New Jersey Criminal Defense Blog

A 32-year-old man has been charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) after being found passed out in a car. According to a news report in The Record, the arrest occurred on a front lawn on South Maple Avenue in Glen Rock. Officials say they found the man and a 24-year-old woman "passed out" in a car. The man faces multiple charges including driving while intoxicated in a school zone, careless driving, refusing to submit to a breath test, and improper driving over a sidewalk. The woman was not charged.

It is not clear if the man will face increased penalties because of his recent driving history. The report states that he was charged in September for running over a 31-year-old Passaic man who later succumbed to his injuries. In that case, the man and the woman were charged with causing a death or injury while driving, as well as leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident that resulted in death.

Drivers who are facing serious charges such as driving while intoxicated or leaving the scene of an accident would be well advised to seek legal guidance from a skilled criminal defense attorney before discussing the specifics of their case with the authorities. It is particularly important to seek representation when there are multiple charges stemming from one incident. It is common for the charges to be added together, resulting in unnecessarily harsh punishment. Repeat offenders are also likely to face harsher penalties and enhanced charges.

A skilled drunk driving defense attorney in NJ at Lependorf & Silverstein has a long and successful track record of fighting for the rights of our clients. If you or a loved one has been accused of drunk driving in New Jersey, please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

This holiday season, it is important to remember that New Jersey police officers will be out in full force looking for signs of intoxication among motorists. There will be a substantial increase in DWI patrols as well as DWI checkpoints over the holidays. This increase in saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints is already visible in many cities throughout New Jersey. Anyone hitting the road this holiday season would be well advised to take a number of steps to avoid a DUI arrest.

Obviously, the most important step to take this holiday is to not drive drunk. New Jersey is notorious for harshly punishing intoxicated drivers and any form of erratic driving may give officers sufficient cause to pull you over. Remember, it only takes a few drinks on an empty stomach for your blood alcohol concentration to reach the legal limit (.08 percent).

This holiday season, it may also be in your best interest to assign a designated driver before going out or to simply spend the night at the place where the party was held if you had anything to drink. An inconvenient evening is nothing compared to the potential 90-day license suspension you could face for a DWI conviction.

If you are faced with a DWI charge this holiday season, please do not hesitate to call the experienced and knowledgeable Princeton DWI defense lawyers of Lependorf & Silverstein at (609) 240-0040. We have an excellent track record of getting our clients' DWI charges dropped or lessened. Call us today to discuss your case at absolutely no cost.

Domestic child abuse involves violence or neglect toward one's own child. A domestic child abuse conviction can result in jail time and complications regarding future custody of the alleged victim. Anyone facing these serious allegations deserves to have their rights protected by a skilled criminal defense attorney.

New Jersey law defines child abuse as causing physical injury by other than accidental means. There are many forms of abuse, including causing a risk of death or injury, endangering physical or emotional health, performing sexual abuse, willful abandonment, deprivation, and neglect.

Individuals who are convicted of domestic child abuse in New Jersey may face permanent loss of custody and visitation rights, heavy fines, court costs, jail time, and difficult probation terms. Individuals facing these types of allegations often suffer from severe stress, remorse, frustration, and depression as well. This type of emotional suffering is even common among individuals who have been falsely accused. As is true with many types of domestic violence, there are a number of instances of false allegations that may stem from ulterior motives.

The knowledgeable New Jersey child abuse defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience handling domestic child abuse cases in New Jersey. We fight for our clients' rights and work diligently to get the charges dismissed or lessened. To discuss your case at absolutely no cost, please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 today.

A 30-year-old male physical education and art teacher was recently arrested on child pornography charges. According to a news report in The Star Ledger, the Newark charter schoolteacher was arrested at his Paterson residence. Officials say they have seized 20 sexually explicit and graphic videos involving children from the teacher and a 17-year-old Paterson youth who was also arrested. Both individuals have been booked on single counts of possession and distribution of child pornography.

According to the report, the arrest resulted after a two-month investigation by the sheriff's Internet crime task force. It does not appear that the teacher has harmed any children or that any of the materials seized by the authorities involved students from where he works. It is not clear what connection his arrest has with the 17-year-old youth who is facing the same charges.

