New Jersey Criminal Defense Blog

New Jersey law imposes serious penalties for individuals in possession of marijuana, marijuana paraphernalia, and marijuana plants. Even in cases involving first-time offenders, there are strict regulations resulting in mandatory penalties that may include jail time and heavy fines. Anyone facing marijuana charges in New Jersey would be well advised to take the penalties seriously and seek guidance from an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Some of the most common marijuana disorderly persons offenses include:

• NJSA 2C:5-10(a)(4) - possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana;
• NJSA 2C:35-10(b) - using or being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance; and
• NJSA 2C:36-2 - possession of drug paraphernalia.

Potential penalties for these offenses may include a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, and a criminal record.

Possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana is a felony that carries a potential 18 months of incarceration. Marijuana cultivation of any number of plants is a felony with less than 10 plants resulting in up to three to five years of incarceration, between 10 and 49 plants potentially resulting in five to10 years of incarceration, and up to 20 years for individuals with 50 plants or more. Other felony crimes include:

• Intent to distribute marijuana;
• Marijuana possession within 1,000 feet of a school property; and
• Distribution of marijuana to minors or pregnant women.

While the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act makes marijuana use legal for select individuals, possession and use of marijuana in New Jersey is still a criminal act that has serious penalties. The drug crime defense attorneys in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience fighting marijuana charges in New Jersey. Our lawyers provide free consultations at (609) 240-0040 to anyone charged with a marijuana-related crime.

New Jersey enforces severe penalties on individuals arrested for marijuana possession with the intent to distribute. Even individuals found with less an ounce of marijuana can face felony charges if the authorities suspect that he or she intended to sell it. If you or a loved one is facing these serious charges, please do not hesitate to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney before discussing the case with the authorities.

The degree of the offense for marijuana distribution is directly related to the amount of the marijuana involved. For example, it is a crime of the fourth degree to intend to sell less than an ounce of marijuana. In such cases, the defendant, if convicted, could face up to 18 months in jail and a $10,000 fine. Individuals convicted of trying to sell up to five pounds of marijuana could face up to five years in prison and a fine of $25,000 for a third-degree crime.

It is a second-degree crime to possess between five and 25 pounds of marijuana and punishments range from five to 10 years imprisonment with a $150,000 fine. Possession of 25 pounds or more of marijuana with the intention of sale is a first-degree crime that could result in up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $300,000.

There are additional penalties for selling marijuana to a minor, a pregnant woman, or within 1,000 feet of a school. It is also common for individuals charged with intent to distribute to also face charges for drug possession and marijuana paraphernalia possession. These penalties can add up quickly and have life-changing consequences for the defendant.

A marijuana distribution defense attorney in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein can fight to protect the future of our clients. If you are facing marijuana charges in New Jersey, please call our offices right away at (609) 240-0040 to begin building your defense.

A 51-year-old Raritan Township woman has been charged with aggravated assault after allegedly attempting to run over a police officer. According to a news report in The Hunterdon County Democrat, the arrest occurred on Route 179 in East Amwell. The November 17 indictment states that the woman was involved in an argument at a bank when the authorities were called. When the officers arrived, the woman allegedly fled the scene in her 2008 Jeep Wrangler and dragged an officer on the side of her car in the process. The officer suffered bruises. The woman faces charges of eluding the authorities as well as third- and second-degree aggravated assault.

Under New Jersey Law, 2C:12-1, a person is guilty of assault if he or she "attempts to cause or purposely, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another,” negligently causes bodily injury, or attempts to put another in fear of bodily injury. These charges can be increased to aggravated assault when the individual exhibits “extreme indifference to the value of human life." Aggravated assault charges typically arise from circumstances involving a deadly weapon.

The severity of the penalties for assault will depend on the criminal history of the defendant, the circumstances of the assault, and the extent of the injuries suffered in the incident. A skilled criminal defense attorney will fight to have aggravated assault charges dismissed or reduced to simple assault to help the defendant avoid wrongful charges and unnecessarily harsh penalties.

The skilled criminal defense lawyers in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of handling assault cases in New Jersey. If you or a loved one is facing assault or aggravated assault charges, please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 before discussing your case with authorities.

