New Jersey Criminal Defense Blog

A juvenile curfew is when a juvenile is required to be off the streets and in their home. It is common for parents to enforce strict curfews for the well being of their child at home, but there are a number of towns and cities throughout New Jersey that enforce curfews for juveniles as well. Other cities enforce date specific curfews such as on holidays such as Halloween in order to avoid late night incidents and ensure public safety.

A number of towns in New Jersey, such as Gloucester City, for example, have juvenile curfews that they enforce between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. In some cities, parents can be fined if their children are allowed out during the curfew. These types of restrictions give the authorities the right to send a juvenile home or even take them to the station. Curfew laws for juveniles allow police officers to monitor and arrest individuals who may be out late for the wrong reasons. Sadly, it is also common for juveniles to face unnecessarily harsh treatment just for being outside.

It is common for juveniles to face additional charges following a curfew arrest. Juveniles who are out late at night often face alcohol or marijuana possession charges as well. These types of penalties can sometimes result in heavy fines, rehabilitation services, and mandated community service hours. A skilled attorney will fight to have these types of charges dismissed and for convictions to remain off the record of the young offender.

The Princeton juvenile crime attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein fight to protect the future of New Jersey's youth after they have been charged with a crime in New Jersey. If you have a child who is facing charges, please call our law offices at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at absolutely no cost.

A 49-year-old gas station attendant and a 44-year-old gas station owner have been arrested on suspicion of selling banned substances to teenagers. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the two men were arrested on suspicion of selling a synthetic drug called K2 or Spice that have similar affects as marijuana. The men were charged with possession and distribution of these controlled substances. They also face additional penalties for selling the drugs within 1,000 feet of a school. The authorities reportedly seized drug paraphernalia and synthetic drugs during the arrest.

Distributing illegal drugs is a serious crime in New Jersey. Doing so within 1,000 feet of a school carries even more severe penalties. According to 2C:35-7, any person breaking the law by “distributing, dispensing or possessing with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog while on any school property” “or within 1,000 feet of such school property or a school bus, or while on any school bus, is guilty of a crime of the third degree.” Any drug crime conviction in New Jersey could result in jail or prison time and severe fines.

Anyone who is wrongfully facing drug possession or distribution charges in New Jersey would be well-advised to seek legal guidance right away. The experienced drug crime defense attorneys in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of successfully handing drug sale cases in New Jersey. We have a thorough knowledge of search and seizure laws as they relate to drug cases. If your constitutional rights were violated during the arrest, the charges could be dismissed. Call us today at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at no cost.

Governor Chris Christie reportedly is not planning on allowing medical marijuana to be sold in New Jersey until after the federal government takes marijuana off its list of controlled substances. According to NJ.com, the governor was on television June 16, 2011, to discuss his reasoning for continuing to delay legalizing medical marijuana. Federal law continues to make marijuana possession illegal, but 16 states, including New Jersey, have passed medical marijuana laws. Christie's point clearly resonates with those worried that more people will be wrongfully arrested for marijuana possession once the law goes through.

Under current New Jersey law, possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana is a disorderly persons offense. The penalties for marijuana possession in New Jersey could include fines and up to six months in county jail. Every case is different and all drug charges must be taken seriously. Some politicians, such as Assemblyman Reed Gusciora, want to adopt new laws which decriminalize simple possession of marijuana altogether.

Marijuana laws in New Jersey are currently in flux. It is perfectly understandable for someone to be wrongfully charged with marijuana possession without a complete understanding of the law. The discrepancy between state and federal laws can get confusing and complicated. You should not have to face serious consequences due to someone else's misinterpretation or misunderstanding of the law.

The reputed Princeton marijuana possession defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to have drug charges reduced and thrown out. We work with the prosecution to get your charges lessened or completely dismissed. For more information, please call our law offices at 609-240-0040 to schedule your free consultation.

A 56-year-old man in Florham Park, New Jersey, has been charged with attempted luring and attempted sexual assault after allegedly trying to meet up with two teenage girls, according to The Star-Ledger. Officials say the man travelled to Hamilton Township and booked a hotel with the intention of bringing back one of the teenage girls. An undercover officer worked on the case, which culminated in the man's arrest. He now faces up to 15 years in prison.

According to New Jersey Statute 2C:13-7: “A person commits a crime of the third degree if he attempts, via electronic or any other means, to lure or entice a person into a motor vehicle, structure or isolated area, or to meet or appear at any place, with a purpose to commit a criminal offense with or against the person lured or enticed or against any other person.”