Although possession of child pornography may not seem as serious a crime as sexual assault or child abuse, it can have serious consequences on your life and career. Possession and distribution of child pornography charges require a criminal defense lawyer who understands sex crime laws. If convicted, a defendant may have to register as a sex offender in addition to several other serious penalties, such as jail time and heavy fines.

A skilled NJ sex crime defense lawyer at Lependorf & Silverstein has experience handling possession of child pornography cases. If you or a loved one faces these types of serious allegations, please call one of our law offices at (609) 240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

A 27-year-old man has been sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to allowing underage drinking at his home. According to a news report in The Star Ledger, the former teacher at Governor Livingston High School in Berkeley Heights was arrested in 2010 and sentenced on December 16. Officials say the man made his residence available for underage drinking. His seven-year sentence included four counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Making alcohol available to minors in your home may seem like a harmless and minor offense, but it has serious consequences. 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 disorderly persons offense can result up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine, as well as a permanent criminal charge on the offender’s record. Additionally, these penalties can increase when multiple juveniles are involved or when the welfare of the juvenile is put in danger.

Anyone facing these serious allegations would be well advised to discuss their case with a skilled defense attorney. Failure to take these types of charges seriously can result in life-changing penalties such as jail time and probation.

The experienced criminal defense attorneys in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of handling child endangerment cases. If you or a loved one has been charged with endangering the welfare of a minor, please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 right away for a no-cost consultation.

There are a number of juvenile weapons offenses in New Jersey and all of them have serious consequences. Children arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, or possession of a firearm without a permit could face juvenile detention, probation, fines, and community service. Families dealing with these serious charges would be well advised to discuss their case with a skilled Princeton juvenile defense attorney.

N.J.S.A. 2C:58-6.1 states: "(a) No person under the age of 18 years shall purchase, barter, or otherwise acquire a firearm, and (b) No person under the age of 18 years shall possess, carry, fire, or use a firearm. (c) A person who violates this section shall be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree."

There are a few exceptions to these laws. For example, a minor may possess a firearm while "in the actual presence or under the direct supervision of his father, mother, or guardian, or some other person who holds a permit to carry a handgun or a firearms purchaser identification card, as the case may be."

The charges a juvenile may face are directly related to the intent with which the youth had the weapon, whether or not it was used, where he or she possessed the weapon and whether or not he or she has a criminal history. A skilled juvenile defense attorney will fight for the rights of the young person involved while keeping the case in juvenile court.

The Princeton juvenile defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of handling juvenile cases in New Jersey. If your child has been charged with a serious offense, please do not hesitate to call our offices at (609) 240-0040 for a free consultation.

Three individuals were arrested in Newark following a morning drug patrol involving plainclothes officers. According to The Star Ledger, the officers observed a 30-year-old man and a 51–year-old woman in a drug transaction in the Valisburg section of Newark. Officials say the man had 32 decks of heroin and a loaded handgun. Before leaving the area, a 49-year-old woman attempted to purchase heroin from the officers and was arrested as well.

It is illegal in New Jersey to possess any amount of heroin. In fact, possession of even the smallest amount of heroin can result in a third degree crime that can lead to up to five years in prison, a mandatory six-month driver's license suspension, and a $35,000 fine.

There are significantly more severe consequences for individuals who are charged with intent to sell heroin in New Jersey. It is a third-degree crime to possess less than a half-ounce of heroin for sale. Possession of more than half an ounce of heroin but less than five ounces is a second-degree crime that could result in up to 10 years of incarceration.

Anyone facing serious charges such as drug possession for sale in New Jersey would be well advised to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who will assess the circumstances of the arrest. A skilled attorney will review if the rights of the defendant were violated as well as how the drugs were seized.

A skilled NJ drug crime defense attorney at Lependorf & Silverstein knows how to handle drug possession and intent to sell charges in New Jersey. Our lawyers have years of experience fighting to keep our clients out of jail. Please contact our offices today at (609) 240-0040 to discuss your case at absolutely no cost.