Thanksgiving is not only one of the busiest times of year for travel, but it is also one of the busiest times for driving under the influence (DUI) arrests. New Jersey police officers will be out in large numbers conducting DUI patrols and DUI checkpoints. Anyone traveling during the Thanksgiving holidays would be well advised to have a designated driver. Remember, you may be drunk even if you believe you've only had a couple or a "few" drinks. If you have been drinking, simply do not take a chance.

The best way to avoid getting a DUI this Thanksgiving is to not drive drunk. DUI enforcement officers will be looking for signs of intoxication including vehicles traveling over or below the speed limit and drivers who swerve, drift in and out of lanes, and violate traffic codes such as running a red light.

Individuals who have been pulled over for drunk driving would be well advised to remain polite and cooperative with the authorities and to exercise their right to remain silent instead of discussing what they may have consumed during the holiday festivities.

New Jersey motorists have it in their best interests to agree to a breath test if requested by a police officer during a traffic stop. Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.4, drivers could face a license suspension for seven months to one year, a $1,000 per year surcharge for three years, and other related fines if they refuse to take a breath test. These types of charges can be added on top of any other DUI charges they may face.

The NJ DUI defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein wish you and your family a safe and happy Thanksgiving. If you or a loved one is facing drunk driving charges in New Jersey, please contact our offices at (609) 240-0040 to discuss your case at absolutely no cost.

A Clinton Township traffic stop escalated into a situation that resulted in a Perth Amboy man being charged with a half dozen felony charges. According to a news report in The Hunterdon County Democrat, the incident began on eastbound I-78 in Clinton Township and ended on the Interstate 287. Based on the November 17 indictment, the 26-year-old man gave a fake name to police before stealing a patrol car and driving off.

During his attempted escape, he allegedly reached speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour before crashing on a grassy median. Officers disabled the vehicle and the man was arrested. The charges he faces include aggravated assault, theft by unlawful taking, eluding, hindering apprehension, and resisting arrest.

Eluding the authorities under N.J.S.A. 2C: 29-2 involves a person "who knowingly flees or attempts to elude any police or law enforcement officer after having received any signal from such officer to bring the vehicle or vessel to a full stop commits a crime of the third degree; except that, a person is guilty of a crime of the second degree if the flight or attempt to elude creates a risk of death or injury to any person."

Hindering apprehension is also a crime under New Jersey law. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3, it is a crime "to harbor or conceal, provide a weapon to someone attempting to escape, suppresses evidence, warns someone who is being pursued or prevents or obstructs the authorities."

It is common for individuals facing criminal charges to respond irrationally out of fear. Mistakes can be made and a simple situation can escalate into a life-changing incident. Individuals who are facing multiple charges following an incident with the authorities should seek skilled legal representation.

The experienced New Jersey assault defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of handling criminal cases in New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been arrested or has been charged with a crime, please do not hesitate to call one of our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys at (609) 240-0040 to discuss your case at absolutely no cost.

A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and assault after allegedly dropping his license while fleeing from authorities. According to a news report in The Township Journal, the burglary and assault incident occurred in Andover Township. Police in Andover Township worked with the Sussex County Sheriff's Office to conduct a search of an area where the suspect allegedly passed through while evading the authorities. Officials found a pair of sweatpants containing the man's driver's license. He now faces burglary, simple assault, and second-degree robbery with bodily injury charges.

Under New Jersey Statute 2C:18-2, burglary is a crime of the second degree "if in the course of committing the offense, the actor: (1) Purposely, knowingly or recklessly inflicts, attempts to inflict or threatens to inflict bodily injury on anyone; or (2) Is armed with or displays what appear to be explosives or a deadly weapon." While a third degree crime carries a three to five year sentence, a second degree crime is punishable by five to 10 years.

Anyone facing burglary charges in New Jersey would be well advised to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney before discussing the case with authorities. A skilled criminal defense lawyer will examine the circumstances of the case, the evidence against the defendant, and how the evidence was seized.

The Princeton criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of handling burglary, theft, and assault cases in New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime in New Jersey, please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case assessment.

