October 31, 2011

The Difference between Simple Assault and Aggravated Assault in New Jersey

Simple assault and aggravated assault are both serious offenses in New Jersey. A minor altercation that would have resulted in a simple assault charge can be elevated to an aggravated assault charge if a weapon is involved or if someone gets seriously injured. Anyone facing assault charges in New Jersey would be well advised to discuss their case with a skilled criminal defense attorney. It may be possible to have the charges reduced from an aggravated assault to a simple assault charge or to have a simple assault charge completely dismissed.

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." The severity of the charges for simple assault can increase from a petty disorderly persons offense to a felony if the victim suffered serious injuries.

Under the same statute, "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."

Additionally, a simple assault charge may be increased to an aggravated assault charge if there is a deadly weapon involved or an "extreme indifference to the value of human life." Like a simple assault, the penalties for aggravated assault depend on the circumstances of the incident and the nature and extent of injuries involved.

At Lependorf & Silverstein, our Princeton criminal defense lawyers handle all types of assault charges. Whether you are charged with simple assault or aggravated assault, our attorneys will ensure that your rights are protected and you receive a fair trial. If you are facing assault charges in New Jersey, call our offices at (609) 240-0040 before discussing your case with the authorities.

October 28, 2011

New Jersey Town Imposes New Fines for Marijuana Possession

The New Jersey town of Norton will start imposing a new fine on anyone caught using marijuana in a public place, according to The Norton Patch. Article 17 was passed in a Norton town meeting recently. Under the current statewide law, anyone possessing an ounce or less of marijuana will face a $100 civil fine instead of having to face an arrest record and possible jail time. With the passing of Article 17, individuals who use marijuana in public in Norton will face a fine of $300.

New Jersey continues to crack down on marijuana use with harsh penalties including jail time and heavy fines. For example, possession of 50 grams of marijuana or fewer can result in a disorderly persons offense. While this type of charge is not as serious as a felony, it can still result in up to six months of jail time and a $1,000 fine. Additionally, if officials believe that the suspect had the drugs with the intention of distributing them, the charges will be increased to a felony with the potential for 18 months of incarceration.

The severity of the penalties that residents may face for a New Jersey marijuana offense is often based on the amount of drugs seized by the authorities and the criminal history of the defendant. A skilled drug crime defense attorney will fight to have the charges reduced or to have the case dismissed completely.

The Princeton drug crime defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience handling marijuana cases in New Jersey. Our marijuana defense attorneys have extensive experience fighting wrongful charges and negotiating pleas. If you are facing marijuana charges in New Jersey, call our skilled drug crime defense attorneys at (609) 240-0040 for a free consultation.

October 28, 2011

Tips to Avoid a DWI on Halloween

drunk_driving_6688330.jpgIt is common for New Jersey police officers to conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints during holiday weekends. This Halloween will be no exception when it comes to DUI enforcement in New Jersey. Police officers will be out in force attempting to keep the roadways safe by pulling over anyone who shows signs of intoxication. There are a number of steps that New Jersey residents can take to avoid driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges this Halloween.

First and foremost, if you want to avoid DWI charges this Halloween weekend, drink responsibly and use a designated driver if you go out and party. When on the roadway, stay attentive and drive safely. It is common for police officers to conduct field sobriety tests and breath tests after witnessing erratic driving.

There are many different signs of intoxication for which DUI officers will look out. Cars that are exceeding the speed limit or that are drastically below the speed limit will likely get their attention. Cars that abruptly start or stop in the middle of the roadway will also draw the attention of an officer. Vehicles that fail to move when the light turns green or that fail to obey traffic control devices could also lead to a traffic stop. The best way to avoid a DWI in New Jersey is to not get behind the wheel when you have been drinking, even if you believe you will be able to drive home.

The NJ DWI defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have extensive experience fighting DWI charges in New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been accused of drunk driving, please contact our reputed lawyers at (609) 240-0040 for a no-cost consultation and case evaluation.

