New Jersey Criminal Defense Blog

Approximately 100 people face alcohol-related charges after authorities raided a Rowan University fraternity house. According to The Gloucester County Times, the raid occurred at the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity in Glassboro. The authorities conducted a sting operation after hearing that the fraternity was involved in selling alcohol without a license to students under the age of 21. At the time of the raid there were almost 200 people inside the house and at least half of them were under the age of 21. The report states that approximately 100 individuals face charges of underage consumption/possession of alcohol. Additional charges issued include obstruction of justice, providing false information, and sale of alcohol without a license.

New Jersey police officers take underage consumption of alcohol seriously. New Jersey statute 2C:33-15 states: "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."

Whenever the authorities issue multiple citations and make many arrests at once, there is the potential for mistakes to be made. The consequences of such charges could range from jail time and hefty penalties to a mark on the defendant's record, which could haunt him or her in the future.

The knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience successfully handling alcohol-related charges. If you are facing criminal charges in New Jersey, please call our offices today at 609-240-0040 for a no-cost case evaluation.

Authorities in New Jersey are searching for a 36-year-old man who they believe is the leader of a shoplifting ring. According to an ABC 6 news report, officials determined the identity of the alleged "leader" who reportedly assaulted a police officer while stealing a television from the K-Mart on Blackwood-Clementon Road in Gloucester Township. But they have not arrested him. Police have been able to track down and arrest two women, ages 30 and 28, who they believe conspired with the man to steal items from multiple locations. The two women face conspiracy charges.

New Jersey law makes it a crime "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."

Shoplifting charges are directly related to the number and monetary value of items stolen and the criminal history of the defendant. Shoplifting charges can become even more serious when the authorities suspect that the crime involved multiple individuals. A "shoplifting ring" involves individuals who work together to obtain items. Charges such as conspiracy may be added on top of the already severe shoplifting charges, increasing the penalties faced by the defendant.

The experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to fight these charges. Anyone facing shoplifting charges in New Jersey would be well advised to call our offices at 609-240-0040 before discussing the case with the authorities.

There are many types of incidents that may result in a New Jersey disorderly persons charge. It is common for individuals charged with a disorderly persons offense to not take it seriously. All New Jersey residents should know that every criminal charge can be serious because it will go on their record and very likely have an impact on their future.

Examples of criminal acts that may result in a disorderly persons offense include harassment, shoplifting, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, lewdness, and simple assault. All of these acts may result in misdemeanor charges or worse if the defendant has a criminal history or there was substantial damage or injuries caused as a result of the alleged crime.

The penalties for a disorderly persons offense include up to six months of jail time and a fine of up to $1,000. Additional fines may include a penalty for every offense or a payment to the Victims of Crime Compensation Board and to the Safe Neighborhoods Services Fund. These fines can add up very quickly. Additionally, there are increased penalties for individuals who fail to pay their fines on time.

Repeat offenders face even harsher penalties. Therefore, failing to take a minor offense seriously could result in more severe consequences in the future if the defendant is arrested again on a similar charge. Even though everyone is innocent until proven guilty, repeat offenders often have difficulty getting the benefit of the doubt.

A criminal defense lawyer in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein will vigorously fight for your rights. Our attorneys know the consequences a conviction can have on someone's future. If you or a loved one is facing disorderly persons charges in New Jersey, please contact our law offices at 609-240-0040 to schedule your free consultation.

It is common for simple assault charges to result from a misunderstanding or a minor dispute that gets out of hand. It is important for those facing simple assault charges to discuss their case with an experienced criminal defense attorney. It must be determined if it is worth fighting the charges or if there is an opportunity to negotiate. Failure to explore these options may result in unnecessarily harsh penalties.

New Jersey Statute 2C:12-1 states that a person may be guilty of simple assault if he or she "(1) Attempts to cause or purposely, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another; or (2) Negligently causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon; or (3) Attempts by physical menace to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury."

These acts most likely are disorderly persons offenses unless they involve a fight between two mutually at-fault parties. In such cases, the charges may be reduced to a petty disorderly persons offense. However, these charges can be stepped up as well. If someone suffers a serious injury or there is a weapon involved, the simple assault charges may escalate to aggravated assault.