A 22-year-old Twin Borough resident faces driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges after officials allegedly witnessed him swerving in traffic. According to a news report in The Twin-Boro News, the DWI incident occurred near South Christie Street and East Main Street in Bergenfield. Officials say the man lost control of his Ford pickup truck, struck a curb and swerved into oncoming traffic. When the authorities pulled him over, they allegedly saw a white substance under his nose which he admitted was Percocet. After taking a field sobriety test, the man was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated and under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance.

Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50, a driver is under the influence of alcohol if he or she has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or more. The authorities can determine the BAC of the driver through a breath test or through a blood test at the police station. Drivers in New Jersey can also face DUI charges for operating a vehicle while under the influence of a narcotic, hallucinogenic, or habit-producing drug. Officials may test a driver for drugs through a blood or urine test. They may also observe the individual or conduct field sobriety tests as part of the DWI investigation.

Penalties for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in New Jersey are harsh even for first-time offenders. Penalties for a DWI conviction often include a three-month license suspension, a $1,000 DMV surcharge, and jail time of up to 30 days. A New Jersey DWI defense attorney at Lependorf & Silverstein handle DWI and DUI cases in New Jersey. Our Princeton criminal defense attorneys have a proven track record of having penalties reduced and cases dismissed. Please contact our offices at (609) 240-0040 if you or a loved one is facing DWI charges in New Jersey.

The authorities have posted surveillance video of a man allegedly attempting to steal dresses from a K-Mart as he danced in the store. According to a NBC News report, the attempted theft occurred at the K-Mart store on Blackwood Clementon Road in Gloucester Township. In the video released by the officials, the man is seen dancing while looking at clothing. After being confronted by security, the man dropped the clothing and fled, possibly in a Toyota Camry. It is unclear how the authorities know it was the man's intention to steal the items.

In New Jersey, an individual does not have to actually steal an item to face shoplifting charges. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11, shoplifting charges can arise from someone attempting to take possession of an item with the intention of "depriving the merchant of the possession," or to "alter, transfer or remove any label price tag or marking indicia of value," or to "transfer any merchandise displayed, held, stored or offered for sale" with the intention of depriving the merchant of all or some part of the retail value.

Authorities in New Jersey are increasingly using social media sites such as Facebook to post surveillance video or ask the public for information, as they have done in this particular case. If you are facing theft or shoplifting charges in New Jersey, it is critical that you retain an experienced criminal defense lawyer early in the legal process so the charges can be aggressively fought. It is common for individuals to take theft or shoplifting charges lightly, but many do not realize that these charges can result in jail time, fines, and a criminal record.

The NJ criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a proven track record of getting shoplifting charges dismissed. If you or a loved one is facing similar charges in New Jersey or even if you are under investigation or anticipate facing charges, please contact (609) 240-0040 to discuss your legal options.

Marijuana growing operations and facility offenses are classified as first-degree crimes in New Jersey. Individuals charged with these offenses face several years in prison, heavy fines, the loss of the right to own a firearm, employment restrictions, and other serious penalties. Additionally, a growing/facility conviction will remain on a person's record and seriously affect his or her career and future.

N.J.S.A 2C:35-4 prohibits "maintaining, operating, financing, promoting, or participating in maintaining or operating a facility used to produce marijuana." To obtain a conviction in such cases, the prosecution must prove that a place was used to manufacture marijuana, that there were more than five pounds or 10 plants involved, that the defendant maintained or operated the premises, and that the defendant intended to use the location for manufacturing or producing marijuana.

A conviction for involvement in a New Jersey marijuana growing operation could result in up to 20 years in prison. There is the potential for even more prison time if the suspect has been previously convicted of manufacturing or distributing marijuana. Additional penalties include thousands of dollars in fees, a parole inability period of one-third to one-half of the sentence, and other restrictions.