A 13-year-old Jersey City boy was recently arrested for bring a pellet gun to school. According to a news report in The Jersey Journal, the incident occurred at a Jersey City school on Virginia Avenue. Officials say the boy admitted to owning the pellet gun after it fell off a table into plain view of a teacher. The teenager was arrested for unlawful possession of a weapon on school property and was later released to his parents.

N.J.S.A. 2C: 58-6.1 makes it illegal for a minor to purchase or possess a firearm. Under this statute, there are no circumstances in which a minor can legally acquire a firearm. Included among the weapons considered firearms are pistols, shotguns, assault weapons, rifles, air guns, handguns, and pellet guns. Juvenile possession of a firearm is enhanced from a fourth-degree offense to a third-degree offense when the firearm is brought into a school.

The penalties for possession of a weapon on school grounds are serious. The severity of the New Jersey weapons violation charges will often depend upon the type of weapon, the criminal history of the defendant, and the intent with which the defendant possessed the weapon. A skilled criminal defense attorney will fight to keep the case in juvenile court while protecting the best interests of the youth.

The a juvenile crime defense lawyer in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein can fight for you if you are facing weapons charges in New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been charged with unlawful possession of a weapon in New Jersey, please call our offices at (609) 240-0040.

A 36-year-old South Bound Brook man has admitted to creating false identities to obtain credit cards. According to a news report in My Central Jersey, he was arrested in 2009 and is expected to face seven more years in prison when he is sentenced in March 2012. Officials say that the man found various illegal ways to obtain all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, and other motor vehicles to support his off-road recreational hobby. The report states that the case spans at least eight Garden State counties and three states and required collaboration between officials in Union County, Middlesex County, the FBI, and New York City.

Fraudulent use of credit cards is a serious offense. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6, "A person who makes or causes to be made, either directly or indirectly, any false statement in writing, knowing it to be false and with intent that it be relied on, respecting his identity or that of any other person, firm or corporation, or his financial condition or that of any other person, firm or corporation, for the purpose of procuring the issuance of a credit card is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree."

Fraud is a white-collar crime that could not only result in lengthy jail or prison terms, but also have serious ramifications professionally. A person who has been convicted or fraud may have a tough time finding gainful employment or even obtaining a professional license. Even a charge that does not result in a conviction can stain an individual's reputation and cast a shadow or doubt over his or her credibility.

The experienced Princeton fraud defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of handling cases involving white collar crimes. If you or a loved one is facing such serious allegations, please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 before discussing your case with the authorities.

A 46-year-old North Brunswick man has been arrested on suspicion of possessing more than 20 ounces of synthetic marijuana valued at approximately $10,000. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the arrest occurred in Newark within 1,000 feet of South Street School. Officials saw the man loading plastic bags into a vehicle and uncovered the synthetic drug commonly referred to as K2 or Spice. This type of synthetic marijuana has become popular in recent years because it cannot be detected through a toxicology screening test. He faces multiple drug charges including possession of a controlled dangerous substance, intent to distribute, possession of marijuana within a school zone, possession of drug processing, and packaging paraphernalia.

Marijuana distribution is a serious offense in New Jersey that can result in up to 20 years in prison. The severity of the penalties is directly related to the amount of marijuana seized by the authorities. For example, it is a first-degree offense to have 25 or more pounds of marijuana or 50 or more marijuana plants. Possession of at least five but not more than 25 pounds of marijuana or possession of between 10 and 50 marijuana plants could result in a second-degree offense and 10 years in prison.

NJ marijuana distribution charges often result in unnecessarily harsh penalties because multiple charges can be added together. For example, there are additional penalties for possession, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, possession with intent to distribute, and possession within a school zone. These are all separate charges that have serious consequences.

The skilled marijuana possession attorneys in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of handling marijuana cases in New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been charged with possession of marijuana or other controlled substances, please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a no-cost consultation.

Cocaine trafficking is defined as the sale of or distribution of cocaine. In New Jersey, the punishment for cocaine trafficking typically depends on the amount of drugs seized by the authorities. Trafficking charges not only carry heavy penalties but they also often result in additional penalties such as possession and possession with intent to distribute. Anyone facing drug trafficking charges in New Jersey should to immediately contact an experienced drug crime defense attorney.