Individuals facing simple assault charges may assume that since the incident was "no big deal” the resulting penalties will not be severe. The truth is that a disorderly persons conviction can result in up to six months in jail. Failure to obtain adequate representation can result in penalties that can affect the defendant's life socially, professionally, and financially.

The experienced Princeton simple assault defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein routinely fight to have wrongful charges dismissed and we know how to help our clients avoid jail time. Call our offices today at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case.

A 41-year-old man has been charged with vandalizing at least 40 religious statues in New Jersey. According to The Associated Press, the vandalism occurred outside Catholic churches in Evesham, Mount Laurel, and Cherry Hill, New Jersey. The authorities determined that he was the one responsible for the damage after witnesses identified him. It is unclear if the suspect confessed to the crime or if he has a history of vandalism. He is currently being held on $100,000 bail.

Defacement of private property is illegal in New Jersey. Statute 2C:33-11 states: "A person is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree if he purposely defaces or damages, without authorization of the owner or tenant, any private premises." In some cases, the alleged offender may be required to pay for or repair the damaged properties, as well as pay fines and perform community service. In other cases, there are potentially much more serious penalties.

The penalties for vandalism are sometimes tied to the criminal history of the defendant and the value of the items affected by the criminal act. Examples of vandalism include graffiti, theft, broken windows, damage to mailboxes, defacing gravestones, egging a property, or littering. Anyone facing penalties for these types of acts would be well advised to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney before discussing the case with the authorities.

The skilled Princeton criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of protecting the rights of New Jersey residents. If you or a loved one is facing vandalism charges, do not hesitate to call our offices at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation.

A 46-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of drug possession in Hoboken. According to a news report in The Jersey Journal, the incident occurred near 6th Street. Officials say that the man saw them and attempted to throw away a metal pipe that could be used to smoke cocaine. When the authorities tried to arrest him for drug paraphernalia possession, he attempted to flee on foot.

Officers tackled him and used pepper spray. The report states that he continued to attempt to escape only to fall and hit his head on a fire hydrant. During the struggle the officers allegedly found drugs in his possession. He has been charged with possession of cocaine, possession of drugs with an intent to distribute, and aggravated assault on a police officer.

Resisting arrest is typically a disorderly persons offense that carries penalties which will be added on top of any other charges the defendant is likely to face. When a situation gets out of hand, there is the potential for the charges to escalate to an aggravated assault charge. The act of attempting physical menace against a law enforcement officer, for example, may result in penalties more severe than what the suspect may have been trying to avoid in the first place.

All drug charges in New Jersey have the potential to result in serious penalties. Possession charges may become intent to distribute charges when the quantity of drugs found by the authorities is larger than what one person can reasonably use. Intent to distribute charges are much more serious than possession charges, and it is imperative in such cases that defendants are represented by an experienced drug crime defense attorney.

The skilled Princeton drug crime attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of successfully handling cases in New Jersey. To begin discussing your case with a knowledgeable defense attorney, call our offices at 609-240-0040. We are here to help.

Three teenagers were arrested on suspicion of burglary in New Jersey after police officers found them carrying bags full of video games and electronic items. According to The Jersey Journal, the alleged New Jersey juvenile burglary incident occurred at a Terrace Avenue home in Jersey City. The officers spotted a 14-year-old boy who had been arrested twice within a month for burglary and decided to follow him. They later saw him and two others, ages 18 and 19, leaving a home with bags of stolen items. An investigation is ongoing.

The main purpose of New Jersey's juvenile court system is to rehabilitate young offenders and correct the dangerous path on which they are headed. Whenever a juvenile is arrested multiple times for a similar offense, it is clear that the system is failing him or her in some way. Instead of treating these youths with an increased level of understanding and focus, repeat offenders typically face harsher penalties and the potential for juvenile detention.

It is crucial that families obtain representation from a skilled juvenile crime defense attorney. An experienced criminal defense attorney can work to ensure that the youth receives fair treatment, and that his or her legal rights and best interests are protected at all times.