A marijuana defense lawyer in NJ at Lependorf & Silverstein has a proven track record of handling all types of marijuana cases in New Jersey. If you or a loved one is facing marijuana-related charges, please contact our law offices at (609) 240-0040 to get the quality legal representation you need. Our experienced drug crime attorneys will work diligently to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

Under New Jersey Statute 2C:35-10a, it is illegal to possess 50 grams or less of marijuana. For adults, it is a disorderly persons offense that can result in up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Juveniles facing marijuana possession charges will not face incarceration in an adult jail, but there is the potential for many penalties that can adversely affect their future. If your child has been charged with marijuana possession or other marijuana-related charges, it is critical to obtain quality legal representation to ensure that his or her rights are protected.

Juveniles charged with marijuana possession in New Jersey face the potential loss of their driver's license as well as substantial fines. Instead of going to trial, juvenile drug cases will be handled in a Family Division Superior Court. Instead of jail, juvenile marijuana offense charges could result in time in a juvenile correctional facility. Whether or not the case is handled in juvenile or adult court will depend on a variety of factors including the age of the defendant, the nature of the charges, and the defendant's prior criminal record.

There are a number of marijuana offenses that can result in even harsher penalties than possession for juveniles. For example, if the authorities suspect the juvenile possessed the marijuana with the intention to distribute the drugs, the charges could be much more severe. The penalties for growing and cultivating marijuana are also severe in New Jersey.

The Princeton juvenile crime defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of protecting the rights of juveniles in New Jersey. If your son or daughter has been charged with a marijuana offense in New Jersey, please call our offices today at (609) 240-0040 for a free consultation.

If your child has been charged with a crime in New Jersey, it is crucial that you do what is necessary to have the case tried in juvenile court. Juvenile court cases are built around the concept of rehabilitation as opposed to punishment and incarceration. Resulting penalties typically include community service or juvenile detention. When your child is treated as an adult, a conviction could result in jail or prison time and, in some cases, media attention.

There are many factors that could affect where a case is heard including:

• Age of the alleged offender - Defendants closer to 18 years of age are more likely to face adult charges.
• Criminal history of the defendant - Individuals with a record of similar offenses may face harsher penalties.
• Nature of the crime - The prosecution will likely charge a teenager who has committed a juvenile violent crime such as sexual assault or robbery as an adult.

The family of a juvenile who has been arrested would be well advised to call a skilled defense attorney before discussing the case with authorities. When a defense attorney is involved early on in the process, there is a greater chance that the case will remain in juvenile court. There is also the possibility that a juvenile crime defense attorney can negotiate a plea before the case even goes before a judge

The experienced New Jersey juvenile crime defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience protecting the future of young people. Our lawyers know how to keep a case in juvenile court and how to fight for your child's rights. For more information about your options, please contact us at (609) 240-0040. We offer free and confidential consultations.

Blood Alcohol Concentration, or BAC, refers to the amount of alcohol in an individual's blood. Determining a driver’s BAC is an important part of any New Jersey driving while intoxicated (DWI) case as the level of alcohol concentration in the blood stream will likely affect the charges a driver might face. New Jersey slaps additional penalties on individuals with a heightened BAC, that is why it becomes crucial to examine how the results were determined and if they are accurate.

In New Jersey, drivers with a BAC between .08 percent and .1 percent face a license suspension of three months. This penalty increases to seven months or up to one year if the BAC is over .1 percent. BAC also plays an important role in cases involving underage DUI in New Jersey. Drivers under the age of 21 may face DWI penalties in New Jersey if there is a BAC greater than .01 percent.

Breathalyzer tests are far from perfect and there is ample opportunity for mistakes to be made by the authorities. Skilled DWI defense attorneys will ask a number of questions regarding the validity of the test. When was the breathalyzer last calibrated? Were errors made during the test? Was the driver on any medications that could have affected the results? Was a blood test given at the police station or are the charges based solely on the results of a breath test taken in the field?

If you or a loved one is facing DWI charges, the knowledgeable NJ drunk driving defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein can help. We will aggressively fight the charges using our skill, knowledge, and extensive experience. Call us at (609) 240-0040 to discuss your case at absolutely no cost.

An individual may face driving under the influence (DUI) charges if the authorities determine that he or she was driving under the influence of marijuana. These types of cases often result in wrongful charges. While blood alcohol concentration is determined using breath or blood tests, it is more of a challenge to determine the presence or use of drugs. Anyone facing DUI penalties for driving while under the influence of marijuana would be well advised to seek legal guidance from an attorney who has experience defending similar charges.

