In addition, the article also mentions that the couple has been charged with the fourth-degree crime of child neglect relating to their 10-year-old son, the second-degree crime of manufacturing marijuana, the fourth-degree crime of possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana, and the disorderly persons offense of possession of drug paraphernalia (a hypodermic syringe). According to New Jersey law, second-degree offenses may result in a maximum sentence of 10 years in state prison and a maximum fine of $150,000. Fourth-degree crimes have a maximum penalty of 18 months.
]]> Whether a person or group of individuals is charged with marijuana possession, sale, cultivation, or distribution, the consequences of these New Jersey drug offenses can be life-altering and widespread. Nevertheless, from time to time, police raids have been known to be conducted outside the lines of required procedure, similar to how the collection of evidence can sometimes be completed in violation of a person’s Constitutional rights.If you have been charged with marijuana cultivation in New Jersey, the skilled and aggressive marijuana cultivation New Jersey defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein may be able to help. We understand how important it is for a strong defense to be built against the serious punishments that threaten your future. Call the New Jersey criminal defense law firm of Lependorf & Silverstein today for a free and confidential consultation of your marijuana drug offense case.
Source article: http://www.nj.com/bayonne/index.ssf/2010/01/bail_set_for_bayonne_firefight.html
]]>As this particular case validates, anything an arrested individual says can and will be used against him or her while being prosecuted or sentenced for a crime. Despite any feelings of confusion, frustration, or anger, a person arrested and charged with a crime in New Jersey should remain silent until they have consulted with a Princeton criminal defense attorney. This man’s situation could have been less complex had he not made any statements regarding “killing other police officers.” However, such statements are typically not enough to convict an arrested individual.
]]> Being arrested for an assault offense in New Jersey can present many challenges and complex legal matters to sift through. For anyone accused of such a violent crime, it is of the utmost importance to be familiar with your rights as well as your options for quality legal counsel. If you have been charged with assault, do not let chance determine your future or your case’s outcome. Instead, seek out an experienced New Jersey assault criminal defense attorney who will defend your rights and help get your life back on track. Call Lependorf & Silverstein today at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation.Source report: http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/01/police_say_brick_man_headbutts.html
]]>According to the report, patients will be able to get a prescription for marijuana if they have the following illnesses: cancer, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, seizure disorder, HIV/AIDS, severe muscle spasms, Lou Gehrig’s disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), muscular dystrophy, Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and any terminal illness if a doctor believes the patient has only a year left to live. The new law will allow the state health department to include other illnesses in addition to the above list when it develops rules of implementation for those specific calamities.
A major and important restriction included with the approval of the new law is the ban against individuals growing their own marijuana, even if it is for medical reasons. This is to ensure that marijuana be dispensed through licensed “alternative treatment centers.” Also, designated caretakers for severely ill individuals will be required to have criminal background checks.
]]> The stigma against medicinal marijuana use, although strong, is not as potentially devastating as the societal scorn an individual may face for unrelated medical marijuana or drug use. Even if a person is not convicted for a drug or marijuana crime, being arrested for such offenses may be enough to cause that person to lose his or her job as well as endure many other negative consequences. Therefore, if you have been arrested for a marijuana-related crime, you may want to consider having a skilled New Jersey marijuana defense attorney on your side that will fight to defend your reputation and your rights.The experienced and aggressive criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have been defending the rights of those arrested for a wide range of crimes, including marijuana offenses, for many years and know what it takes to get charges reduced or dismissed altogether. Contact Lependorf & Silverstein today for a free consultation by calling 609-240-0040.
Source article: http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/01/medical_marijuana_law_to_take.html
]]>Similar to this man’s situation, many individuals arrested for drug-related crimes in New Jersey and across the nation are in serious need of drug rehabilitation and counseling to help them combat their addiction(s). The man’s attorney stated that the defendant saw two murders while growing up in New Jersey and developed a “lifestyle of substance abuse.”
]]> The convicted man was indicted in May of 2009 and pleaded guilty in September to distribution of cocaine and conspiracy to distribute cocaine. In the end, the man’s lower sentence (based on the federal sentencing guidelines range) occurred due to the fact that he carried out the crimes only to satisfy his personal addiction. Also, the Judge recognized that the man was extremely regretful for his actions and their affects upon his wife, son, and other family members. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, four other individuals have pleaded guilty, but have yet to be sentenced for involvement in the cocaine distribution ring.Although this particular case took place at the U.S. District Court in Bangor, Maine, similar cases take place throughout the state of New Jersey as well. If you have been arrested for drug distribution in New Jersey, you may want to seek legal advice from a highly experienced and aggressive New Jersey drug distribution defense attorney. Contact the New Jersey Criminal Defense Law Firm of Lependorf & Silverstein for a free and confidential consultation. Call 609-240-0040 today.