October 27, 2011

Man Arrested on Suspicion of Shoplifting in Hoboken

A 32-year-old man faces shoplifting charges after allegedly taking items from a ShopRite. According to a news report in The Jersey Journal, the shoplifting incident occurred at the ShopRite on Madison Street in Hoboken when the man was allegedly seen on video surveillance putting hair clippers and a package of T-shirts into his backpack. The stolen items had a total value of $35.59. During the arrest, officials found a glass pipe, which could be used to smoke crack cocaine. The West New York man now faces charges including shoplifting and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Under New Jersey Statute 2C:20-11: "Shoplifting shall consist of any one or more of the following acts: (1) 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, to conceal merchandise with the intention of depriving the merchant and to alter, transfer or remove a price tag."

Shoplifting penalties are directly related to the value of the items intentionally stolen from the store. Taking items valued at less than $200, for example, is considered to be a disorderly persons offense. Penalties for shoplifting in New Jersey include community service, possible jail time, and heavy fines.

The skilled NJ criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein serve all of New Jersey. Our knowledgeable lawyers vigorously fight wrongful charges and harsh penalties. If you or a loved one faces shoplifting charges, contact our offices today at (609) 240-0040 for a free case assessment.

October 26, 2011

New Jersey Firefighter Fired after Pleading Guilty to Theft

A firefighter captain has lost his job after pleading guilty to stealing from the department "house fund," according to The Gloucester County Times. The captain of the Camden Fire Department was reported for theft early in the summer of 2011 when he used the house fund credit card for personal items. On October 14, he pleaded guilty to a disorderly persons charge of theft, was put on probation, was ordered to pay $27,000 in restitution, and was later fired from his job.

Under New Jersey Statute 2C:20-3: "A person is guilty of theft if he unlawfully takes, or exercises unlawful control over, movable property of another with purpose to deprive him thereof." Additionally "a person is guilty of theft if he unlawfully transfers any interest in immovable property of another with purpose to benefit himself or another not entitled thereto."

In New Jersey, the severity of the penalties defendants could face for theft is directly related to the value of items taken and the criminal history of the defendant. In addition to the criminal penalties, there is the potential for professional and social consequences as well. A skilled criminal defense attorney will fight to protect the future of his or her client.

If you or a loved one is facing charges of theft, shoplifting, or larceny, please contact the skilled New Jersey criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein to obtain more information about your legal rights and options. Theft charges can seriously affect your reputation, credibility, and ability to obtain gainful employment in the future. Call us today at (609) 240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

October 25, 2011

College of New Jersey Student Accused of Assaulting Police Officer

A 19-year-old student at The College of New Jersey faces multiple criminal charges after allegedly pushing an officer while attempting to avoid being arrested for underage drinking. According to The Times of Trenton, the incident occurred on Browning Avenue in Ewing. The report states that the male college student was walking with three other students when the officer asked for their IDs. The teenager reportedly attempted to take back his ID, resisted arrest, and fled the scene on foot. He was chased down and arrested on suspicion of aggravated assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, obstructing the administration of law, underage drinking, and consuming an alcoholic beverage in public.

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."

It is common for teenagers to become nervous and scared when dealing with the authorities. In such cases, there is the potential for mistakes to be made and for a minor offense to turn into serious criminal charges and result in unnecessarily harsh penalties. Charges such as resisting arrest and assault can be added on top of any other charges the defendant is likely to face for underage drinking in New Jersey. It is imperative in such cases that the defendant is represented by an experienced criminal defense attorney.

The knowledgeable Princeton juvenile crime defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience handling underage drinking cases in New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been arrested on suspicion of underage drinking or assaulting an officer, please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 to discuss your case.

October 24, 2011

Women Charged in Trenton Counterfeit Check Scam

Four northern New Jersey women have been charged in Trenton for creating and using counterfeit checks to buy merchandise between November 4, 2010 and December 14, 2010, according to a news report in The State House Bureau. The four women involved are aged 28, 28, 32, and 36. Officials believe that the women created 13 checks and used them to purchase $4,500 worth of credit. They face charges including conspiracy and attempted theft by deception. Each woman could face a maximum sentence of five years.

New Jersey Statute 2C:20-4 states: "A person is guilty of theft if he purposely obtains property of another by deception." Under the law, a person "deceives" if he or she purposely creates a false impression to obtain funds. This kind of charge may involve a false charity or a failure to correct a false impression.

