New Jersey Criminal Defense Blog

Under certain circumstances, individuals convicted of a crime may spend their mandated jail time under house arrest. Instead of serving out time in a jail cell, individuals may be confined to their home. Some forms of house arrest require an electronic monitoring device such as an ankle bracelet that must be worn at all times. Anyone worried that they may face jail time and who would like to discuss their legal options would be well-advised to seek legal assistance from an attorney.

House arrest is a form of alternative sentencing that can be negotiated by an experienced lawyer. When someone is given the opportunity to be under home detention, the authorities will monitor their whereabouts. When someone leaves their home while being monitored, the authorities will be notified of the date and time of the occurrence. If the act of leaving the home is done during an unacceptable time, the offender may face additional penalties.

There are a number of alternative sentencing options that may be available for those convicted of relatively minor offenses in New Jersey. For example, a skilled attorney can have DWI or drug possession penalties lessened if the defendant immediately enters a rehabilitation program. Some individuals can have their penalties reduced if they agree to community service or volunteer work. There is a wide range of penalties that defendants may face and the severity of the charges is often linked to their attorney's ability to negotiate.

The experienced criminal defense attorneys in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein have many years of success defending clients who have been charged with a crime in New Jersey. We understand the severity of the penalties our clients face, and work diligently to have these charges reduced or thrown out altogether. For a free consultation, call our law offices today at 609-240-0040.

New Jersey Statute 2C:12-10 offers a wide range of possible stalking offenses that all carry their own penalties. Under the statute: “A person is guilty of stalking, a crime of the fourth degree, if he purposefully or knowingly engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear bodily injury to himself or a member of his immediate family or to fear the death of himself or a member of his immediate family.” It is a third-degree crime to stalk someone in violation of a court order or while on parole.

Stalking has become a more complex crime to investigate now that so many people have access to a myriad of information through the Internet. Cyber stalking or Internet stalking is threatening behavior conducted against another person online. Internet stalking may involve threatening emails, chat harassment, bullying, or harassments through texts or hacking into someone's email or social networking account.

While New Jersey does not currently have an Internet-specific stalking law, the current law in place does include all forms of unwanted communication. Since there are no actual witnesses involving an Internet stalking case, it is common for individuals to be wrongfully charged and for misunderstanding to occur. Anyone facing stalking charges in New Jersey would be well-advised to seek legal guidance from a knowledgeable defense attorney.

The New Jersey criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience successfully handling our clients’ stalking charges. If you have been charged with stalking or are facing other serious allegations, call our law offices at 609-240-0040. We strongly advise individuals to consult with us before discussing their case with the authorities. Our initial consultations are always free.

Another arrest has been made following an assault that resulted in the victim suffering critical injuries. According to a news report in The Jersey Journal, the attack on a 22-year-old Bayonne man involved nine boys and four girls. On July 13, 2011, an 18-year-old man was arrested in connection with the attack at 51st Street and Avenue C in Bayonne. The man's aunt and uncle may face charges for helping him avoid the authorities. He faces charges for rioting and endangering an injured victim.

New Jersey Statute 2C:12-1.2 states: “A person is guilty of endangering an injured victim if he causes bodily injury to any person or solicits, aids, encourages, or attempts or agrees to aid another, who causes bodily injury to any person, and leaves the scene of the injury knowing or reasonably believing that the injured person is physically helpless, mentally incapacitated or otherwise unable to care for himself.”

Assault incidents involving multiple parties often become complicated to investigate because they involve contradicting witness statements. It is common for one of the individuals to face steeper penalties than the others involved because of false allegations or because of a criminal history. It is important that the truth comes out and that individuals receive fair treatment in court.

The skilled assault defense lawyers in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein have a proven track record of successfully handling our clients’ assault charges. We fight aggressively for the rights of our clients in each and every case. If you or a loved one is facing assault charges in New Jersey, please call our law offices today at 609-240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

A 35-year-old Newark police officer faces serious fraud and bribery charges following a federal indictment. According to The Star-Ledger, the officer and a 44-year-old man who is a former employee of Spencer Savings Bank, have been charged with taking out a fraudulent loan of $1.9 million. The incident allegedly occurred back in 2004 and it has cost the bank about $400,000. Authorities report that the police officer lied about his net worth in order to acquire the loan and he later wrote a check for $100,000 to the bank worker who gave him the loan. The officer has been suspended by his department since February, but he continues to be a member of the Newark Police Department.