Source article: http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/134550.html
]]>According to the Uniform Crime Report, the number of violent crimes in New Jersey decreased by 1 percent. Even though this decline is small, it shows that the number of incidents have decreased seven years in a row. The report also shows that there were 26 crime victims for every 1,000 residents last year, which is up from 25 per 1,000 in 2007.
]]> With homicides at their lowest level since 2002, there is no reason to believe that crime rates will show any increase. In addition, the number of murders in Camden fell about 40 percent, going from 55 incidents last year to 33 this year, and Irvington experienced a 30 percent drop-off. These numbers are promising considering that in 2008, Camden was ranked the most violent city in the nation with a crime rate five times the national average.With these numbers in mind, it is also important to take into account the possibility of wrongful or inaccurate arrests for violent crimes being made from time to time. When law enforcement officials fail to follow specific rules and regulations when making arrests, conducting interrogations, and gathering evidence, charges against an individual may be invalid and therefore dropped completely. If you have been charged with a homicide crime in New Jersey, the skilled homicide New Jersey criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein can help. We have been defending the rights of individuals accused of a wide range of criminal offenses and know what it takes to help you obtain a successful outcome in your case. Call us today at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation.
Source article: http://www.dailyrecord.com/article/20100103/OPINION01/100102015/1005/news01/Homicides+decline+for+third+straight+year
]]>In addition to charges for driving while under the influence of alcohol, the man is also being charged with refusing to submit to an alcohol breath test, failing to report an accident with injuries, and leaving the scene of an accident. At the time of the article’s release, information was not provided regarding who endured injuries or how severe those injuries were.
When an individual is charged with DUI or DWI on top of other offenses, several complex legal issues may arise and a person’s reputation may never be the same. Being accused of drunken driving in New Jersey can bring about serious consequences, such as lengthy jail time, steep fines, driver’s license suspension, becoming unemployed, and much more. However, with skilled legal counsel on your side, you may be able to have the charges against you reduced or even dismissed completely.
]]> At Lependorf & Silverstein, we have dedicated many years to helping those accused of various offenses in New Jersey. Our aggressive New Jersey DWI attorneys understand that every DWI arrest is different. We have taken on a wide range of drunken driving cases and are highly familiar with what it takes to build a strong defense for our clients. No matter what the specifics of your case may be, you should obtain legal advice if you have been arrested, accused, or charged with drunken driving. Contact Lependorf & Silverstein today for a free evaluation by calling 609-240-0040.Source article: http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/warren-county/express-times/index.ssf/2009/12/drunken_new_jersey_state_polic.html
]]>The article also discusses that an ongoing investigation by the Division of Criminal Justice Corruption Bureau determined that between December 1, 2005, and January 31, 2007, over $1 million was to be issued in fake vouchers by the accused individuals. The investigation started when the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services and the Newark Department of Health and Human Services warned the Division of Criminal Justice about suspected voucher thefts from the Newark WIC Program. As a consequence, the former WIC employee was sentenced in 2009 to eight years in state prison for second-degree official misconduct for his part in the scheme.
]]> As this case demonstrates, fraud is a serious crime that can result in harsh punishments. As a white-collar crime, criminal fraud charges can be established against individuals or businesses. Some of the penalties for fraud can vary greatly from large fines and probation, to severe prison terms. Aside from the seriousness of these consequences, the stigma associated with fraud crimes has the potential to taint a person’s reputation or the trustworthiness of a business.If you are being investigated for fraud, or have been charged with a fraud offense in New Jersey, it may be in your best interest to contact an experienced Princeton, New Jersey fraud lawyer. At Lependorf & Silverstein, our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys will defend your rights to ensure that your reputation is protected. Call us today for a free consultation.
Source article: http://www.jacksonnjonline.com/2010/01/07/nj-woman-arrested-for-defrauding-wic-nutrition-program/
]]>Apparently, the accountant took 30,000 shares of stock and $500,000 from the retirement, stock-option and profit sharing plans of Bel Fuse, Inc. The certified public accountant was in charge of managing the Bel Fuse, Inc. day-to-day stock options plan, 401(k) plan, and profit-sharing plan. After it was discovered that he was illegally transferring stock to himself and inflating his contributions to the company’s 401(k) and profit-sharing plans, he was fired during a routine audit. During the recent hearing, the man also admitted to illegally transferring 2,000 shares of stock into a brokerage account regulated by his son who was not an employee of Bel Fuse.
