New Jersey Criminal Defense Blog

A 30-year-old man from Phillipsburg, New Jersey, has been indicted by a Warren County grand jury for injuring a police sergeant. According to a news report in The Express-Times, the man has been indicted for third-degree aggravated assault for cutting a man and a fourth-degree aggravated assault for attempting to hit an arresting officer. The alleged incident occurred in Phillipsburg. The man also faces charges for unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Aggravated assault is a serious allegation that can result in life-changing penalties. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(b): “A person is guilty of aggravated assault if he: (1) Attempts to cause serious bodily injury to another, or causes such injury purposely or knowingly or under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life recklessly causes such injury.” The extent of the penalties related to aggravated assault depends on the injuries suffered by victims, whether or not a weapon was involved in the altercation, and whether or not the defendant has a record of criminal activity.

It is common for defendants to face increased penalties, fines, and additional charges if they have a history of criminal convictions. At Lependorf & Silverstein, our assault defense lawyers in Princeton handle all types of assault charges in New Jersey, as well as a wide variety of other criminal charges. We know how to fight serious allegations and get the charges made against our clients reduced or even dismissed altogether. Call our law offices today at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at absolutely no cost.

A 44-year-old man faces child endangerment charges in Mercer County after allegedly providing obscene material to a minor. According to a news report in The Times, the Hamilton Police and the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office took the man into custody. The authorities have not stated what the man allegedly did or whether he has a criminal history of committing sex crimes in New Jersey. Among the charges he now faces are attempted luring and providing obscene material to a minor.

New Jersey Code 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.” It is common for these types of charges to result from misunderstandings, false allegations, and mistaken identities.

One of the most devastating consequences of sex crime allegations is the social and professional impact such a charge has. Despite being innocent until proven guilty, defendants in these types of cases get their names and photos published in newspapers and Internet sites. Even if the charges are dismissed, an individual's reputation, once tarnished, is difficult to rebuild. This is exactly why it is imperative to be proactive and contact a skilled lawyer that has experience successfully handling similar cases before charges are filed and the case is publicized in the media.

The experienced Princeton sex crime defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein fight hard to protect our clients' reputation and future. If you or a loved one is facing sex crime charges in New Jersey, please call our law offices at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help you.

Three men in their 20s were arrested for disorderly conduct after about 35 people were involved in a brawl. According to a news report in The Brick Patch, the incident occurred near Jenkinson's Boardwalk on Ocean Avenue in Point Pleasant. The early morning incident involved a number of individuals who may be in the Bloods gang from Newark and Paterson. While many individuals were involved in this altercation, officials decided to arrest and cite only these three individuals. It is unclear how they determined that these three men should face charges for the fight when at least 32 other people were involved as well.

Disorderly conduct is a disorderly persons offense that can result in up to 30 days in county jail. New Jersey Code 2C:33-2 states: “A person is guilty of a petty disorderly persons offense, if with purpose to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof he: (1) Engages in fighting or threatening, or in violent or tumultuous behavior; or (2) Creates a hazardous or physically dangerous condition by any act which serves no legitimate purpose of the actor.”

In cases where several people are involved such as a brawl, it is common for mistaken identities to lead to false arrests and wrongful allegations. There are often conflicting reports and statements from not only those involved in the fight, but also eyewitnesses. Anyone facing these types of charges would be well-advised to seek legal guidance from a skilled criminal defense attorney in New Jersey.

The lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of successfully handling disorderly conduct and other criminal cases in New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been charged with a disorderly persons offense, please call our law offices at 609-240-0040 before discussing your case with the authorities.

Inhibiting the authorities from doing their job is a serious crime in New Jersey. Obstruction of justice charges may arise when someone is deliberately trying to hinder the authorities from conducting an investigation or making an arrest. It is common for individuals to make poor choices if they worry that a loved one may be arrested. It is important that a rash judgment or hasty act of defiance does not result in serious criminal penalties.

New Jersey Statute 2C:29-1 states: “A person commits an offense if he purposely obstructs, impairs or perverts the administration of law or other governmental function or prevents or attempts to prevent a public servant from lawfully performing an official function by means of flight, intimidation, force, violence, or physical interference or obstacle, or by means of any independently unlawful act.”