It is illegal to obtain funds from a bank under false means. It is a crime to lie about the amount of funds you have, the amount of money you earn, or to falsify any details about your income or assets while applying for a loan. An individual may be charged with fraud in New Jersey even if they only made mistakes while filing for a mortgage, business loan, car loan, credit card, or health insurance.

Fraud is a serious crime that can result in incarceration and substantial fines. Anyone facing these kinds of allegations would have it in their best interests to seek legal guidance from a skilled Princeton fraud defense attorney. Your career and future may be at stake. The lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have a history of fighting erroneous charges and having the penalties our clients face reduced or dismissed completely. If you are facing fraud charges in New Jersey, call our law offices at 609-240-0040 right away to find out how we can help.

Legislators all over the country have reacted to the tragic death of Caylee Anthony in Florida. Caylee was gone for over a month before her mother, Casey Anthony, reported her as missing to the authorities. According to NJ.com, Assemblyman Ralph Caputo has introduced a bill that would make it a crime in New Jersey to not report your child as missing within 12 hours. Senator Nick Sacco and Assemblyman John Wisnieski are sponsoring a bill that would make it a felony to not report the death of a child or that a child is missing within 24 hours. Casey Anthony was acquitted by a Florida jury earlier this month in connection with Caylee's death.

It is common for politicians and for society to react boldly and swiftly following a well-publicized tragedy. It is also common, however, for the immediate response to a negative situation to be over-reaching and detrimental to an individual's civil liberties. It is crucial that the children of New Jersey are protected, but it is also important to protect the rights of innocent parents.

Anyone facing a wrongful criminal charge in New Jersey would be well-advised to seek immediate legal guidance. The experienced Princeton criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of helping people who have been charged with a crime in New Jersey. If you are facing domestic violence or child abuse charges, the consequences can be devastating. You not only face the danger of losing your job and your freedom, but also the risk of having your children taken away from you. If you are facing criminal charges in New Jersey, please contact our law offices at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at no cost.

The quantity of drugs seized by the authorities will determine the type of charges and the severity of the penalties a suspect will face in a New Jersey drug case. New Jersey is particularly hard on drug offenders and the resulting penalties from drug possession can be life changing. Anyone facing drug crime charges in New Jersey would be well-advised to seek legal guidance from an attorney with experience handling drug crime cases.

The amount of drugs seized will directly impact the resulting charges. When the authorities find 50 grams or less of marijuana, the suspect will face a disorderly persons offense that could result in up to six months in jail. More than 50 grams of marijuana will lead to a felony charge that could result in $25,000 in fines and 18 months of incarceration. This type of increase in penalties is not limited to marijuana. The penalties for possession of controlled substances such as heroin or cocaine also depend upon the quantity of the drugs seized by the authorities.

Another way that the amount of drugs found by the authorities will affect the charges is related to whether the drugs were intended to be sold. Individuals who have a small amount of illegal drugs may face possession charges while individuals with a larger quantity of drugs can face additional charges such as "intent to distribute" or "intent to sell." Officials will look for additional evidence such as weighing scales and packaging materials that are commonly used to package and sell the drugs. Intent to distribute is a felony that can result in extended jail time and heavy fines.

The skilled Princeton drug crime defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have successfully represented numerous clients over the years. We fight to have the drug charges reduced or thrown out. Call our offices at 609-240-0040 before speaking with the authorities.

Sixty two people were arrested after a number of fights broke out following a fireworks show. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the arrests occurred along the Seaside Heights Boardwalk following the Fourth of July fireworks show. Among those who were charged were 59 adults and three juveniles. Most of the charges involved disorderly persons offenses. It is not clear why so many disputes occurred or how many of the individuals arrested by the authorities were actually victims in that scenario.

There are many types of acts that may lead to a New Jersey disorderly persons offense. A person is guilty of disorderly conduct if they act in an offensive, reckless, or disruptive manner in public. When a crowd of people gets out of hand, it is common for individuals to be wrongfully charged with a disorderly persons offense. They may have done nothing wrong, but may have simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time. In such cases, the defendant, if convicted, could face heavy fines and even up to 30 days in jail.