]]> This case serves as a reminder that although our economy has presented many financial challenges and burdens, turning to theft or embezzlement is not a solution. It is also important to remember that although we may hear about incidents where a defendant pleads guilty to a crime, all charged individuals are innocent until proven guilty and we cannot allow the media or our imaginations to run away from the facts.Those who are charged with a white collar crime in New Jersey, whether it is for embezzlement, forgery, credit card fraud, perjury, or counterfeiting, face very harsh penalties. However, if a defendant has an experienced New Jersey white collar crime defense attorney on his or her side, then there is a chance of having charges reduced or dismissed. If you have been accused of a white collar crime, please contact the criminal defense law firm of Lependorf & Silverstein. Call 609-240-0040 roday for a free consultation.
Source article: http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/11/jersey_city_accountant_admits.html
]]>According to an nj.com story, the two individuals charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance under 50 grams have been profiled in the nationally broadcast “Brick City” documentary. Apparently, after citing their vehicle for a non-moving violation, a state trooper smelled marijuana, searched their vehicle, and found marijuana. A third individual in the vehicle was arrested on the same charges as the documentary participants.
]]> One of the arrested individuals publically denied charges and stated the following: "There were no drugs found in our possession, and to prove we do not do drugs, we’re going to have Integrity House do a urine test to clear our names of anything." Unless otherwise stated by your qualified criminal defense attorney, those who have been arrested for a crime are typically advised not to release statements similar to the above. The reason for this is that any statements you make prior, during, or after your arrest may be used against you in a court of law, even if you strongly believed at the time that your statements would help you.If you have been arrested for a marijuana offense in New Jersey, whether it involves marijuana possession, sale, distribution, or cultivation, you may face consequences that can both change your life and impact the lives of your loved ones forever. In order to ensure that every avenue is explored in avoiding fines, incarceration, license suspensions, and many other penalties, it may be in your best interest to contact a skilled New Jersey marijuana possession defense attorney at Lependorf & Silverstein. We are thoroughly familiar with how a strong defense can be built, especially when certain circumstances surrounding an arrest for marijuana possession threaten to worsen your legal troubles. Contact Lependorf & Silverstein today for a free consultation by dialing 609-240-0040.
Source report: http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/11/anti-violence_brick_city_stars.html
]]>Motorists should be aware of the potential side effects of a prescription drug or over-the-counter medication. Some of these reactions may include drowsiness, nausea, excitability, sight-related issues, or impairment of motor functions, all of which may affect a person’s ability to operate a vehicle. Also, an individual may experience these effects if a certain medication, whether over-the-counter or prescription, was mixed with alcohol or illegal drugs.
]]> A motorist may also face the many severe consequences of a DWI conviction if he or she used a house-hold / office product or substance with the intention of becoming intoxicated. A recent dailyitem.com article discusses the case of a 22-year-old woman in Pennsylvania who has been sentenced to 11 months - 23 ½ months after being convicted of causing a deadly car accident while under the influence of dust remover. Apparently, the woman had been inhaling, or “huffing” the dust remover cans right before the collision took place. She pleaded guilty to use of illegal solvents, homicide by motor vehicle, two counts of driving on the wrong side of the road, and a seat belt violation.If you or a loved one is involved in a New Jersey DWI case involving drugs, whether the alleged drug-use and intoxicated driving relates to prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal drugs, the skilled New Jersey criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein can help. For many years, our experienced and aggressive lawyers have been helping individuals charged with a variety of driving and drug use offenses. Contact Lependorf & Silverstein today for a free consultation by calling 609-240-0040.
Source report: http://www.dailyitem.com/0100_news/local_story_328163530.html
]]>So why the falling numbers? Apparently, casinos throughout Atlantic City have enhanced in-house security. Also helping lower crime is the growth of police forces within the area. In addition, there seems to be greater concern regarding comprehensive studies of what crimes happen where and when, whether victims and perpetrators know each other, and whether or not they are residents.
Although the flow in crime-patterns is in Atlantic City’s favor, especially with thefts being the lowest in 2008 (2,927 incidents) since casinos opened, crime did rise in the first 10 years of casino operation. It is promising though that within the last 20 years, crime has fallen. Some other reasons for this decline include an increase in recreational outlets for at-risk children, low-income neighborhoods being destroyed, and casinos working more diligently to recruit job applicants from low-income neighborhoods.
]]> With these statistics in mind, the battle to prevent crime is not over. Although the report stated that the risk of being a crime victim in Atlantic City is relatively low, street gangs and drug-abuse still seem to be prominent issues of concern.Being accused of a violent crime in New Jersey, whether it involves assault, resisting arrest, or murder, requires the assistance of a skilled New Jersey criminal defense lawyer who has the experience and knowledge to defend your rights. The attorneys at the New Jersey criminal defense law firm of Lependorf & Silverstein have been representing those accused of violent crimes for many years. Contact us to find out how we can provide you with the strong and effective defense you need. Call 609-240-0040 today for a free and confidential evaluation.