New Jersey law enforcement takes obstruction of justice charges very seriously. Sometimes this crime results in a disorderly persons offense but it increases to a fourth degree crime if the actor "obstructs the detection or investigation of a crime or the prosecution of a person for a crime." These serious allegations could result in heavy fines and even jail time. Anyone charged with obstruction of justice in New Jersey would be well-advised to seek legal guidance from an attorney that has experience handling similar cases.

The knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein have many years of experience successfully handling obstruction of justice charges in New Jersey. Call our law offices today at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case assessment.

A 23-year-old woman has been charged with shoplifting in Cumberland County after she allegedly used her purse to steal items from a store. According to a news report in The Daily Journal, the shoplifting incident occurred at a Wal-Mart in the Cumberland Crossing shopping center on N. 2nd Street in Millville. It is not clear how many items the woman took or how officials determined that she intended to leave the store without paying for the items.

New Jersey Statute 2C:20-11 states that shoplifting consists of “any person purposely to take possession of, carry away, transfer or cause to be carried away or transferred, any merchandise displayed, held, stored or offered for sale by any store or other retail mercantile establishment with the intention of depriving the merchant of the possession, use or benefit of such merchandise or converting the same to the use of such person without paying to the merchant the full retail value thereof.” It is also considered shoplifting to transfer or remove a label, change a price tag, or to switch an items container with the intent of depriving the shop owner of full retail value.

One key element to any shoplifting case is whether or not the defendant actually intended to steal the items. It is common for someone to place an item in a bag or purse with the intention of paying for it as they leave and to then be wrongful accused of a crime they never meant to commit.

The experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein understand how easy it is to make a mistake. If you or a loved one has been accused of theft or shoplifting, or another crime, please call our law offices at 609-240-0040 to discuss the specifics of your case so we can start defending your legal rights.

A 27-year-old man has been charged with lewd conduct after he allegedly offended a woman on a train. According to The Jersey Journal, the incident occurred on the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail in Bayonne. Officials say the man made eye contact with a 50-year-old woman while reaching into his pants. The man was described to the authorities before being tracked down and “positively identified” by the woman. He has been charged with committing a lewd act in New Jersey and was sent to the Hudson County jail.

There are a number of acts under New Jersey Code 2C:14-4 that may be considered lewd. “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 means that a lewd act is only an offense when someone is affronted or alarmed by the act. In other words, there must be a victim for a lewd act to result in a disorderly persons offense.

In some cases, a lewd act conviction may result in the individual being labeled as a sex offender. All sex crimes charges must be taken seriously and vigorously fought in court by an experienced criminal defense attorney, for the consequences and penalties for being convicted of such a crime can be severe.

The Princeton lewd conduct defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to fight the criminal charges made against our clients. If you have been charged with lewd conduct or any other disorderly persons or criminal charge in New Jersey, do not hesitate to call our law offices at 609-240-0040. It is the first step you can take to protect your reputation and your future.

Two brothers from Middlesex County, ages 58 and 60, were arrested on suspicion of cultivating marijuana. According to The Hunterdon County Democrat, the arrest occurred in a Hunterdon County land preserve in Franklin Township. The men were arrested by members of the Anti-Crime Team following an investigation initiated by the Hunterdon County Park Rangers. They both face first-degree charges for maintaining a controlled dangerous substance production facility as well as second degree charges for possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute.

The comments by readers of this article reflect a growing confusion over the recent changes in marijuana laws in New Jersey. While medical marijuana has been made legal in New Jersey, who is allowed to grow and sell it remains restricted by state laws. In fact, cultivation of marijuana remains a felony whether it involves one plant or hundreds of plants. Cultivating less than 10 plants is a felony that results in three to five years of incarceration and growing 10 to 49 plants could result in up to 10 years in prison.

There are many laws that restrict the ability to grow, sell, possess, and use marijuana. There are even criminal penalties related to possessing items commonly affiliated with marijuana use. Everyone would be well advised to remember that it is still illegal to possess marijuana in New Jersey and the resulting penalties can be very serious.