While a minor charge may seem insignificant, disorderly person charges must be taken seriously. In some cases, the creation of a criminal record can have social and professional ramifications in the future. A skilled criminal defense attorney in Princeton can negotiate terms and have a disorderly person offense reduced and, in some cases, even have a conviction expunged from the defendant's record.

The skilled lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to handle all types of disorderly persons offenses in New Jersey. We work with prosecution to negotiate fair terms and the best possible outcome for our clients. To discuss your case, call our law offices at 609-240-0040 right away.

A 56-year-old man was arrested recently after officials say he caused a disturbance after not being allowed to go on a ride at a carnival. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the incident occurred at the Denville Fireman’s Carnival in Denville. The man allegedly yelled at the ride operator, threw objects, and struggled against police officers trying to detain him. He faces multiple charges including disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, criminal mischief, aggravated assault, and consumption of alcohol in public.

A minor disturbance can result in multiple charges if the suspect resists arrest. Under New Jersey Statute 2C:29-2, “A person is guilty of a disorderly persons offense if he purposely prevents or attempts to prevent a law enforcement officer from effecting an arrest.” The disorderly person offense for resisting arrest can be increased to a third-degree crime if they threaten the police or causes a risk of injury to an arresting officer.

With the right representation, it is common for a suspect to have a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey dismissed or the charges reduced. This process can become more complicated, however, if there are multiple offenses that are added on top of one another.

The experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein fight to protect the rights of our clients. We work diligently to get criminal charges against our clients reduced or even thrown out altogether. Call our law offices today at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help you.

A 39-year-old woman in Hudson County has been charged with welfare fraud. According to a news report in The Jersey Journal, the woman has been charged with using an altered pay stub to make it seem as if she qualified for welfare. The woman allegedly received almost $15,000 in welfare assistance for which she was technically not qualified. The most serious charge she faces is a third-degree offense, which could result in jail time. It is not clear if the woman, who does not have a criminal record, will be suspended from her job as a 911 operator because of the alleged offense.

There are many different forms of fraud in New Jersey that can lead to serious penalties. Car accident fraud is when someone receives treatment for a phony injury, overbills for treatment, or stages a car accident to receive compensation. Filing a fraudulent claim with a health insurance provider is a violation of the Health Care Claims Fraud Act. It is also illegal to use false information when applying for New Jersey auto insurance, Medicaid, disability benefits, unemployment benefits, and workers’ compensation.

The penalties for New Jersey fraud can range from fines with probation to jail time. The severity of the penalties will depend on the criminal history of the defendant and the amount of money involved in the fraud. It is crucial that anyone facing fraud charges in New Jersey seek legal guidance from a skilled attorney.

The experienced fraud defense lawyers in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein understand the professional consequences of having a fraud conviction on your record. We know that the stakes are high in such cases. If you or a loved one has been accused of fraud in New Jersey, please contact us at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at absolutely no cost.

The point of New Jersey's juvenile justice system is not to punish but to rehabilitate troubled youth. There are many cases, however, of juveniles facing harsh penalties for crimes that they either did not commit or for offenses they committed for the first time. No matter how severe the penalties may be, it is important that families speak with a skilled attorney who has experience successfully handling juvenile crime cases.

Juvenile cases are different in the sense that they go before a juvenile court judge. However, not all juveniles are tried in juvenile court. In cases that involve serious crimes, a prosecutor may decide to try the juvenile as an adult. There are a number of criteria that must be satisfied for a juvenile case to be tried in adult court. When you do not have quality legal representation, it is possible that your case may get pushed to adult court where the penalties are higher. There is also more media attention in adult court, which means your child's case could be covered by the local media. A skilled attorney will work diligently to keep the case in juvenile court and get the charges reduced or even dismissed altogether.

A knowledgeable lawyer will also work toward having the juvenile's record sealed. If the juvenile remains out of trouble for a certain amount of time, the sealed record can be expunged. In such cases, it is as if the incident never occurred and the juvenile will not have to answer questions about their criminal past in a college or job application.

It is a big mistake not to take charges against a juvenile seriously. Remember, your child's future is at stake. The skilled juvenile defense lawyers in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of protecting the rights of New Jersey's youth. If your son or daughter has been accused of a crime in New Jersey, please call our law offices today at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation.