The severity of the penalties someone will face for using counterfeit checks is related to the number of checks used, the value of the items wrongfully purchased, and the criminal history of the suspect. Additional charges may be filed if the suspect ran a counterfeit ring involving other potential suspects.

The experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have successfully fought fraud charges on behalf of our clients. Any allegation of theft or fraud has the potential to taint your reputation and jeopardize job opportunities and career prospects. If you or a loved one is facing theft or fraud charges in New Jersey, please call us at (609) 240-0040 to discuss your case. We will review the circumstances of your case and help you determine your best course of action.

October 21, 2011

School Bus Driver Indicted for Child Molestation in Hamilton Township

A 39-year-old man, who used to be a school bus driver, has been arrested on suspicion of molesting a girl. According to a news report in The Times of Trenton, the alleged incident involving the 12-year-old girl occurred between June 2010 and April 2011 in Hamilton Township. State authorities became suspicious of the man after dealing with the alleged victim's teenage brother for a drug addiction. The man's contract with the school district has not been renewed.

New Jersey Statute 2C:14-2 sets the parameters for which someone may be charged with sexual assault in New Jersey. An individual is said to be "guilty of aggravated sexual assault if he commits an act of sexual penetration with another person under any one of the following circumstances: The victim is less than 13 years old, the victim is under 16 and the suspect has supervisory power over the victim, the act is committed during another crime like robbery or kidnapping or there is a weapon involved." Sexual penetration does not, however, have to be involved for there to be a serious criminal charge.

Having a sex crime conviction on your record can affect your life professionally, socially, and financially. Not only do those convicted of sex crimes run the risk of losing their jobs, but in many cases, they can also lose their careers and their ability to earn a livelihood. They could also be required to register as a sex offender in the Department of Justice's sex offender registry.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a sex crime involving a child in New Jersey, please contact the NJ sex crime defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein at (609) 240-0040 today. We will work diligently to protect your rights and your reputation. Call us today to find out how we can help.

October 20, 2011

New Jersey Man Charged with Marijuana Possession in Mount Olive

A 20-year-old man is facing marijuana and drug paraphernalia charges in Mount Olive. According to The Warren Reporter, the drug possession arrest occurred near Sandshore Road in Mount Olive, where officials were involved in a separate investigation when they came across the man. They allegedly found marijuana and drug paraphernalia on him at the time of his arrest.

New Jersey police officers are legally required to have probable cause to search someone for drugs, regardless of whether the search is conducted on the person, vehicle, or home of the individual. There are several questions that need to be asked after such cases as this one. Were the drugs in clear view of the officer? Was the suspect exhibiting clear signs of intoxication or drug use? Did the defendant admit that he or she had taken drugs? Was the suspect aware of the presence of drugs?marijuana-bush_1429104.jpg

Whenever someone has illegal drugs on their person, there is a chance that they are also carrying drug paraphernalia like a pipe, bong, or syringe. Possession of these types of items can result in a possession charge separate from the drug possession charge. Both offenses can result in up to six months of jail time and up to $1,000 in fines for each.

Anyone facing marijuana charges in New Jersey would be well advised to seek legal guidance from a skilled criminal defense attorney. In some cases, the charges can be dropped and alternative sentencing options such as a diversion program or community service may be available.

The Princeton drug crime defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein fight to keep our clients out of jail. We have successfully handled numerous drug possession charges and we aggressively fight wrongful charges. To find out how we can help you or a loved one facing drug crime charges in New Jersey, please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 today.

October 19, 2011

New Jersey Search and Seizure Laws Relating to Vehicles

An important part of any New Jersey criminal proceeding is a review of how the evidence was obtained by the authorities. In New Jersey, police officers must have probable cause to search a suspect's car. If you are facing criminal charges in New Jersey because of items found in your vehicle, do not hesitate to call an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss your rights.

For authorities to conduct a lawful search of a motor vehicle without a warrant, certain parameters must be met. First and foremost, there must be a probable cause. Did the officer have reasonable cause to suspect there were drugs, weapons or stolen items in the car? Were there any illegal items in plain view of the arresting officer? Did something the suspect say to the officer create probable cause?