The Princeton juvenile crime defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long and successful track record of helping juvenile defendants. If your son or daughter has been charged with a crime in New Jersey, please contact our offices at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at absolutely no cost.

New Jersey’s juvenile court system is built around the concept of rehabilitating youth instead of just punishing them. In some cases, there are opportunities to negotiate terms of punishment that allow the young offender to avoid juvenile detention. There are many penalties a juvenile may face for criminal activity in New Jersey and it is crucial that the youth has proper representation during legal proceedings.

Common penalties for juvenile crimes in New Jersey include community service, fines and confinement in a juvenile detention facility. The severity of the penalties will be based on the criminal history of the juvenile, the seriousness of the alleged crime and the ability of the juvenile crime defense attorney to negotiate the terms of the sentence.

There are a number of options for young offenders that may be negotiated by an experienced juvenile crime defense attorney. Instead of spending time in a juvenile detention center, some juveniles, depending on the circumstances, may be able to serve time doing community service. Young offenders facing drug charges may seek alternative sentencing such as attending a drug rehabilitation program instead of detention. A skilled criminal defense attorney can help work out the best deal possible for the juvenile while fighting to have the case sealed so it will not affect his or her future.

The Princeton juvenile crime defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know that the stakes can be high in juvenile crime cases. If your son or daughter is facing criminal charges in New Jersey, please do not hesitate to call our offices at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation.

A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion marijuana possession following a traffic stop. According to a news report in The Montclair Patch, the incident occurred on Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. The man was near a DWI checkpoint when authorities pulled him over. They found a bag of marijuana during the traffic stop and charged him. It is unclear how they found the marijuana or how much marijuana was in the vehicle.

Now that marijuana laws are changing in New Jersey there may be some confusion over what is legal and what will result in criminal charges. Although medical marijuana has been legalized in the state, marijuana is still a controlled substance under federal law. The severity of the charges someone will face for marijuana possession in New Jersey is related to the amount of drugs seized by the authorities, the criminal history of the suspect and whether or not the authorities have reason to believe the suspect was going to sell the drugs.

Possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana in New Jersey is a disorderly persons offense that may result in a fine up to $1,000 and six months of jail time. If the suspect has drug paraphernalia at the time of the arrest, he or she may face a second disorderly persons charge as well. Possessing more than 50 grams of marijuana is a felony that could result in a year and a half in jail and a $25,000 fine.

The skilled Princeton marijuana crime defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein fight to have possession charges reduced or even thrown out. We have years of experience successfully defending our clients against drug crime charges. If you or a loved one has been arrested on suspicion of drug possession, call our offices at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

An 84-year-old female psychiatrist has been arrested for issuing illegal prescriptions for oxycodone. According to a news report in the Bergen County Record, she has pleaded not guilty to illegally giving out prescriptions.

Undercover investigators claim that she was issuing prescriptions to individuals who did not visit her long enough for the type of evaluation that is needed to prescribe the drug. The authorities believe that she was handing out prescriptions to individuals who paid her in cash and who may have then turned around and sold the drugs on the street. The woman claims that she stopped prescribing the medication in July because she saw an increase in young individuals visiting her office.

Illegally prescribing a dangerous drug such as oxycodone is a serious crime. Drug crime punishments in New Jersey for this type of offense may include fines of up to 20 years of incarceration and the loss of a professional license. The severity of a drug crime charge depends on the quantity of drugs involved, the defendant's prior criminal record and whether he or she was involved in drug sales.

The experienced drug crime defense attorneys in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to protect our client's reputation and future. We carefully examine the evidence and the charges to help our clients build a solid defense. If you are facing criminal charges that could affect your ability to work or seek employment, call our offices at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help. You can also visit our NJ Personal Injury Lawyers Facebook page for news, useful information, and other topics of interest.

A New Jersey doctor has had his license suspended after allegations of assaulting a child with a screwdriver. According to a news report in the Bergen County Record, the aggravated assault occurred July 3 in Emerson. Though not convicted for this alleged crime, the doctor's license has been suspended because the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners are concerned that her lack of impulse control may carry over to the workplace. Authorities will have to determine if she did in fact hurt the 13-year-old victim.