The penalties for driving under the influence of marijuana are similar to driving while intoxicated charges. First-time offenders could face jail time of up to six months, a fine of up to $1,000, community service, driver's license suspension, and Intoxicated Driver Resource Center fees. Drivers determined to be under the influence of marijuana may face additional penalties for various New Jersey marijuana charges including possession of marijuana or possession of drug paraphernalia that may be added on to the DUI charges.

There are a number of questions that a skilled DUI defense attorney will ask during the court proceedings. How did the authorities determine that the driver was under the influence? Did a drug recognition expert (DRE) administer the test? What led to the traffic stop? What is the driving history and criminal history of the defendant?

The experienced New Jersey driving under the influence of marijuana defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein will strive to get your DUI charges dismissed or lessened. If you or a loved one has been accused of driving under the influence of marijuana, please contact our law offices at (609) 240-0040 to schedule your free, comprehensive and confidential consultation.

A 23-year-old New Jersey man has been charged with intimidating a witness following an incident inside the Occupy Wall Street protest site. The Associated Press reports the man and two others were arrested for threatening a woman at the Manhattan protest. The alleged victim had filed a complaint against the suspect's friend following an October 22 assault. Officials say the three people threatened to kill the woman after her complaint resulted in the arrest of their friend. An investigation is ongoing.

Under New Jersey law, it is a crime to use intimidation or physical force to threaten someone with the intention of influencing the testimony of a witness. A person can be found guilty of intimidating a witness if:

• The victim was scheduled to be a witness;
• The suspect used force or intimidation against the witness; and
• The suspect did so knowingly with the intent to influence the testimony of the witness.

It is only natural for individuals to experience anger or frustration if they believe a friend has been wrongfully arrested. It is important, however, to remain calm and to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. The penalties for intimidating a witness are severe and could result in jail time and hefty fines.

The experienced Princeton criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of protecting the rights of New Jersey residents. If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in New Jersey, please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 for a no-cost consultation and comprehensive case assessment.

A 42-year-old Philadelphia man has been arrested on suspicion of shoplifting from a New Jersey Target store. According to a news report in The Asbury Park Press, the alleged shoplifting incident occurred at the Target on Stafford Park Boulevard in Stafford. Officials stopped the man on Route 72 near Lighthouse Drive where they discovered a $599 vacuum cleaner and numerous other items valued at more than $1,700. The man may face additional penalties as well for alleged thefts at more than 24 stores throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, officials say.

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."

The penalties that a convicted offender may face for shoplifting in New Jersey are directly related to the estimated value of the items stolen. It is a disorderly persons offense to wrongfully take items worth less than $200 and a fourth-degree crime to take items valued between $200 and $500. When the items are valued between $500 and $75,000, it is a third-degree crime that could result in three to five years of jail time. An experienced criminal defense attorney will examine how the items were obtained by authorities and if the civil rights of the defendant were violated during a search or arrest, the charges can be thrown out.

If you or a loved one is facing shoplifting charges in New Jersey, please do not take them lightly. The outcome of your case can have an impact on your future. Please contact the reputed New Jersey shoplifting defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein to better understand your options. Call us today at (609) 240-0040 to discuss your case.

Two Jersey City women, ages 21 and 24, were arrested on suspicion of shoplifting after allegedly hiding $200 worth of items in a baby stroller at a ShopRite. According to a news report in The Jersey Journal, the shoplifting incident occurred at the store on Avenue C in Bayonne. Officials say a security guard noticed the women putting merchandise into various compartments in a stroller and when the women attempted to leave the store without paying for the items, they were detained. One of the women was arrested because of an outstanding warrant and the other was released on a summons.

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," can be considered a crime.

The severity of the charges for shoplifting in New Jersey usually depends on the value of the items taken and the criminal history of the defendant. Typically, when the calculated value of the items in question is less than $200, the resulting charge will be a disorderly persons offense. It is a crime of the fourth degree to take items valued between $200 and $500. A skilled defense attorney will review how the estimated value of the items was calculated. A knowledgeable lawyer will also look into what evidence the authorities have, which proves that the items were intentionally taken.