Federal law "prohibits the manufacture, import, export, distribution, or dispensing of a controlled substance (or a counterfeit substance) or the possession of a controlled substance with intent to manufacture, import, export, distribute, or dispense."

In New Jersey, it is crucial to determine if the individual had intent to sell the drugs or if he or she was transporting the drug for personal use. While either scenario can result in serious penalties, possession with intent to distribute charges will result in more severe penalties than simple possession.

The amount of drugs found, the type of drugs, and the way they are packaged can affect the resulting charges. For example, the discovery of large amounts of cocaine that are packaged for sale will result in more severe penalties than small amounts of marijuana possessed for personal use. However, every case is different and all accused drug traffickers need skilled legal representation to help them fight the serious allegations.

The Princeton cocaine defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience handling cocaine possession, distribution, and trafficking charges in New Jersey. Please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 if you or a loved one faces one of these serious charges.

It is common for juvenile first-time offenders charged with minor offenses or misdemeanors to be shown some leniency by the juvenile court. The same cannot always be said, however, for youths facing felony charges. Depending upon the circumstances, felony charges can result in a juvenile tried as an adult and the resulting penalties can be severe. The parents of a teenager facing felony charges would be well advised to immediately contact a skilled defense attorney.

In New Jersey, there are a number of indictable crimes (felonies) that can result in jail sentences. Examples of such crimes include assault, robbery, burglary, theft, rape, murder, arson, manslaughter, and drug offenses. If it is possible to keep the case in juvenile court, the youth will likely face a lengthy juvenile detention sentence as well as hours of community service and rehabilitation. If, however, the charges are handled in an adult court, the penalties can be significantly more life changing.

When a juvenile felony case is handled in an adult criminal court, the crime will be classified as either a first, second, third, or fourth degree offense. It is important that all criminal charges be taken seriously. A fourth degree felony conviction carries a sentence of up to 18 months. A first-degree felony offense could result in a 20-year sentence.

The experienced juvenile felony criminal defense lawyers in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein fight to keep juvenile cases out of adult court. We take a multi-faceted approach to effectively fight the charges and reduce the resulting penalties. Please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 for a no-cost consultation if your child is facing felony charges in New Jersey.

Three men were recently arrested on suspicion of heroin possession with intent to distribute following a two-month investigation. According to a news report in The Press of Atlantic City, the narcotics search warrant was executed in Egg Harbor. Officials say they seized 670 bags of heroin, a half-ounce of cocaine, over 50 grams of marijuana, cash, and multiple weapons. Of the three men arrested, a 26-year-old Egg Harbor City man faces multiple charges including possession with intent to distribute heroin, marijuana, and cocaine, as well as possession of handguns and hollow-point ammunition.

It is against the law to possess any amount of heroin in New Jersey. No matter how much heroin is seized by the authorities, the resulting charges will be at least a third-degree crime that could result in years of incarceration, a lengthy license suspension, and tens of thousands of dollars in fines. When the authorities suspect someone of drug possession for sale, the charges will be even harsher.

It is a first-degree crime in New Jersey to possess with intent to sell five or more ounces of heroin. In such cases, the defendant could face 10 to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine of $500,000. Anyone facing serious drug charges such as heroin possession and possession with intent to distribute would be well advised to contact a skilled criminal defense attorney before discussing the case with the authorities.

An experienced drug crime defense attorney in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein can fight against your drug charges to prevent you from suffering harsh punishment. If you or a loved one is facing drug charges, please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 for a free consultation.

Juveniles charged with drug possession would be ill advised to assume that the courts will let them off easily because of their age. In fact, even first-time offenders can face serious penalties that can seriously affect their future. Common punishments for juvenile drug charges include a revocation of driver's license, probation, community service, mandatory drug rehabilitation, and detention in a juvenile facility.

There are many factors that will affect the severity of the penalties a juvenile will face for a drug crime. The court will take into consideration the criminal history of the youth, the type of drug that was involved, and the exact nature of the charges. Cases involving cocaine or heroin, for example, typically result in harsher penalties than those involving marijuana. More severe penalties are also handed out for intent to distribute cases and crimes involving repeat offenders.