If you or a loved one is facing marijuana possession, cultivation, or sale charges in New Jersey, call the law offices of Lependorf & Silverstein right away at 609-240-0040. Our marijuana defense attorneys in Princeton will help defend you against these charges and keep you out of jail. Call us today to find out how we can help you.

In New Jersey, it is illegal for individuals under the age of 18 to purchase long guns and people under the age of 21 to purchase handguns. These New Jersey-specific age limits are even stricter than federal law. It is also a crime under New Jersey law to allow a minor to have access to a gun.

Under New Jersey Statute 2C:58-15: “A person who knows or reasonably should know that a minor is likely to gain access to a loaded firearm at a premises under the person's control commits a disorderly persons offense if a minor gains access to the firearm, unless the person: (1) Stores the firearm in a securely locked box or container; (2) Stores the firearm in a location which a reasonable person would believe to be secure; or (3) Secures the firearm with a trigger lock.”

While it is crucial to keep weapons out of the hands of children, it is also important that gun owners are not wrongfully charged with making their weapons available to a minor. It is possible for a child to figure out where a gun is locked up and to figure out how to access it without the gun owner's knowledge. All gun owners would be well-advised to make sure their weapon is secure at all times because the fines for violating New Jersey gun laws can be severe. Disorderly persons charges often come with heavy fines and the potential for jail time.

The experienced Princeton weapons violation lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein fight hard to protect and defend the civil rights of New Jersey residents. If you have been wrongfully charged with violating a weapons law in New Jersey, call our law offices at 609-240-0040 right away to discuss your case.

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with possession of a weapon as well as resisting arrest after undercover officers chased him down. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the weapon possession arrest occurred off of Schley Street in the South Ward area of Newark. Undercover detectives patrolling the area allegedly saw the teenager involved in a drug transaction. According to the report, during the chase, he threw something into an open garage. Police arrested him and found a loaded .38-caliber weapon in the garage. He was taken to a youth detention facility. He faces additional weapon possession charges because the gun had hollow-point ammunition and the weapon was defaced.

New Jersey Statute 2C:39-5 states: “Any person who knowingly has in his possession any handgun, including any antique handgun, without first having obtained a permit to carry the same as provided in N.J.S.A. 2C:58-4, is guilty of a crime of the third degree.” Possessing a gun without a valid permit is a serious offense. Defacing the weapon so that it is not easily traceable is also a crime that has serious consequences because the act of defacing a weapon implies that it was obtained for illegal purposes.

Teenagers facing multiple offenses in New Jersey run the risk of being charged as an adult. It is crucial that the family of juveniles facing serious penalties immediately seek legal guidance. An experienced attorney will fight to help the defendant get that valuable second chance.

The skilled Princeton juvenile crime defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein work diligently to keep our young clients out of jail and get them the help they need. If your son or daughter is facing a criminal charge in New Jersey, please contact our law offices at 609-240-0040 to schedule a free consultation to learn more about the legal options available to your family.

Under New Jersey N.J.S.A. 2C:25-21a, a police officer is legally required to make an arrest if a victim “exhibits signs of injury.” This means that when an officer is called about a domestic disturbance and someone appears to be injured, it is likely that one of the adults in the household will be arrested. It is often difficult for the authorities to make a judgment within minutes as to whether the injured victim really is in danger or if the entire situation was the result of a misunderstanding or overreaction.

It is common for a neighbor or a passerby to hear a noise or to witness something that looks suspicious and for the authorities to become involved. While it is useful to have well-meaning citizens who look out for each other, it is important that proper investigative work is done and that individuals are not wrongfully charged with a serious crime such as domestic violence.

In general terms, the definition of domestic violence in New Jersey is a criminal act against a family member. Abuse (physical or sexual), assault, stalking, and harassment are all charges that fall under the umbrella of domestic abuse if the victim is a son or daughter, spouse, or family member living in the same household as the suspect.

A wrongful or mistaken arrest can lead to serious charges that may lead to incarceration and heavy fines. Additionally, when someone is convicted of domestic violence in New Jersey, they will have a criminal record. Individuals may also face custody issues and suffer social and professional consequences as a result of these charges.