An individual does not have to be convicted of a New Jersey sex crime to face some of the penalties that come with such a serious offense. Individuals charged with a crime such as luring a juvenile could face severe penalties. The defendant could lose their job even prior to a conviction. Sometimes, professional licenses could also be in jeopardy. A person's career and future are at stake.

The New Jersey sex crime defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of protecting the rights of New Jersey residents who have been charged with a sex crime or other crime. Our attorneys fight aggressively for your rights and work diligently to get charges lessened or dismissed. If you or a loved one is facing sex crime charges in New Jersey, call our offices at 609-240-0040 right away for a free consultation and comprehensive case assessment.

The state Division of Health and Human Services took six children into custody after their mother allegedly left her 14-year-old autistic daughter in charge of the other children. According to a news report in The Jersey Journal, two teenagers stepped in to look after the children after they were found playing in the road unsupervised in Jersey City. The authorities then took the children and issued an arrest warrant for the mother.

New Jersey Statute 9:6-1 covers abuse, abandonment, cruelty, and neglect of a child. It is an act of abandonment to willfully forsake a child. Neglect is when “anyone having the custody or control of the child willfully fails to provide proper and sufficient food, clothing, maintenance, regular school education as required by law, medical attendance or surgical treatment, and a clean and proper home.”

There are criminal penalties for child endangerment, neglect, and abandonment, but perhaps the most devastating possible outcome is having a child taken away from you. These types of charges can result from a misunderstanding or, for example, as a result of a well-meaning citizen calling the authorities without knowledge of the parent's intentions.

If you are facing any type of criminal charges in New Jersey, the criminal defense attorneys in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein can help you. We will aggressively fight for your rights and work diligently to obtain the best possible outcome in your case. Call us today at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at absolutely no cost.

An expungement is a legal process in which a criminal record may be cleared of a prior conviction. It is an option that is sometimes available to individuals who plead guilty or no contest to an offense in New Jersey. Anyone who has tried to get a job in this economic environment knows how important it is to have a clear criminal record. Anyone looking to discuss the possibility of having their criminal record cleared would be well advised to call an experienced lawyer to help them determine what legal options are available.

Not all who seek to have their record expunged will be successful, however, which is why it is important to have a skilled defense lawyer on your side. There are many factors that could affect their request to have a record expunged. Some of those factors include the nature and seriousness of the crime that was committed, whether the defendant was a repeat offender, and whether the fees related to the crime were paid. Having a skilled attorney on your side will greatly increase your chances of having your record expunged.

There is a wide range of New Jersey crimes that might be expunged. In fact, there are a number of misdemeanors and felonies that might be cleared from a criminal record if enough time has passed. Life becomes so much easier with a clean record. Securing an apartment, buying a home, or finding gainful employment becomes much less complicated when your criminal record is cleared.

The Princeton expungement lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein help New Jersey residents erase their turbulent past and move toward and bright and promising future. We believe in second chances. Call our law offices today at 609-240-0040 to obtain more information about getting your criminal record in New Jersey expunged.

Internet fraud in New Jersey is a relatively new crime that is continually changing and evolving. Internet fraud may involve a fraudulent transaction of funds online, an illegal work at home scheme, online theft, credit card theft, auction schemes, or investment schemes. These types of online crimes are immensely complicated and it is common for someone to be wrongfully charged and convicted of an online crime they never committed.

In an attempt to crack down on Internet criminals, law enforcement may overreach or jump to a conclusion that is unfounded. Even if illegal activity can be traced to someone's computer, it does not mean that the person knowingly committed a crime. Was the person willfully and knowingly committing a crime online or did the suspect not understand the ramifications of their actions? Was the defendant the person using the computer at the time of the alleged crime? There are several questions that must be answered in such cases.

What makes Internet fraud cases so serious is not only the penalties involved but also the additional consequences of other crimes connected to the case. For example, someone charged with Internet fraud may also face conspiracy charges. This could mean a lengthy jail or prison term for the defendant. Fraud charges should never be taken lightly, as they could also taint your reputation and credibility.

An experienced New Jersey Internet fraud attorney will work with technology experts to bolster your defense in order to help you receive the best possible outcome. Depending upon the circumstances of the charges made against you, it may be possible to have the charges reduced or even dismissed. The skilled lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein handle all types of Internet fraud cases in New Jersey. Call us today at 609-240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

A 19-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly possessing marijuana in New Jersey after being pulled over for having tinted windows. According to The Times, the marijuana arrest occurred on Route 1 near Alexander Road in West Windsor. The man was found with two bags of marijuana hidden in his pants. His vehicle was impounded and he was charged with marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia. It is unclear if the authorities believed he possessed the drugs for sale or for personal use. It is also not stated in the report under what circumstances officials searched the teenager.