Source report: http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/top_three/article_1a4ec070-d70e-11de-bfe3-001cc4c03286.html
]]>The director of Drug Policy Alliance New Jersey provided the following statement: “Twenty years ago, New Jersey began implementing harsh mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent drug offenders. These laws have been a spectacular failure. They have done nothing to decrease drug activity and have filled New Jersey’s prisons with nonviolent drug offenders at great cost to New Jersey taxpayers.”
In encouraging the committee’s willingness to consider Senate bill 1866, the director and many others hope that the new bill will prevent any further exceptional levels of incarceration and huge amounts of taxpayer money spent; both of which resulted from the Comprehensive Drug Reform Act’s initiation in 1986. Based on additional information provided by the Drug Policy Alliance Network, approximately twenty years ago, only 11% of individuals in prison were serving mandatory minimum sentences. Today, about 69% are serving mandatory sentences. Also, in 1987, only 11% of the New Jersey prison populated was incarcerated for drug offenses. Now, 29% of the prison population is incarcerated for nonviolent drug offenses.
]]> At Lependorf & Silverstein, our skilled New Jersey criminal defense lawyers understand how influential this bill will be if it is approved. For many years, we have been helping protect the rights of individuals accused of nonviolent and violent drug offenses. We always fight for alternative sentencing and utilize our legal knowledge and resources to either reduce charges against our clients or get them completely dismissed. To learn more about what can be done regarding your specific drug case, contact Lependorf & Silverstein today. For a free consultation, do not hesitate to call 609-240-0040.Source report: http://drugpolicy.org/news/pressroom/pressrelease/pr111809.cfm
]]>The former NBA player was acquitted in 2004 for aggravated manslaughter, but was convicted of covering-up the shooting, which took place at his mansion in New Jersey. In awaiting a second trial for reckless manslaughter, which carries a maximum 10-year sentence, the jury deadlocked on the reckless manslaughter count.
]]> Adding to the several complexities of this case, Williams paid over $2 million in 2003 to settle a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the deceased driver’s family. The article mentions that “years of legal sparring followed the trial,” in which a former investigator used racial slurs to describe Williams during testimony. It was therefore noted by the defense that racism had tarnished the investigation.No matter how minor or severe the New Jersey assault charges are against you, it may be a wise decision to consult with an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney. At Lependorf & Silverstein, our aggressive lawyers know the ins and outs of local court systems and the various angles that prosecutors may take in building a case against you. In dedicating our work to ensuring that your rights are protected and that you make the appropriate legal decisions, we will organize a strong defense to obtain a successful outcome in your case. Call Lependorf & Silverstein today at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation.
Source article: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/34039315/
]]>Apparently, the man entered his plea on November 17, 2009 and the Superior Court Judge addressing his case set the man’s sentencing date for February 22, 2010. In negotiating a plea agreement, the accused man faces a sentence of seven years in state prison. He will also have to reimburse FMI Inc. approximately $126,600 to cover its losses because he used a company credit card for personal expenses amounting to $150,880.97. Furthermore, the man is also charged with buying computer equipment worth $729,550.57, re-selling the materials, and keeping the profits for himself.
Although the man in this particular case pleaded guilty to the charges against him, doing so is not applicable in every criminal case. It is advisable for anyone considering entering a plea agreement for a white collar crime to first speak with a skilled New Jersey white collar crime attorney. White collar crimes in New Jersey are very serious offenses that may pertain to the following:
Source article: http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/11/manchester_man_admits_stealing.html
]]>The Division of Highway Safety will use this opportunity to educate motorists about the consequences of driving while impaired. When stopped at the DWI checkpoints, drivers will be given pamphlets describing the repercussions of impaired driving in addition to being told by law enforcement that first-time offenders may lose their driving privileges for up to seven months and face fines, insurance surcharges and legal fees amounting to as much as $15,000.
In discussing the reasons for conducting DWI checkpoints, New Jersey’s Division of Highway Safety’s website says the following: “Although every year 1.5 million impaired drivers are arrested, only one arrest is made for every 772 occurrences of driving under the influence of alcohol. Repeat offenders account for a high number of alcohol-related crashes.”
]]> No one ever anticipates that they will be charged with driving while impaired. It is common for those arrested for DWI in New Jersey to be unfamiliar with their legal rights and unsure as to what course of action is best to take for their particular situation. In such instances, an accused may find that seeking legal assistance and representation from an experienced New Jersey DWI defense attorney is a tremendous help in retaining driving privileges and staying out of jail.The New Jersey criminal defense law firm of Lependorf & Silverstein prides itself on working diligently and aggressively to protect the rights of our clients. If you’ve been accused of DWI in New Jersey, please contact our knowledgeable lawyers today. Call 609-240-0040 for a free consultation.
Source article: http://www.dailyrecord.com/article/20091124/UPDATES01/91124031/DWI-checkpoints-to-be-set-up-all-over-Morris-throughout-the-holidays
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