The Princeton domestic violence attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein understand the importance of fighting wrongful domestic abuse charges in New Jersey. If you or a loved one is facing domestic violence charges, please do not hesitate to call our law offices at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation to learn more about your legal rights.

Two men, ages 19 and 20, were arrested on suspicion of marijuana possession following a motor vehicle stop. According to a news report in The Atlantic Highlands Herald, the arrest occurred on Palmer Avenue in Holmdel Township. It is unclear what motivated the officer to pull the vehicle over in the first place or why he suspected that the two young men had marijuana. They both face possession of marijuana as well as possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

The severity of the penalties defendants will face for marijuana possession in New Jersey is directly linked to the amount of marijuana confiscated by the authorities. For example, having 50 grams or less of marijuana is a disorderly persons offense punishable by up to six months in jail. If the authorities find over 50 grams of marijuana, the charges may become a felony with a potential jail sentence of up to 18 months. Possession of drug paraphernalia is a disorderly persons offense that can result in penalties that are added on top of possession charges.

An experienced attorney will carefully examine the circumstances of the arrest to determine if the defendant knowingly possessed the drug, if the authorities legally obtained the drugs, and if the charges fit the offense. There are many circumstances in which a skilled lawyer can get the charges lessened and help a first-time offender avoid jail time.

The marijuana possession defense lawyers in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of successfully fighting marijuana charges and other drug charges in New Jersey. We know how to help our clients avoid unnecessary harsh penalties and have a thorough knowledge of issues relating to search and seizure. Call our law offices today at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and case evaluation to learn more about the legal options available to you.

A 26-year-old mother faces child endangerment charges after allegedly leaving her children in a van while she went shopping. According to The Star-Ledger, the incident occurred on Franklin Avenue in Nutley. The authorities were notified that three girls–a two-month-old, a one-year-old, and a six-year-old–were in a 1996 Plymouth van with a window cracked open. Officials arrived and arrested the mother when she exited the store. It is unclear how long the mother was in the store or if the children were in immediate damager. She now faces three counts of endangering the welfare of a minor.

There are many different degrees of child endangerment under New Jersey Statute 2C: 24-4. “Endangerment” is a general term that covers many offenses including statutory rape, driving drunk with a minor in the car, child abuse, child molestation, creating child pornography, and child neglect. The penalties related to this type of offense include incarceration and heavy fines. In some cases, an act of endangerment could even result in a parent losing custody of the children.

Even if the parent did not knowingly put their child in danger, they may face life-changing consequences once the authorities are involved. It is imperative to fight these types of charges in court with a skilled attorney on your side.

The experienced Princeton criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein understand the severity of child endangerment charges, and we work diligently to protect the rights of parents who have been wrongfully accused of endangerment, abuse, or neglect. To find out how we can help, call our law offices today at 609-240-0040.

An evening of drunken behavior can result in a number of serious charges. Intoxicated individuals tend to have fewer inhibitions and they are prone to make mistakes they never would have made while sober. A few hours of partying or drinking could result in charges that could affect your future. It is important to understand the laws relating to drinking in public in New Jersey.

The most common criminal charge that may result from an evening of drinking is disorderly conduct. According to New Jersey Statute 2C:33-2: “A person is guilty of a petty disorderly persons offense, if with purpose to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof he…engages in fighting or threatening behavior or creates a hazardous or physically dangerous condition or he addresses unreasonably loud and offensively coarse or abusive language.”

Disorderly conduct can technically result from something as serious as getting in a fight to something as innocuous as swearing in public. What is considered improper behavior is often at the discretion of the arresting officer, which means there is a large margin of error.

Other potential alcohol-related charges in New Jersey include bringing alcohol onto a school property (2C:33-16), allowing a minor to possess alcohol (2C:33-17) and loitering (2C:33-2.1). Many of these charges are disorderly persons offenses, but if the authorities choose to charge the defendant with multiple charges at once, the resulting penalties can add up fast.

The experienced criminal defense lawyers in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein fight to protect the rights of our clients. We make sure that any criminal charges you face do not end up having a negative impact on your personal and professional life. If you are facing criminal charges in New Jersey, please contact us at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case.