A criminal defense lawyer in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein has a proven track record of handling similar cases throughout New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been accused of shoplifting or theft, please contact our law offices at (609) 240-0040 to find out how we can help.

A 27-year-old high school science teacher could face up to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to giving students alcohol and marijuana. According to The Daily Record, the alleged incidents occurred between December 2009 and June 30, 2010 when the man was a teacher in Berkeley Heights. On October 18, he pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of four students. The teacher was facing potentially harsher penalties for official misconduct before he pleaded guilty to child endangerment charges. He was suspended from his job following his arrest and also had to forfeit his teaching certificate. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 3.

New Jersey Criminal Code 2C:24-4 states, "Any person having a legal duty for the care of a child or who has assumed responsibility for the care of a child who engages in sexual conduct which would impair or debauch the morals of the child, or who causes the child harm that would make the child an abused or neglected child," is guilty of a crime.

An individual may be charged with child endangerment if he or she puts a child in harm's way or if they fail to protect a child who may be in danger. This type of offense must involve a parent or someone with authority over the child such as a teacher or coach. The harsh penalties for child endangerment can add up very quickly if multiple children are involved or the incidents occurred repeatedly.

The Princeton criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience handling child endangerment cases in New Jersey. If you or a loved one is facing these serious charges, please contact our skilled criminal defense lawyers at (609) 240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. An October 20 article in The News of Cumberland County compiled New Jersey domestic violence statistics from The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to show how prevalent domestic violence is throughout the state.

During the year 2009, 8,351 victims of domestic violence utilized their local domestic violence service program. Additionally, 1,562 women and 1,850 children were sheltered following a domestic violence or domestic abuse incident. The Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline received 24,038 crisis calls and 36,011 non-crisis calls during that same year.

Domestic violence is a serious problem in New Jersey. Injured victims of domestic violence deserve to be protected and it is often necessary for the authorities to become involved. Unfortunately, it is all too common for individuals to face wrongful domestic violence charges because of a misunderstanding or false domestic abuse accusations.

Under New Jersey Statute 2C:25:21, police must take a domestic violence suspect into custody if the victim shows signs of an injury. All arresting officers must consider the circumstances, the history of domestic disputes between the parties involved, and the type of injuries suffered. It is all too common for a misunderstanding or a false allegation to lead to an arrest. When someone is arrested following a domestic violence disturbance, he or she may end up facing serious charges even in cases where the alleged victim does not want to press charges.

The New Jersey domestic violence defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of successfully handling domestic violence cases in New Jersey. We know how to fight wrongful charges as well as lessen charges and penalties. If you or a loved one is facing domestic violence charges in New Jersey, call (609) 240-0040 to discuss your case at absolutely no cost.

It is common for penalties resulting from a juvenile crime to include community service. Ideally, community service will provide the young person with an opportunity to make a positive contribution to the community, be responsible, and be accountable for his or her actions. New Jersey juveniles will be able to perform their service during non-school hours and may involve a supervised work crew with other juveniles or administrative community service that does not involve a supervised work crew.

Remember, community service does not mean you are off the hook. Juveniles must meet a number of requirements while performing community service. It is crucial that they meet a set schedule and do the job assigned to them to the best of their abilities. Juveniles are expected to dress appropriately and arrive on time as well as follow the directions of their supervisor and be respectful of their fellow workers and the public. Failure to meet any of these requirements may result in an increased amount of required community service or even detention.

Juveniles facing criminal charges in New Jersey would be well advised to seek the counsel of an experienced criminal defense attorney who will fight to help them avoid jail time or detention. Families who get a skilled attorney early in the process have a greater chance of helping their children avoid detention through alternative sentencing options such as community service.

If your son or daughter has been accused of committing a crime in New Jersey, please contact the law offices of Lependorf & Silverstein at (609) 240-0040. Our Princeton juvenile crime defense lawyers will work diligently to obtain the best possible outcome in your case. Call us today to schedule your free and comprehensive consultation.