In New Jersey, it is a disorderly persons offense to possess 50 grams or less of marijuana. Those found guilty of this offense can face a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months of jail time. Possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana is considered to be a felony and commonly results in more serious penalties.

Possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana in New Jersey can result in 18 months in jail and a $25,000 fine. Whether a marijuana case is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depends on the quantity of drugs seized, the circumstances of the arrest, and the defendant's prior criminal history. In cases where the authorities believe the suspect was planning on selling or distributing the drugs, the penalties can be even more severe.

Anyone arrested for marijuana possession in New Jersey would be well-advised to contact an experienced marijuana defense lawyer in Princeton, like those at Lependorf & Silverstein, right away. We protect the rights of our clients and we fight to have the charges our clients face reduced or dismissed. We know and understand search and seizure laws in New Jersey, which could have a significant impact on your case. To discuss your case at absolutely no-cost, please contact us at 609-240-0040.

Three New Jersey women have been arrested for allegedly stealing from several cemeteries. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, the three women have been charged with theft and fencing stolen property. The women were arrested after allegedly trying to sell nearly 400 grave markers and urns to a Philadelphia scrap yard. According to the article, the items may have come from several different cemeteries.

New Jersey 2C:20-7.1 defines fencing as “possession of altered property,” or “dealing in stolen property.” To be convicted of fencing, the defendant must have known that the property was stolen. Defendants who believed they were legally in possession of an item should not be charged or convicted of fencing in New Jersey. Fighting these charges can become complicated when someone cannot prove that they purchased the reportedly stolen items.

Theft and fencing are two serious crimes in New Jersey that come with severe penalties. During tough economic times, it is common to see an increase in these kinds of crimes. Anyone charged with theft or fencing would be well-advised to seek legal guidance to determine their legal rights and options.

The Princeton criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein handle all types of robbery, theft, and fencing cases in New Jersey. We make sure that our client’s rights are protected at all times. To discuss your options and to begin building your defense, call our offices at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case assessment.

Currently two of the 26 municipalities in Hunterdon County have ordinances forbidding underage drinking on private property. According to a news report in The Hunterdon County Democrat, the county prosecutor is pushing for all townships to adopt new underage drinking restrictions, similar to those in Clinton and West Amwell. As the law currently stands, police officers do not have the power to arrest juveniles who are drinking at private parties. The goal of the new law is to drastically reduce underage drinking and to target youth obtaining liquor without a parental permission. New fines for juveniles consuming alcohol could include $250 to $350 fines and driver's license suspensions.

New Jersey state law 2C:33-15 makes it illegal for juveniles to possess or consume alcohol on public property. “Any person under the legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages who knowingly possesses without legal authority or who knowingly consumes any alcoholic beverage in any school, public conveyance, public place, or place of public assembly, or motor vehicle, is guilty of a disorderly persons offense, and shall be fined not less than $500.” Under the proposed law, juveniles can be charged with drinking alcohol in their own home as well.

The juvenile crime defense attorneys in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein help protect the legal rights and the future of New Jersey’s youth. We understand that mistakes can happen and we fight to ensure that a relatively minor youthful indiscretion does not have a negative impact on the future of a young person. If your child has been charged with a crime in New Jersey, please contact us at 609-240-0040 for a no-cost consultation.

Licensed casino operations are legal in New Jersey, but that does not mean it is legal to gamble throughout the state. In fact, risking something of value in New Jersey outside of a casino is a crime that comes with serious consequences. If you or a loved one faces gambling charges in New Jersey, it may be in your best interest to speak with a skilled attorney right away.

Under New Jersey law, gambling is the “unlicensed risking of something of value upon outcome of contest of chance or future contingent event not under actor's control, upon agreement that actor will receive something of value in event of a certain outcome.” It is illegal to be involved with bookmaking, to have possession of gambling records, and gambling devices. New Jersey gambling laws may become difficult to understand because there are a number of loopholes. For example, it is legal in New Jersey to have raffles and bingo for charitable organizations.

The extent of the penalties for gambling in New Jersey is directly related to the criminal history of defendant and the circumstances of the arrest. Penalties can also result in incarceration in some cases. Anyone charged with a gambling offense in New Jersey would be well-advised to learn more about their legal options from an attorney before discussing the specifics of the alleged crime with the authorities.