Juvenile drug charges in New Jersey include possession, selling, or manufacturing of a controlled substance. Individuals with an otherwise clean record who is found with a small amount of marijuana will likely not face detention, but that does not mean the charges should be taken lightly. There is a wide range of penalties for drug crimes in New Jersey and failing to secure quality legal representation can result in unnecessarily harsh penalties that can affect the juvenile's future.

The NJ juvenile defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to protect the rights of New Jersey's youth. If your child is facing drug charges in New Jersey, please do not hesitate to call our offices at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case assessment.

A 42-year-old Hoboken man with a special needs child was allegedly caught attempting to steal baby food from a supermarket. According to a news report in The Jersey Journal, the alleged theft occurred at the ShopRite on Madison Street in Hoboken. Officials say the man paid for some items while attempting to hide $70 worth of baby food in the carriage of his child. A Loss Prevention Specialist at the ShopRite let the man off with a warning. It is not clear if he will be charged with theft.

The penalties individuals might face for shoplifting are directly related to the value of the items stolen. Under New Jersey law, it is a disorderly persons offense to shoplift items with a retail value of $200 or less. Penalties for a disorderly persons shoplifting offense in New Jersey typically includes at least 10 days of community service for a first offense, 15 days of community service for a second offense, and possible mandatory jail time for a third offense.

The charges and penalties for shoplifting increase when the value of the stolen items is calculated at over $200. For example, it is a fourth-degree crime to take items valued greater than $200 and less than $500. A skilled criminal defense attorney will look at the way the values of the items were calculated as well as the intentions of the defendants.

Anyone facing shoplifting charges in New Jersey would be well advised to contact a skilled criminal defense lawyer in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein. We have experience negotiating lesser penalties and having wrongful charges dismissed. Please call (609) 240-0040 today to schedule your free and comprehensive consultation.

In New Jersey, there are harsh penalties for marijuana possession and marijuana possession with intent to sell. These already harsh penalties can become even more serious if the incident that led to the arrest occurred within 1,000 feet of a school. In fact, the law now requires mandatory prison sentences for individuals convicted of a school zone marijuana crime in New Jersey.

Under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7, "Any person … distributing, dispensing or possessing with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog while on any school property used for school purposes which is owned by or leased to any elementary or secondary school or school board, or within 1,000 feet of such school property or a school bus, or while on any school bus, is guilty of a crime of the third degree and shall … be sentenced by the court to a term of imprisonment."

Penalties for marijuana possession in a school zone depend on the amount of marijuana seized by the authorities. Even in cases involving less than one ounce of marijuana, the resulting penalties can include imprisonment and substantial fines. A skilled attorney will examine the circumstances of the arrest, how the authorities seized the evidence, how much marijuana was found, and where the incident took place to begin building a defense against the school zone drug charges.

The New Jersey marijuana criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have decades of experience handing drug charges in New Jersey. Please contact us at (609) 240-0040 to find out how to protect your rights and begin building a winning defense.

Criminal mischief is a phrase used to describe an act of misbehavior, disruption, disobedience, and waywardness. Examples of juvenile criminal mischief include damaging public or private property, graffiti, or setting a small fire. While these types of charges are not considered serious, they can result in harsh penalties. Parents of a juvenile facing criminal mischief charges in New Jersey would be well advised to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect their child's best interests.

Criminal mischief in New Jersey occurs when a juvenile "purposely or knowingly damages tangible property of another or damages tangible property of another recklessly or negligently in the employment of fire, explosives, or other dangerous means," or "purposely, knowingly, or recklessly tampers with tangible property of another so as to endanger person or property, including the damaging or destroying of a rental premises by a tenant in retaliation for institution of eviction proceedings."

There is a wide range of penalties that juveniles could face for criminal mischief. In New Jersey, one of the most important factors in determining the severity of the penalties is the amount of damages caused. If the property damages are valued at less than $500, the charges could be a disorderly persons offense that will likely result in restitution, counseling, probation, and the threat of incarceration in a detention facility. If the property damage is extensive, the juvenile is likely to face harsher penalties.