A 15-year-old boy and his 9-year-old brother were arrested recently for the theft of two vehicles. According to The Star-Ledger, the incidents allegedly occurred at an electrical supply business on Sago Street in Clifton. The authorities believe the property was broken into on two consecutive days and car keys and vehicles were stolen. According to the report, a Honda Civic was stolen the first night and a Toyota truck was taken the next day. The 15-year-old boy has allegedly been homeless since being released from a foster home. He now faces burglaries and car theft charges. The 9-year-old has not been officially charged, but the investigation is ongoing.

The whole idea behind New Jersey's juvenile criminal justice system is to rehabilitate troubled youths. There are so many juveniles out there who do not have the proper support system to keep them off the streets and out of harm's way. It is crucial that these young individuals are given fair treatment and understanding during their criminal proceedings.

An experienced juvenile crime defense attorney in New Jersey will work in the best interests of the youth. For example, a skilled lawyer will argue against incarceration and in favor of rehabilitation. Troubled youth need support, not imprisonment. They need a safe home where they can get the love and affection of a family and an education.

The lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have an excellent track record of protecting the rights of New Jersey's youth. If your child has been charged with a crime, call our law offices today at 609-240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Depending on the nature of the offense and the prior criminal record of the individual, a New Jersey criminal record can be expunged. This process is not easy and it is not available for all convicted offenders. To discuss if you are able to clear your criminal record, you would be well-advised to seek legal guidance from a skilled attorney.

There are a number of steps that juveniles or adults can take to have their records expunged. First, they will have to request a state police criminal history record. In order to do this, the individual will have to get fingerprinted. Next, they will have to fill out a lengthy petition for expungement. The petition must be filed in the county where the crime was committed. They will then have to have to sign the verification portion of the petition in the presence of a Notary Public. If all goes well, a judge may review the petition, order a hearing and expunge the records.

Not everyone will be able to have their record sealed or expunged. For example, repeat offenders, those who fail to complete their probation successfully, or those who have a prior criminal record may not be able to get their records sealed. Getting an expungement may be critical for someone who is trying to get a job or professional license. Having a criminal record cleared can be a huge milestone in turning one's life around.

The experienced expungement lawyers in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein have helped numerous clients successfully get their records sealed and prior convictions expunged. If you would like to obtain more information about this process, please contact us at 609-240-0040 right away to discuss your case at no cost.

A 17-year-old boy has pleaded not guilty to carjacking a vehicle from an official at the State Attorney General’s Office. According to ABC News, the incident occurred in Newark. The 17-year-old is being charged as an adult for allegedly pointing a gun at the man's chest before taking his vehicle. The Star-Ledger has reported that the teenager is one of three-dozen individuals implicated in a series of carjacking incidents in Newark.

It is in the best interest of young individuals to be tried as juveniles instead of adult court. While the adult criminal system is based on punishment, the juvenile system in New Jersey is based on rehabilitation. The charges in an adult criminal proceeding are therefore much more severe and they often involve substantial jail time, which can be particularly traumatizing for a young person.

In cases that involve violent crimes, a teen may be charged as an adult. In addition, juvenile court proceedings are closed to the public and the media, which offers more protection to the defendant. The prosecution will determine whether or not to charge an individual as an adult based on the severity of the crime as well as the age and criminal history of the defendant.

If your son or daughter is facing criminal charges, the experienced juvenile crime defense attorneys in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein can help. Call our law offices at 609-240-0040 to discuss your legal rights for free with one of our highly skilled lawyers. We will fight hard to make sure that your child gets that valuable second chance.

BeenVerified has released a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices that allows users to conduct background checks on anyone for a price. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the application was originally pulled from the market back in 2009, but it has been officially re-launched with more options than before. For a couple of dollars, users of the app can run a background check on contact information and criminal records. For an additional fee, users can even look up bankruptcies and sexual offenses.

While this may be a useful tool for individuals who are about to go on a blind date or protect their children from sexual predators, it can have devastating consequences for someone who has recently had their identity stolen or for an individual who has served their time in prison and is looking to assimilate back into society.

Having a criminal record can have multiple unforeseen professional, social, and financial consequences. Individuals with criminal records often have difficulties applying for a mortgage or for a new job. We live in an age of transparency and information is readily accessible to anyone who is Web-savvy. That is why it is crucial for individuals charged with a crime in New Jersey to seek skilled representation from an experienced attorney.