Under New Jersey Code 2C:12-1: "A person is guilty of aggravated assault if he [or she]: (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." Aggravated assault charges typically arise out of serious injury cases or attacks involving a deadly weapon.

It is common for criminal allegations to affect one's ability to apply for work and maintain employment. For example, it is common for individuals charged with driving under the influence to lose their jobs if they work in the transportation industry. Individuals who work with children could likely lose their jobs if they are charged with child abuse or sexual assault. Criminal charges could not only affect a person's current job, but also his or her career and future.

The experienced assault defense attorneys in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein understand the ramifications a criminal conviction can have on our clients' personal and professional lives. To obtain more information about your legal rights and options, call us at 609-240-0040. We always offer free initial consultations.

During any holiday weekend, it is important that New Jersey residents remember to drink responsibly. Holiday weekends often lead to a significant increase in gatherings, parties and alcohol consumption. When individuals consume too much alcohol there is the potential for things to get out of hand and for the authorities to get involved.

New Jersey Statute 2C:33-2 defines disorderly conduct as "improper behavior." 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."

It doesn't take much for a fun weekend to turn into a harrowing and traumatic one. This type of charge may not seem like a big deal but all criminal charges should be taken seriously. A disorderly conduct conviction may result in heavy fines, the creation of a criminal record and even incarceration. Anyone facing disorderly conduct charges would be well advised to seek legal guidance from a skilled New Jersey criminal defense attorney who will fight to have the penalties reduced or the charges thrown out.

The knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to fight wrongful charges. If you are facing criminal charges in New Jersey, do not hesitate to contact our offices at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and case evaluation.

Individuals already facing criminal charges can make their situation much worse if they lie while under oath. Perjury in New Jersey is a serious crime and it often results in serious penalties.

New Jersey Code 2C:28-1 states: “A person is guilty of perjury, a crime of the third degree, if in any official proceeding he makes a false statement under oath or equivalent affirmation, or swears or affirms the truth of a statement previously made, when the statement is material and he does not believe it to be true.”

Someone can commit an act of perjury while serving as a witness, when defending themselves in court, or even when making a written statement. Individuals may think that they are helping out their own case or their friend's case when in fact they are opening themselves up to serious criminal charges.

One important part of a perjury trial is determining that the defendant knowingly had the intention (mens rea) to commit the crime, which in this case, is lying under oath. Additionally, it must be proven that the defendant actually carried out the act (actus reus). Often, we see that individuals face perjury charges when they said something they did not intend to say or because they misunderstood a question.

The perjury defense lawyers in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein have a successful track record of defending our clients who have been charged with perjury in New Jersey. If you or a loved one is facing perjury charges or any other criminal charges, do not hesitate to call our law offices at 609-240-0040 to learn more about how our attorneys can help you. Call us today for a free, comprehensive, and confidential consultation.

A 22-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman face multiple charges following a disturbance that led to the discovery of illegal drugs. According to The Star Democrat, the alleged incident occurred in Easton. Police were called to the location because of a disturbance and the situation escalated. The teenage woman allegedly threw a drink at the officer and the authorities found drugs on the man. The man faces multiple charges including possession of cocaine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. The woman faces disorderly conduct, second-degree assault, and resisting arrest charges.

Possession of controlled substances such as cocaine can result in serious penalties. According to 2C:35-10: “It is unlawful for any person, knowingly or purposely, to obtain, or to possess, actually or constructively, a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog, unless the substance was obtained directly, or pursuant to a valid prescription or order form from a practitioner, while acting in the course of his professional practice.”

An experienced drug crime defense attorney in New Jersey will carefully examine what the charges are, what evidence the prosecution has, how the evidence was obtained, and how the arrest occurred in order to build the strongest possible defense for their client. If the evidence was obtained improperly or in a manner which violated the defendant's rights, the charges could get thrown out.

The lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein help individuals who are facing drug crime charges in New Jersey. If you or a loved one is facing these types of charges or other criminal charges in New Jersey, please contact our law offices at 609-240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.