The skilled juvenile defense attorneys in NJ at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long and successful track record of protecting the rights of New Jersey's youth. If your son or daughter that has been charged with a crime, please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 before you talk to the authorities.

A 33-year-old man and a 29-year-old man were arrested in New Jersey after allegedly assaulting a bus driver and leaving without paying a fare. According to The Fort Lee Patch, the incident occurred at the Bridge Plaza bus stop near George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee. Officials say the men had a dispute with the Jitney bus driver over the fare, assaulted the driver, and fled the scene on foot. The authorities were notified and the two men were arrested a few minutes later. The 57-year-old male bus driver was treated for a swollen eye and the two men are being held in a Bergen County Jail on $50,000 bail. They have been charged with robbery and assault.

Under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1, in order to obtain a conviction in an assault case, prosecutors must prove that the defendant caused bodily injury to the victim and the defendant acted purposely, knowingly, or recklessly. New Jersey law defines bodily injury as physical pain, illness, or an impairment of physical condition. Someone who has "knowingly" caused bodily injury is aware of the possible consequences of their actions.

The severity of charges someone will face for assault depends on the circumstances of the case, the injuries suffered by the victim, and whether or not a weapon was used. When weapons are used or the victim suffers a serious injury, the simple assault charges can be elevated to an aggravated assault charge that carries additional jail time and increased penalties.

If you or a loved one has been charged with simple or aggravated assault in New Jersey, the experienced assault defense lawyers in NJ at Lependorf & Silverstein can help protect your rights. Call us at (609) 240-0040 to schedule your free and comprehensive consultation.

Marijuana trafficking involves the exchange of and transportation of marijuana. Individuals in New Jersey can be charged with drug trafficking if they are dealers exchanging marijuana for money with a user or are transporting the drug. This particular drug charge carries serious penalties that can result in jail time and hefty fines.

Penalties for marijuana trafficking in New Jersey include up to 20 years in prison, fines, loss of driver's license, employment restrictions, and other penalties such as loss of the right to own or possess a gun. The penalties New Jersey residents may face for marijuana trafficking scale upward depending on the amount of marijuana allegedly offered for sale.

For example, marijuana trafficking charges stemming from less than an ounce of marijuana is a third-degree crime that can lead to 18 months in jail and a $25,000 fine. Trafficking over an ounce but less than five pounds will result in second-degree charges that carry up to five years in prison and a $25,000 fine. It is a first-degree crime to have at least five pounds but less than 25 pounds of marijuana and can result in up to 10 years in prison and a $150,000 fine. Anyone charged with trafficking over 25 pounds of marijuana in New Jersey can face up to 20 years in prison and a $300,000 fine.

If you are facing serious marijuana charges such as possession, distribution, or trafficking, it would be in your best interests to contact an experienced drug crime defense attorney who will help protect your rights. The Princeton drug crime attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a proven track record of handling marijuana cases. Please contact us today at (609) 240-0040 to discuss your case at absolutely no cost.

Governor Chris Christie has signed into law legislation that imposes additional bail restrictions in cases involving domestic violence. According to a news report in The Associated Press, the bill no longer allows individuals accused of violating domestic violence-related restraining orders from posting 10 percent of their bail for release.

Under the new law, those who allegedly violate a restraining order will have to post the full amount or have a bail bond secured by real property equal to the bail amount and an additional $20,000. Proponents of the bill believe that this new law will protect victims of domestic violence by penalizing repeat offenders.

Violating a domestic violence NJ restraining order stemming from a conviction carries severe penalties. Under New Jersey law, individuals convicted of a "second or subsequent non-indictable domestic violence contempt offense shall serve a minimum term of not less than 30 days.

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that approximately 1.3 million women in the United States are victims of domestic abuse each year.

It is crucial that the authorities do everything in their power to protect victims of domestic abuse. It is also important that the rights of defendants are protected and that individuals are not held without reasonable bail options because of false allegations.

The skilled New Jersey domestic violence defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience successfully handling cases in New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been charged with domestic violence or with violating a restraining order in the state of New Jersey, please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 to discuss your legal options.