Corey Stokes, 23, a star Villanova basketball player was arrested on suspicion of aggravated assault after being involved in a brawl. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the incident occurred in Hoboken. The report states that Stokes and two other men, aged 22 and 23, got in a physical fight with two other men. The alleged victims lost consciousness and one of them suffered a broken jaw. The three men, including Stokes, were booked into Hudson County jail. Though undrafted, Stokes is an NBA hopeful.

According to NJSA 2C:12-1, assault is when a person "attempts to cause or purposely, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another; or negligently causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon; or attempts by physical menace to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury." A simple assault charge becomes aggravated assault when the alleged victim suffers a serious injury.

Defendants charged with aggravated assault can face jail time and heavy fines. Those convicted of assault often have trouble finding gainful employment. Someone who is hoping to get a high-profile job may have trouble realizing his or her goals and dreams because of an assault conviction on their record. If you have been charged with a crime, whether it is a felony or a misdemeanor, it is important to be proactive rather than reactive. You need to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer early on in the process when it is still possible to attain the best possible outcome in your case.

The skilled assault crime defense lawyers in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein handle all types of assault charges. We understand that our client's future is on the line in many of these cases. If you are facing assault charges in New Jersey, call our offices at 609-240-0040 before discussing your case with the authorities.

A 61-year-old man has been charged with molesting a young girl over a two-year period. According to a news report in The Jersey Journal, the Jersey City Heights man was arrested on Charles Street in Hudson County. The arrest resulted in multiple charges including aggravated sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child and child abuse of a girl under the age of 10.

N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2 states that sexual assault charges in New Jersey are elevated to aggravated assault when the victim is under 13 years of age. If the victim is between the ages of 13 and 16 it may be considered aggravated sexual assault if "the actor is related to the victim by blood, or the actor has supervisory or disciplinary power over the victim, or the actor is a foster parent, a guardian, or stands in loco parentis within the household."

It is common for charges such as child molestation to result from false information and misunderstanding. While it is important to protect the children of New Jersey from sex offenders, it is also important to prevent innocent people from being unfairly charged and prosecuted. When someone has been wrongfully charged with a crime they did not commit, the charges should be aggressively fought in court.

The skilled New Jersey sexual assault defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to protect the rights of their clients. If you are facing criminal charges in New Jersey, you need our skilled and knowledgeable defense lawyers on your side, fighting for your rights and protecting your best interests. Call our offices today at 609-240-0040 for a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation.

A recent study by the National Retail Federation (NRF) states that North Jersey is one of the top targets for "shoplifting, cargo heists and thefts from stores and warehouses." According to a news report in The Record, retailers lose between $15 billion and $30 billion every year to organized retail theft. Both metropolitan New York and North Jersey have been named as regions with the most organized retail crime issues. New Jersey has responded to this growing issue with increased penalties for shoplifters involved in organized retail theft.

Shoplifting is a serious crime under New Jersey law. According to NJSA 2C:20-11, the value of the goods taken is directly related to the severity of the charges. Shoplifting is a disorderly persons offense if less than $200 is taken; a fourth-degree crime when the value of the goods taken is less than $500; a third-degree crime when the stolen items are valued between $500 and $75,000; and a second-degree crime when the items are valued at over $75,000.

New Jersey imposes stiffer penalties on offenders who may be involved in organized retail theft. The threshold for increased penalties is greatly reduced. Even if the value of the items is under $1,000, it may be considered a third-degree crime if the authorities believe the theft was part of an organized crime. Theft of merchandise valued at $1,000 or more can result in second-degree criminal charges.

The reputed criminal defense attorneys in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein have an excellent track record of handling all types of shoplifting charges. We fight to have our clients' charges reduced or even thrown out completely. Call our offices today at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help you.

Recent economic struggles have forced cities across New Jersey to make major police force layoffs. According to a news report in The International Business Times, these layoffs will result in substantial costs to residents and an increase in criminal activity. The five cities included in the study are Camden, Irvington, Newark, Paterson and Trenton. The study estimates that in these five cities, the police layoffs are likely to result annually in nine more forcible rapes, 34 more murders, 290 more aggravated assaults, 260 more larcenies, 527 more robberies, 549 more burglaries, and 479 more motor vehicle thefts.