There also must be an "exigent" circumstance. This means that there must be cause to believe that evidence will be lost if the officer takes the time to get a warrant. Is there reasonable cause to believe that the suspect will destroy the evidence if the officer does not conduct a search right away?

There are many ways in which an individual's rights can be violated during an arrest. The skilled criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to protect the rights of our clients. If you believe that your rights have been violated, call our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Princeton at 609-240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

October 18, 2011

Women Arrested on Suspicion of Shoplifting at CVS Store

Two women, ages 23 and 20, have been arrested for allegedly stealing from a CVS store. According to a news report in The Mahwah Patch, the shoplifting incident occurred at the Mahwah CVS store on the Franklin Turnpike the night of October 3, 2011. An employee provided a description of the vehicle to the authorities. The two women were later found with over $1,250 worth of items like Crest Whitening Strips and Prilosec OTC. The authorities also believe that the women visited other stores such as Wal-Mart and Toys R Us throughout New Jersey and New York. One of the women also faces a hindering apprehension charge for allegedly lying about her name.

New Jersey Statute 2C:20-11 states: "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."

Shoplifting is a serious offense in New Jersey and it comes with a wide range of potential penalties. The value of the items stolen will be calculated to determine if the defendant will face a disorderly persons offense, a misdemeanor, or even a felony. It does not take much for a minor offense to turn into a serious charge.

The Princeton criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience successfully handling similar cases in New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been charged with shoplifting, please do not hesitate to call our offices right away at 609-240-0040 for a no-cost consultation.

October 17, 2011

Can a Criminal Record in New Jersey be Expunged?

Having a criminal record can seriously affect your ability to live your life and do normal things, such as pursue a job or get a loan. New Jersey allows certain individuals to have their criminal record erased from public record. Having a conviction removed from your public record is not always easy. A skilled New Jersey expungement attorney can review your criminal history and help you determine if this is an option for you.

There are many benefits to having a record expunged. When a request for expungement is successful, arrests, charges, and convictions will be erased from an individual's public record. In fact, search of the record will result in the phrase "No Record Information." Individuals with an expunged record, for example, will have the legal right to tell prospective employers that the arrest never happened.

Not everyone automatically qualifies for the expungement of a criminal record. There are many factors that are taken into consideration during an expungement proceeding. Here are some questions that are commonly asked:

  • Is the individual a repeat offender?

  • How long ago was the offense?

  • Did the charge or charges involve violent crimes?

Under certain circumstances, felonies may also be expunged. Individuals with the best chances for expungement are people with only one offense, those who have not been arrested for repeat offenses, and individuals who have successfully completed probation.

The experienced Princeton expungement lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of helping New Jersey residents clean up their criminal records. To obtain more information about getting your record expunged, please contact our offices at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive assessment of your specific case.

October 14, 2011

How to Keep a Juvenile Charge Out of an Adult NJ Court

There are many significant differences between criminal charges filed against juveniles and charges filed against adults. Juveniles facing criminal charges would be well advised to have a skilled New Jersey criminal defense attorney on their side that will fight to keep the case in juvenile court.

juvenile-arrested_8831826.jpgWhile adult court cases are built around the concept of crime and punishment, juvenile courts serve to rehabilitate young offenders so they don't return to a life of crime. In other words, juvenile courts allow more opportunities to perform community service and go through treatment programs instead of detention or incarceration. There are a number of factors that determine whether a case will be heard in juvenile or adult court.

Factors that could affect where a court case is heard include: the age of the offender, the severity of the charges, and his or her criminal history. For example, a juvenile who has committed a non-violent offense, has a clean school record, and has never been in court before has a good chance of keeping his or her case in juvenile court. Someone who has a history of offenses, is almost 18 years of age, and has committed a juvenile violent crime will most likely be treated as an adult.

A skilled attorney will want to be involved early on in the process. In some cases, it is possible to negotiate a plea before the case ever goes before a judge. That is why it is important to get a skilled attorney on the case right away. The experienced NJ juvenile crime defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of protecting the future of our young clients. If your child is facing criminal charges in New Jersey, please contact us at (609) 240-0040 to obtain more information about building a defense.