The gambling defense lawyers in Princeton of Lependorf & Silverstein handle gambling offenses in New Jersey. Put our years of experience to work for you by calling 609-240-0040 for a free consultation. We can put together a strong defense on your behalf that protects your rights.

A 34-year-old man from Jersey City has been charged with using a fraudulent credit card to buy eyeglasses at the Mall at Short Hills in Millburn, according to The Independent Press. The man turned himself in to the authorities and has been charged with credit card theft as well as fraudulent use of credit cards. The glasses were valued at a total price of $3,937.60.

The New Jersey Credit Card Fraud Act makes it illegal to make obtain a credit card through false statements, steal a credit card, or fraudulently use a credit card. Obtaining a credit card illegally involves making false statements in writing, while knowing the statements to be false in order to receive a credit card. Stealing a credit card may involve intentional theft, picking up a lost credit card, and using it or modifying a credit card. Credit card fraud in New Jersey includes using a card that has expired, that was revoked, or was forged.

The consequences of fraudulent credit card use in New Jersey are directly related to the criminal history of the defendant and the type of fraudulent act allegedly committed. Using a fraudulent credit card can be a third degree crime with a five-year jail sentence and $15,000 in fines. Fraudulently signing a credit card is a fourth-degree crime that could carry an 18-month jail sentence and a $10,000 fine.

If you are facing fraudulent credit card charges, please call the offices of Lependorf & Silverstein to speak with an experienced Princeton criminal defense lawyer right away. Our attorneys will fight to have the charges you face reduced or completely dismissed. If you are facing credit card fraud charges or other criminal charges in New Jersey, please contact us at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case.

Four juveniles have been arrested for allegedly breaking into vehicles in an impound yard on Prospect Avenue in Blackwood, New Jersey, according to The Gloucester County Times. Bicycle-mounted police officers apprehended the four youths after one vehicle had items removed from it and another had damage to its hood. The juveniles have been charged with trespassing, burglary, theft, and criminal mischief.

In New Jersey, someone does not have to enter a structure or property with criminal intentions to be charged with trespassing. Anyone charged with unlawfully entering a private property or dwelling might face a disorderly persons offense or even a fourth degree crime depending on the circumstances.

Juveniles charged with trespassing or theft in New Jersey may think that they will get away with it because of their age. This would be a mistake. While juvenile charges in New Jersey are less severe than adult criminal charges, they should not be taken lightly. Not only may a juvenile face time in a detention center, but they may also have to deal with a record, which could affect their future educational and career opportunities.

An experienced juvenile criminal defense attorney in New Jersey can fight to have such charges lessened or completely dismissed. In some cases, it may even be possible to have the juvenile criminal records sealed so that they will not have a negative impact on the young person's future.

If your son or daughter has been charged with a crime in New Jersey, please contact the lawyers of Lependorf & Silverstein for a free and comprehensive consultation. We will fight for your child's rights and work hard to ensure that they get that valuable second chance. Please call us today at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help.

A 28-year-old man from Burlington County has been charged after allegedly exposing himself while trespassing. According to a news report in The Gloucester County Times, the incident took place on Prospect Avenue in Gloucester Township. The man was found on the back deck of a house owned by people he did not know. Officials say the man exposed himself to the police when they arrived. He has been charged with trespassing and lewdness in New Jersey.

New Jersey Statute 2C: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.” A lewd act in New Jersey can be elevated from a disorderly persons offense to a fourth degree crime if the alleged victim is a child or someone suffering from a mental illness.

A New Jersey lewd conduct charge may seem like a minor offense, but one must consider both the criminal and social ramifications of these allegations. It could affect the defendant's chance of obtaining gainful employment, in addition to several other serious social consequences. Anyone charged with a lewd act in New Jersey would be well-advised to seek legal guidance to help protect their reputation and their future.

The skilled New Jersey lewd conduct attorneys of Lependorf & Silverstein handle all types of lewd act and trespassing cases. We put our knowledge and years of experience to work to help our clients who are facing these serious charges. If you or a loved one is facing a disorderly persons charge in New Jersey, please contact our law offices at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at no-cost.

Perjury is when someone knowingly makes false statements while under oath. This is a serious offense that may be prosecuted at the state or the federal level. Perjury charges in New Jersey can result in incarceration, as well as a damaged reputation that can hurt the defendant, both socially and professionally. Anyone charged with this “white collar crime” would be well-advised to seek legal guidance from an attorney with experience handling perjury cases in New Jersey right away.