One negative consequence of these types of studies is the way local police forces may react. It is common for the authorities to overcompensate for an increase in criminal activity and to make more arrests in an attempt to combat the problem. When there are fewer officers on the street, it is crucial that they are efficiently utilized.

If you have been charged with a crime you did not commit, it is in your best interest to seek skilled representation right away. Discussing the charges with the authorities when you do not have a New Jersey defense attorney present can be a mistake. It is the goal of the authorities to secure a confession and it is easy for individuals to slip up and say the wrong thing when they are afraid or nervous.

The skilled Princeton criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein protect the rights of all New Jersey residents. If you have been wrongfully charged with a crime, please do not hesitate to call our offices at 609-240-0040. We will help you fight the charges and protect your future.

A corporate attorney was suspended from practicing law in New Jersey and New York. According to a Reuters news report, the suspensions are connected to his guilty plea in a domestic violence case. The incident occurred in Virginia back in 2008. After the March 2008 domestic violence incident, the man stopped working as in-house counsel for AT&T and now years later, he has been suspended from working both in New York and New Jersey. He now faces a three-year suspension from practicing law in New York and a one-year suspension in New Jersey.

It is often difficult to determine all of the New Jersey domestic violence conviction consequences. Suspects may be aware of the possible fines and incarceration they face, but it can be challenging to determine what else a conviction or guilty plea may lead to. A domestic violence conviction could also have severe professional consequences. Professional licenses could be suspended. A person working around children, for example, may lose his or her job. An individual with a domestic violence conviction on his or her record may not be considered favorably for employment.

Anyone who faces criminal charges in New Jersey would be well advised to immediately seek the counsel of a skilled criminal defense attorney, who will fight to protect their rights and safeguard their best interests. In some cases, proactive action can be taken to ensure that no charges or filed. In other cases, an experienced domestic violence defense lawyer can get the charges reduced or dismissed.

The experienced domestic violence defense lawyers in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of successfully handling such cases in New Jersey. We know what's at stake and fight hard to protect our clients' rights. Call our offices today at 609-240-0040 to discuss at absolutely no cost.

Under current New Jersey law, only those convicted of a crime must give a DNA sample to the authorities. Under Assembly Bill A4134, anyone arrested on suspicion of a crime will have to provide a DNA sample, if the legislation is passed. According to NJ.com, individuals who are not convicted may petition a judge to have their DNA information removed from the database.

Proponents of the bill are convinced that getting these DNA samples and creating a database increases the likelihood of finding individuals who have committed a crime. Critics of the bills believe that it is a violation of the Fourth Amendment and that it only increases financial burdens on law enforcement departments that are already struggling in the midst of a budget crisis.

The bill also makes it a crime to refuse to submit to the DNA test. In fact, failure to submit a blood or biological sample could result in a fourth degree crime that is punishable by 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine. The goal of this bill is to keep communities safer. It aims to make police officers' jobs easier. But when these samples are not collected properly or when evidence gets contaminated, it increases the likelihood of a false arrest and/or conviction.

Anyone who has been arrested or has been charged with a crime in New Jersey would be well-advised to contact an experienced Princeton criminal defense lawyer, who will fight for their rights and help them build a solid defense. The attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein provide free consultations to anyone facing criminal charges in New Jersey. Call us today at 609-240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

A 43-year-old man who is currently running for a position on the Middletown Township Committee has been arrested on charges of crack cocaine possession. According to The Star-Ledger, the drug possession arrest occurred at the Holmdel Motor Inn hotel in Middletown. Officials entered the room after a woman alerted the police that she had been chased out of the room. They reportedly found crack cocaine as well as drug paraphernalia. It is unclear how they determined that the drugs belonged to the man.

Crack cocaine and cocaine are both considered powerful narcotics. Possession of these controlled substances can result in felony charges. While marijuana possession charges may result in up to 18 months of jail time, possession of cocaine could result in three to five years in jail. Fines for cocaine possession range from $1,000 to $25,000 and it is common for the suspect's driver's license to be suspended. Additionally, the defendant may have to enroll in a mandatory drug rehabilitation program.