Every case is different, but there are circumstances in which an attorney can have a case completely thrown out. In cases where the defendant does not want to fight the charges, a knowledgeable defense attorney can negotiate to have the penalties reduced.

The reputed Princeton criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein handle all types of criminal charges throughout New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime in New Jersey, call our law offices today at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation to learn more about your legal rights.

An elderly woman has been charged with petty larceny for allegedly stealing jewelry from a department store. According to The New City Patch, the arrest occurred at the Lord and Taylor Store at Palisades Center Mall. The 75-year-old woman has been charged with taking up to $538 worth of items. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

New Jersey Statute 2C:20-11 states that it is shoplifting “for any person purposely to take possession of, carry away, transfer or cause to be carried away or transferred, any merchandise displayed, held, stored or offered for sale by any store or other retail mercantile establishment with the intention of depriving the merchant of the possession, use or benefit of such merchandise or converting the same to the use of such person without paying to the merchant the full retail value thereof.”

To convict an individual of shoplifting in New Jersey, the prosecution will have to prove that the defendant intentionally took the items. It is common for wrongful charges to arise from a situation where someone mistakenly left a store without paying or inadvertently walked away with an item or merchandise. What was simply a mistake can be viewed as a criminal act. Depending upon the value of the items involved and the history of the defendant, the charges for shoplifting can be severe. Having the right attorney can make a huge difference on the outcome of your case.

The knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein handle all types of shoplifting and theft cases in New Jersey. If you or a loved one is facing theft-related charges, call our law offices at 609-240-0040 before discussing the case with the authorities.

Shoplifting is a serious crime that has potentially life-changing consequences. What makes shoplifting charges unique is that there is a wide range of penalties based on the value of the items allegedly taken. Anyone facing shoplifting charges in New Jersey would be well-advised to seek legal guidance from a skilled lawyer to better understand their legal rights and options.

New Jersey Statute 2C:20-11 breaks down the different degrees of shoplifting offenses. For example, it is a disorderly persons offense to wrongfully take items worth less than $200. Penalties for a disorderly persons shoplifting offense include jail time of up to six months and a fine of up to $1,000. These already harsh penalties increase substantially depending upon the value of the items taken.

Taking items from a store valued between $200 and $500 is a fourth-degree crime punishable by jail time of up to 18 months and a fine of $10,000. It is a third-degree crime to take between $500 and $75,000. Penalties for a third-degree shoplifting conviction include a $15,000 fine and between three and five years of jail time. Taking over $75,000 worth of goods from a store is a second-degree crime that carries a potential 10-year jail sentence and a fine of up to $150,000.

The increase of penalties between stealing $499 and $501 worth of items is one of many reasons why it is crucial to have experienced legal representation. At Lependorf & Silverstein, our New Jersey criminal defense attorneys know how to have the charges for shoplifting reduced or dismissed in light of circumstances. To discuss your legal options at no cost, call our law offices at 609-240-0040.

In 2008, two 14-year-old teenagers in Somerset County were charged after they held down a couple of 12-year-old boys and placed their bare buttocks on the boys’ faces. After years of investigations and appeals, the two teens may have to register as sex offenders for the rest of their lives. According to The Beaver County Times, the recent ruling by an appeals court means that boys made sexual contact for the purpose of humiliation.

Although the case may have involved two young individuals who made an unfortunate choice that may be considered little more than inappropriate horseplay, each of these boys may face a lifetime label as a sex offender. Now that the case is back in a lower court, one of the boys is reconsidering his guilty plea and a review is underway to determine if the other boy had adequate legal representation.

It doesn't matter if you are a juvenile or adult. All sexual contact cases must be taken seriously. Registration as a sex offender under Megan's Law can have negative consequences for individuals both socially and professionally. Under Megan's Law, a convicted sex offender must register with the local authorities and anyone can have access to information from their photographs to their home address and their criminal record. Imagine trying to seek a job as an adult when your criminal record shows that you are a sex offender. There are jobs available for individuals who are trying to fix their past mistakes but a number of employers will not even consider someone with any criminal record, let alone a sex offense.