Most New Jersey perjury cases involve an alleged lie or untruth that is uttered in court under oath, but the courthouse is not the only location that an act of perjury can take place. Someone who lies to a law enforcement authorities or who gives false information during a criminal investigation may be charged with perjury. It is also a crime to lie on an official document, such as a handgun application or driver's license application. In cases involving other criminal charges, a perjury offense may be added on top of the penalties the defendant may already face.

Perjury in New Jersey can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending upon the circumstances. Fighting perjury charges to avoid the heavy penalties that may result from a conviction is not easy. Did the defendant knowingly give a false answer? Did the accused understand what it meant to be under oath? Was the statement false at the time it was made? A knowledgeable lawyer will make sure that the appropriate and important questions are asked, while protecting the legal rights of the defendant.

The Princeton perjury attorneys of Lependorf & Silverstein have successfully defended the rights of those accused of perjury in New Jersey. We provide free consultations at 609-240-0040 to anyone facing perjury charges. Talk to us before discussing the specifics of your case with the authorities.

A 35-year-old man from Cherry Hill has been arrested for attempted criminal lewdness after allegedly exposing himself online. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, officials say the man thought he was exposing himself to a 12-year-old girl, but the person was actually an undercover detective. The man faces multiple charges, including attempted endangering the welfare of a child and attempted aggravated sexual assault.

According to New Jersey Code 2C:14-4: “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.” This charge becomes a felony if the person who observes the act is less than 13 years of age.

There are a number of circumstances that may result in a wrongful allegation of lewd conduct in New Jersey. Common defenses in such cases include mistaken identities, ulterior motives, misunderstandings, and entrapment. Anyone who is facing charges related to an alleged lewd act would be well advised to seek legal guidance from a skilled attorney who has experience handling similar cases successfully.

The Princeton lewd conduct lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of successfully handling the sex crimes charges made against our clients in New Jersey. We understand the seriousness of the allegations and the many dire consequences our clients face if convicted of the charges. Call us directly at 609-240-0040 to discuss the specifics of your case and to obtain more information about your legal rights and options.

A 14-year-old in Jamesburg has been arrested on suspicion of writing a bomb threat in a middle school bathroom. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the bomb threat was the fourth of its kind at Grace M. Breckwedel Middle School since April. The student allegedly admitted to writing on the wall. The juvenile was charged with causing a false public alarm and vandalism. An investigation into the New Jersey juvenile vandalism incident is underway.

Under New Jersey Criminal Code 2C:33-3: “A person is guilty of a crime of the third degree if he initiates or circulates a report or warning of an impending fire, explosion, bombing, crime, catastrophe or emergency knowing that the report or warning is false or baseless and that it is likely to cause evacuation of a building, place of assembly, or facility of public transport, or to cause public inconvenience or alarm.”

When a juvenile is arrested in New Jersey, it is important that the charges fit the alleged crime. Juveniles who commit a crime that does not have a victim(s) should not face the same type of penalties as someone guilty of a violent crime such as robbery, assault, or murder. The juvenile justice system in New Jersey is different from an adult court. The court, in some cases, will decide whether the defendant must be treated as a juvenile or adult. This is particularly true in cases that involve major crimes.

Regardless of the criminal charge your son or daughter is facing in New Jersey, it is critical that you contact an experienced Princeton juvenile crime defense attorney to obtain more information about the available legal options. The lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein fight to protect the future of youth in New Jersey. If your child has been charged with a crime in New Jersey, please contact us today at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case.

Under New Jersey Statute 2C:21-25, it is illegal to “transport or possess property known or which a reasonable person would believe to be derived from criminal activity.” It is also illegal to engage in a transaction involving goods knowingly derived from a criminal act. Money laundering may also include concealing or disguising the way an item was obtained. Anyone charged with money laundering in New Jersey should not be convicted if they were unaware that an item was obtained through criminal activity.

The term “laundering” comes from the idea that a person will try to clean dirty money through transactions. This is a serious crime that can result in life-changing penalties. In New Jersey, the financial penalty for money laundering can be up to $500,000 or twice the value of the property in question. Additionally, defendants may face prison sentences up to 20 years.

There are a number of money laundering cases that result from wrongful allegations. Legitimate businesses that are charged with money laundering may face severe consequences such as serious credibility issues even if the charges are false or later dropped. Anyone facing these serious allegations would be well-advised to seek skilled legal representation and to fight the charges to regain their reputation.

The Princeton money laundering defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein help individuals and businesses in New Jersey fight money laundering charges. We understand the consequences of money laundering allegations and we help protect our client’s future. If you or a loved one is facing money laundering charges in New Jersey, please contact us at 609-240-0040 today.