October 12, 2011

Four Juveniles Arrested on Suspicion of Riding in Stolen Vehicle

Four teenagers were arrested in Newark after driving to school in a stolen Jeep. According to a news report in The Star Ledger, the incident began on Clifton Avenue and ended near Barringer High School in Newark. A sheriff's patrol car picked up an electronic signal from the Jeep as the four 16-year-old students were traveling to school. The Jeep clipped the patrol car, drove on the sidewalk, and later crashed into a parked car. All four occupants were detained. The three passengers were charged with receiving stolen property and resisting arrest. The driver faces additional charges and is being held in a youth detention facility.

Under New Jersey law, an individual does not have to physically steal an item to be arrested for theft. The consequences of a New Jersey juvenile theft arrest are serious. New Jersey Statute 2C:20-7(a) states: "A person is guilty of theft if he knowingly receives or brings into this State movable property of another knowing that it has been stolen, or believing that it is probably stolen. It is an affirmative defense that the property was received with purpose to restore it to the owner. Receiving means acquiring possession, control or title, or lending on the security of the property." It is important in these types of cases to determine if defendants are actually aware that the item in question was stolen.

A skilled juvenile criminal defense attorney will break down the circumstances of an arrest to help a family understand their legal options. It is usually up to the prosecutor to determine whether a juvenile is charged as a minor or as an adult. Juveniles who are charged with serious or violent crimes may be charged as adults. Any juvenile crime case requires an attorney who can handle it with skill and sensitivity.

The Princeton juvenile crime defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein fight hard to protect the rights of our young clients. If your son or daughter is facing criminal charges in New Jersey, please contact our law offices at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at absolutely no cost.

October 10, 2011

New Bill Will affect Restraining Order Violators

Assemblywoman Celeste Riley has introduced a bill that could affect individuals who have a restraining order against them. According to The News of Cumberland County, Bill A-1491 increases the penalties for individuals who violate domestic violence restraining orders. Under the new bill, which has already passed the Assembly and the Senate Judiciary Committee, individuals in contempt of a domestic violence restraining order will have to post a minimum bail of $5,000. As the law stands now, some individuals can post a bail for as little as $50. This increase will significantly affect the alleged offender's ability to post bail.

The report goes on to say that between January and June of 2010 there were 37,026 domestic violence incidents throughout New Jersey. These numbers reflect an increase of domestic abuse and violence in the state. In fact, Cumberland County saw a 15 percent rise in domestic violence incidents in 2009. Gloucester County had a 5.5 percent increase, and Salem County had an increase of 8.65 percent.

Domestic violence is a serious problem in New Jersey and it is important that the authorities enact laws to protect innocent victims. It is also important that individuals do not face harsh punishments because of false allegations. Anyone facing domestic violence charges in New Jersey would be well advised to discuss their legal rights and options with a skilled criminal defense attorney.

The domestic violence defense attorneys in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein fight hard to protect our clients' rights. If you are facing domestic violence charges in New Jersey, call our offices at 609-240-0040 to obtain more information about your legal rights and options.

October 7, 2011

Can You Face Domestic Violence Charges When the Victim Does Not Press Charges?

Whenever the authorities are called to check on a potential domestic violence situation, they are legally obligated to act if they believe that someone is in physical danger. Officers will immediately try to determine if someone is in harm's way, if someone has been hurt, and if there are signs of violence. If it appears that the alleged victim is injured or fears for his or her safety, there is a good chance that the other person involved will be taken to a police station.

New Jersey police officers are obligated under New Jersey Statute 2C:25:21 to take a domestic violence suspect into custody if the victim "exhibits" signs of an injury. "The word, 'exhibits,' is to be liberally construed to mean any indication that a victim has suffered bodily injury, which shall include physical pain or any impairment of physical condition." Arresting officers must take into consideration the history of domestic violence between the parties involved, the extent of the injuries suffered, and any other relevant factors that may apply to the incident or the case.

Once the authorities are involved, it is in their hands to decide whether or not the New Jersey abuse suspect will face charges. Even if the alleged victim does not want to press charges, the authorities may still charge the suspect with domestic abuse or domestic violence.

