge may become an aggravated assault charge if the injuries suffered in the assault are severe or if a weapon was used. A person is guilty of aggravated assault under New Jersey Statute 2C: 12-1(b) if they “attempt to cause serious bodily injury to another, or cause such injury purposely or knowingly or under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life recklessly causes such injury.” A skilled criminal defense attorney will fight to have an aggravated assault charge reduced to simple assault or have the case entirely dismissed.

The New Jersey assault defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience successfully handling all types of assault charges in New Jersey. To discuss the specifics of your case at no-cost, please call our law offices at 609-240-0040.

A 39-year-old man has been charged with burglary in Pennsville Township. According to a news report on NJ.com, the alleged incident occurred on North River Drive in Pennsville Township. Police say the man stole a television, two laptops, and a video camera, totaling $3,100 in value. The victims of the burglary were asleep in their unlocked house at the time of the incident. The arrest was made two years after the incident.

Burglary is a serious crime that may result in up to 10 years in prison, depending on the circumstances of the incident, the value of the property taken, and the defendant’s prior criminal record. New Jersey Statute 2C:18-2 states that an individual is guilty of burglary if they “enter a research facility, structure, or a separately secured or occupied portion thereof,” or remains in a location “that he is not licensed or privileged” to be in, or, “trespasses in or upon utility company property where public notice prohibiting trespass is given by conspicuous posting.” Burglary becomes a second-degree crime if a weapon is involved or if someone is injured or threatened during the incident.

Fighting these types of serious crimes requires a skilled New Jersey criminal defense lawyer. These are serious charges which have significant consequences. A burglary conviction, for example, could prevent an individual from being gainfully employed in the future, even after serving time.

If you or a loved one has been charged with theft or burglary in New Jersey, please contact the reputed attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein for a free and comprehensive consultation. We handle all types of burglary, theft, and shoplifting charges in New Jersey. Call us at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help.

A 16-year-old girl from Bayonne, New Jersey, was recently arrested along with two men from Queens, New York, for allegedly using counterfeit money to purchase goods. According to a news report in The Jersey Journal, the arrests occurred near Broadway and 32nd Street in Bayonne. Officials made the arrest after receiving a description of the girl from a store that was given a counterfeit $100 bill.

Police officers allegedly found bags of merchandise from local stores in the trunk of a black Nissan Altima. The teen was charged with conspiracy to commit forgery in New Jersey, and the two men from Queens, aged 23 and 20 respectively, were charged with use of a juvenile to commit a crime, in addition to conspiracy to commit forgery charges.

Under New Jersey statute 2C:21-1, a person is guilty of forgery if they alter or change, “any writing of another without authorization.” Under the law, writing can include use of identification, trademarks, receipts, and checks. Juveniles found knowingly using counterfeit money can face serious charges and penalties.

The juvenile justice system is significantly different from adult courts in New Jersey. In cases that involve burglary or forgery, it is important to determine whether the juvenile intended to commit the criminal act or whether the incident was the result of a misunderstanding. There are also cases where juveniles are used in the commission of crimes without their knowledge.

The Princeton juvenile crime attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein work with families to obtain the best possible outcome for their loved ones. If your son or daughter has been accused of a crime in New Jersey, please contact our law offices at 609-240-0040 for a no-cost consultation today.