All drug charges in New Jersey must be taken seriously and fought with an experienced attorney. The seriousness of the charges in a drug case depends on the quantity of drugs seized, the defendant's intent to sell, and their prior criminal record.

The skilled drug crime defense lawyers in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to handle all types of drug possession charges. We fight to have penalties reduced and for charges to be thrown out completely. We are extremely knowledgeable about search-and-seizure laws, which could have a significant impact on a drug case. If you are facing drug charges in New Jersey, please call our offices at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at no cost.

Two men, ages 23 and 26, have been arrested for allegedly possessing marijuana following a drug raid conducted by the Hudson County Sheriff's Office. According to a news report in The Jersey Journal, the arrests were made on Columbia Avenue near 63rd Street in North Bergen. Officers reportedly found several ounces of marijuana, packaging material, and a stun gun before arresting the two men. Officials are also looking for another person in connection with the incident.

The amount of marijuana ceased by the authorities is directly linked to the severity of the charges a suspect may face. For example, possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana is a disorderly persons offense that may result in up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Possessing more than 50 grams of marijuana is a felony that could result in 18 months in jail and a fine of up to $25,000. The penalties become even more severe if the authorities believe the individual had the intention of selling the drug. Even attempting to sell less than an ounce of marijuana can result in felony charges.

Fighting marijuana possession charges in New Jersey can be challenging. When the authorities have conducted an extensive investigation followed by a drug raid, they will aggressively prosecute the defendants. Anyone facing these types of allegations would be well-advised to immediately seek legal representation from a skilled attorney to ensure that their rights are protected.

The knowledgeable New Jersey marijuana defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience successfully handling marijuana possession cases. We provide free consultations at 609-240-0040 to anyone facing marijuana and other drug crime charges in New Jersey. Call us today to discuss your legal rights and options.

A 70-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly shoplifting packaged meat from a Stop and Shop store. According to a news report in The Staten Island Advance, the incident occurred on West Countyline Road in Jackson. Officials believe he attempted to leave the store without paying for $215 worth of meat. The man now faces New Jersey shoplifting charges. It is not clear how store security officials determined that he was leaving the store without paying.

The extent of the penalties related to a shoplifting charge in New Jersey is based on the value of the goods allegedly taken. For example, it is a disorderly persons offense to take up to $199 worth of merchandise. Disorderly persons offenses in New Jersey could result in up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Stealing items valued between $200 and $500 results in a fourth degree charge, which could result in up to 18 months of jail time and a fine of $10,000. First-time shoplifting offenders in New Jersey also face 10 days of mandatory community service.

An individual convicted of shoplifting can face serious consequences. Future employers, for example, may be less likely to hire someone with a criminal record. It is important for anyone facing charges such as shoplifting to seek legal guidance from a skilled attorney before speaking about the case with the authorities.

The experienced Princeton criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein handle all types of cases in New Jersey, shoplifting cases. We aggressively fight to have our clients’ charges thrown out and for penalties to be decreased. If you are facing shoplifting charges in New Jersey, please call our law offices at 609-240-0040 today to discuss your case at absolutely no cost.

“Jail – It’s not for me” is a new program in Cape May that makes juvenile offenders spend a day in jail. The young offenders wear a jumpsuit, stay behind bars, and eat the same food as regular inmates. Juveniles forced into this program will not have to make contact with the actual inmates. While the intention of preventing juvenile crime is good, it is not clear if such a program is actually effective. In fact, a 2003 study by WestEd determined that such "scared straight" programs tend to have the opposite intended effect on juveniles.

Juveniles face a myriad of potential punishments when they are charged with a crime. While some may get off with community service, others may be placed on a dangerous path of recidivism with an established criminal record. It is important to fully understand the ramifications of a juvenile crime conviction before choosing a lawyer. Failure to hire an experienced attorney could result in the maximum penalties being enforced.

In many cases, the charges a juvenile faces can be reduced through negotiations with the prosecution. When this is not possible, a skilled attorney will fight to have the charges dropped or the conviction kept off the youth's criminal record.

The juvenile crime defense attorneys in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein know that your child's life and future is at stake after they have been charged with a crime in New Jersey. Our lawyers have successfully defended charges on behalf of numerous young people. If your son or daughter is facing juvenile charges in New Jersey, please call our law offices at 609-240-0040 today to schedule a no-cost consultation.