The Princeton domestic abuse defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have successfully represented individuals who have been wrongfully charged with domestic abuse or domestic violence. We have years of experience handling domestic violence cases throughout New Jersey and we know how to protect our clients from unnecessarily harsh penalties and wrongful allegations. Call our offices today at (609) 240-0040 to discuss your case at absolutely no cost.

October 5, 2011

Is Possession of Marijuana a Serious Charge in New Jersey?

It is common for individuals facing marijuana charges to make the mistake of not taking the charges seriously. Depending on the circumstances, even first-time offenders can face jail time and heavy fines. There is a wide range of potential consequences for all marijuana charges. Therefore, it is necessary to have a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side who will fight wrongful charges and help protect your rights.

The severity of the consequences for marijuana possession in New Jersey is directly related to the amount of marijuana seized by the authorities. For example, possessing 50 grams of marijuana or less will result in a disorderly persons offense. While this type of charge is not as severe as a misdemeanor or felony, it can carry a possible jail sentence. In fact, individuals found with less than 50 grams of marijuana could face up to six months of jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

When officials seize more than 50 grams of marijuana, the defendant may face felony charges. A skilled drug crime defense attorney will carefully examine the circumstances of the arrest, how the drugs were seized, and the criminal history of the defendant.

The knowledgeable Princeton marijuana offense defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have extensive experience and a successful track record of fighting marijuana charges in New Jersey. If you or a loved one is facing drug charges in New Jersey, call our offices at 609-240-0040 before discussing your case with the authorities. We always offer free consultations and comprehensive case evaluations.

October 4, 2011

New Jersey Underage Drinking Law Put On Hold

In Morris County, New Jersey, a new ordinance to fine offenders of underage drinking on private property has been tabled indefinitely, but officials plan to create a similar ordinance soon. According to a news report in The Bergen County Record, the Kinnelon Borough Council tabled the proposed underage drinking ordinance with the objective of creating a new law that will be accepted by the community.

The proposed plan was to expand the authorities' ability to fight underage drinking by issuing a $250 fine for first-time offenders and a $350 fine for a second offense. The now-tabled ordinance would have also allowed the authorities to suspend repeat offenders' driver's licenses. It is unclear what the components of a new ordinance might be, but the Council has stated that they will have a new plan to help crackdown on underage drinking soon.

As it stands, under New Jersey law, individuals under the age of 21 may not possess, purchase, or consume alcohol. Under current law, underage drinkers on public properties may be held accountable for their actions, but there are no legal consequences for drinking on private property. The authorities may enter a private property with reasonable cause and arrest a juvenile for possessing or consuming alcohol, but they must release the suspect to his or her parents.

Underage drinkers already face a number of potential consequences, and it appears that there may be additional penalties in the future. The Princeton juvenile crime defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein routinely handle underage drinking charges in New Jersey. We have been successful in getting charges dismissed or reduced for our young clients. We have also obtained alternative sentencing such as community service and rehabilitation for juvenile offenders instead of time at a juvenile detention facility. If your son or daughter is facing underage drinking charges, please contact us today at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation.

October 3, 2011

Soccer Coach Charged with Giving Alcohol to Minors

A 52-year-old male soccer coach faces criminal charges after allegedly giving alcohol to a couple of teenagers at a restaurant. According to a news report in The Star Ledger, the coach was allegedly seen pouring wine for two 17-year-old boys at a restaurant in Westfield. The boys did not show signs of intoxication, but the authorities were notified and the man was arrested. The 26-year coach has been suspended for the incident and he faces charges for supplying alcohol to minors.

According to New Jersey Statute 2C:33-17: "Anyone who purposely or knowingly offers or serves or makes available an alcoholic beverage to a person under the legal age for consuming alcoholic beverages or entices or encourages that person to drink an alcoholic beverage is a disorderly person."

This type of charge may seem like a minor offense, but it can have a negative impact on a person's professional and social life. Individuals who work with children are particularly vulnerable to harsh judgments following an arrest. Anyone worried that their career is on the line because of an arrest would be well advised to speak with a skilled criminal defense attorney before discussing the case with the authorities.

A Princeton criminal defense lawyer at Lependorf & Silverstein will fight to protect the reputation and future of our clients. We offer free consultations to anyone facing a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey. Call us today at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help.