The experienced sex crime defense lawyers in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein understand the serious consequences our clients face in the aftermath of a sex crime charge. Our skilled attorneys have a proven track record of having penalties reduced, records sealed, and charges dismissed. Please call our law offices today at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case.

A man sitting in his car in an Outback Steak House parking lot faces marijuana possession charges after the authorities approached his vehicle. According to The Atlantic Highlands Herald, the marijuana arrest occurred on Highway 35 in Middletown. Officials say they observed suspicious looking behavior and smelled burning marijuana. The 48-year-old Blossom Circle man now faces charges for possessing under 50 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Having less than 50 grams of marijuana in New Jersey is a disorderly persons offense that could result in up to six months of jail time and a fine of up to $1,000. In some cases, an offense such as possession can be reduced or dismissed if the alleged offender is willing to participate in drug rehabilitation services. This option is not, however, always available to repeat offenders or for individuals who have more than 50 grams of marijuana in their possession.

Possession of drug paraphernalia is an offense separate from marijuana possession and the potential $1,000 fine and time in jail can be added on top of a drug possession crime. The charges and penalties associated with a marijuana case can add up quickly and if the defendant does not have the right legal representation, a minor charge can turn into unnecessarily harsh penalties.

The experienced Princeton marijuana defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a proven track record of successfully handling our clients’ drug charges in New Jersey. If you or a loved one is facing marijuana possession charges, please do not hesitate to call our law offices at 609-240-0040 before speaking with the authorities.

Now that Governor Chris Christie has officially approved medical marijuana use in New Jersey, there are a number of questions that will have to be answered. Will the federal government arrest individuals for possession even if they took the legal route of obtaining the drugs? Will there be an increase in the number of marijuana arrests in New Jersey or a substantial decrease because of the new laws? Will the new marijuana dispensaries come under intense legal scrutiny?

One of the reasons that Governor Christie waited for over a year to approve the medical marijuana bill, which was passed in January 2010, is because marijuana is illegal to possess under federal law. When the governor requested a promise that New Jersey residents will not be arrested after legally obtaining the controlled substance, the federal government was unable to provide that promise. The U.S. deputy attorney general did, however, release a memo stating that “it is not likely an efficient use of federal resources to focus enforcement efforts on individuals with cancer or other serious illnesses” who use medical marijuana.

This statement certainly leaves open the possibility of the federal government arresting individuals for possession and there will clearly be a bit of confusion during this complicated transitional period due to the discrepancy between state and federal laws. Anyone facing marijuana possession charges in New Jersey would be well-advised to seek legal guidance from an experienced attorney to find out what legal options are available to them.

The experienced marijuana defense lawyers in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein handle all types of drug possession charges in New Jersey. We understand the severity of charges our clients face and the complexities that will come with the new medical marijuana laws that are now beginning to take effect. If you would like to discuss your case with one of our skilled attorneys, call 609-240-0040 for a no-cost consultation.

There is a new push by the New Jersey's child welfare department to encourage individuals to report child abuse and neglect. According to BeaumontEnterprise.com, this new campaign is a direct result of the May 22, 2011, death of an 8-year-old girl who passed away from malnutrition and a lack of treatment for a broken leg. An investigation into the death of the young victim showed that the department received an anonymous call about the mistreatment of the girl before her death.

Clearly, it is a tragedy whenever there are instances of child abuse or neglect in New Jersey. It is important, however, that the authorities do their best to investigate all allegations before filing charges that could affect numerous lives. It is common for parents, for example, to face very serious charges because of false allegations, mistaken identity, misunderstandings, and spiteful neighbors or family members.

Individuals who believe they have witnessed abuse or neglect are encouraged to notify the authorities. The question becomes, what did they really witness? Was the witness close enough to the situation to understand what really took place and who was involved? Individuals convicted of child abuse in New Jersey face serious penalties, including jail time and a loss of custody of their child.

The domestic violence defense lawyers in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of successfully handling domestic violence and child abuse cases in New Jersey. To begin building a defense and to discuss your legal options at no cost, please call our law offices at 609-240-0040 today.