New Jersey Criminal Defense Blog

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.

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

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

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

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

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

New Jersey police officers take underage consumption of alcohol seriously. New Jersey statute 2C:33-15 states: "Any person under the legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages who knowingly possesses without legal authority or who knowingly consumes any alcoholic beverage in any school, public conveyance, public place, or place of public assembly, or motor vehicle, is guilty of a disorderly persons offense, and shall be fined not less than $500."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The annual Rutgersfest in New Brunswick resulted in two shootings, five injuries and eleven disorderly conduct arrests. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, these incidents reportedly occurred on and around Rutgers Campus in New Brunswick. The campus law enforcement and local police officers had difficulty handling the estimated 40,000 to 50,000 people who attended the event.

Most disorderly conduct charges result from "improper behavior." According to New Jersey statute 2C:33-2, it is a "petty disorderly persons offense" to engage in fighting or creating a "hazardous or physically dangerous condition." It may also be a disorderly persons offense to use offensive language in a public space. Many of these types of offenses occur when someone has been drinking or when two people let an argument get out of hand. A normally private, minor dispute may lead to serious charges if it occurs in a public place.

It is often necessary to seek skilled representation to fight disorderly persons charges because consequences may be severe. Depending on the nature of the incident and the prior criminal record of the defendant, a disorderly persons offense could result in up to six months in jail, a fine of $1,000 and a mark on your criminal record.

The experienced New Jersey disorderly conduct defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein handle all types of disorderly person offenses. Our skilled attorneys provide free consultations to anyone facing criminal charges in New Jersey. Call us today at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at no cost.

Recently, police officers in Bridgeton, New Jersey, arrested three women, aged 19, 28, and 30, following a brawl. According to The News of Cumberland County, the fight occurred at the Bridgeton Villas apartment complex. All three women were charged with disorderly conduct and then released. It is unclear what may have led to the fight, if anyone was hurt in the incident, or who notified the police of the situation.

Disorderly conduct is an offense that may result from a number of acts. In general, New Jersey considers disorderly conduct as improper behavior that causes a public annoyance. Causing alarm or disturbance by fighting, making threats, or even using offensive language could result in an arrest. Penalties for this type of behavior could result in a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail.

Unfortunately, many disorderly persons charges in New Jersey result from harmless arguments that get out of hand, misunderstandings, excessive enforcement of the law, and false accusations made by individuals with ulterior motives. There is a wide range of potential penalties for a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey. Failing to seek proper representation to fight the charges could result in serious consequences, including jail time, probation, or fines.

The knowledgeable New Jersey criminal defense attorneys of Lependorf & Silverstein aggressively fight the charges our clients face. We understand that our clients future is on the line and we do everything we can to protect their legal rights. If you are facing disorderly conduct or assault charges in New Jersey, call our offices at 609-240-0040 for a no-cost consultation today.

A city director and a city employee have both been charged with harassment after an altercation at the Hoboken city hall. According to The Jersey Journal, the incident occurred at the municipal garage in Hoboken. The Director of Transportation and Parking saw a bus illegally parked and drove it into the garage. Police believe that an altercation occurred afterward between the director and the bus driver because the driver’s personal keys were on the key ring when the director drove away. The city director was charged with theft and harassment and the bus driver was charged with simple assault. Any person similarly charged is advised to speak with a knowledgeable New Jersey assault defense attorney to determine the best course of legal action.

Under New Jersey Statute 2C:33-4, a person is guilty of harassment if he or she "subjects another to striking, kicking, shoving, or other offensive touching, or threatens to do so or engages in any other course of alarming conduct or of repeatedly committed acts with purpose to alarm or seriously annoy such other person." Harassment charges are often wrongfully charged, usually due to a misunderstanding.

Whether or not an actual disorderly persons offense has been committed is often not entirely clear. If the defendant can prove in court that he or she did not intend to harass the victim, then the charges should be dropped. A miscommunication or misunderstanding is not a valid reason for someone to be charged with harassment.

The experienced Princeton criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein aggressively fight the charges our clients face in court. We look at the specifics of each case and build a solid defense so the charges can be lessened or dismissed altogether. If you face disorderly persons charges in New Jersey, please call our offices at 609-240-0040 today for a free consultation.

A member of the Bridgeton Police Department in New Jersey has been arrested for allegedly stalking and harassing after an incident with a woman who had a restraining order against him. According to The News Of Cumberland County, the officer faces a fourth-degree stalking charge and one charge of harassment, which is a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey. A Cumberland County prosecutor has confirmed that the officer has been suspended from the police department.

Under New Jersey Statute 2C:12-10, stalking involves “repeatedly maintaining a visual or physical proximity to a person,” and “following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating to or about, a person.” Stalking charges may result from a victim feeling emotional distress and mental anguish because of the actions of the defendant. A fourth-degree stalking charge is when a person “knowingly engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety.”

These types of allegations can have social and professional consequences for those facing the charges – regardless of whether they result in a conviction. It is important to fight any false allegations with a skilled Princeton criminal defense attorney who has experience handling similar cases. Simply being charged with a disorderly conduct offense such as stalking or harassment can have devastating consequences, especially for a person who is employed in law enforcement or a position of eminence or authority. That is why it is critical to fight these types of charges promptly, efficiently, and aggressively.

The criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein protect the rights of those charged with disorderly persons offenses in New Jersey, as well as other crimes. If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, please contact our offices at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case and examine your legal options.

Every year the Hoboken St. Patrick’s Parade is marred by high crime rates, increased police activity, and public intoxication. The Jersey Journal reports that police made 34 arrests and issued 296 citations during this year's parade. This is actually a drop from the 555 citations handed out at the Hoboken parade last year. Many of the alcohol-related arrests and citations this year reportedly included simple assault, domestic violence, and unruly house parties.

A seemingly minor disorderly persons offense in New Jersey can result in serious penalties. Many alleged offenders take disorderly persons offenses lightly and fail to fight the charges. This can be a huge mistake. New Jersey disorderly persons offenses can still result in jail time, fines, and other penalties. A conviction can also go on your permanent record.

One example of a common charge resulting from an arrest made during a holiday or celebration is public intoxication. In New Jersey, a public intoxication charge could result in a fine of up to $1,250 and up to 90 days in jail. Assuming that you will not face jail time because you are a first time offender is a serious mistake. All charges should be discussed with an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney.

The criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein carefully examine every case to help our clients determine their best course of action. If you have been charged with a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey, please contact us at 609-240-0040 for a free, comprehensive, and completely confidential consultation.

A 27-year-old man was arrested after officials say he stole underwear from a dryer in a Laundromat in Mount Olive, New Jersey. According to a news report in The Star Ledger, the alleged theft occurred near Route 46 in Mount Olive. Police believe the man placed a woman’s underwear in his bag. He was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.

Many first-time offenders facing New Jersey disorderly conduct charges may face light penalties. It is a mistake, however, to assume that such a charge will not have serious consequences. Without proper representation, defendants may face the most severe penalties possible for their alleged acts. In New Jersey, a disorderly conduct charge may result in a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail.

A skilled New Jersey criminal defense attorney can typically have the penalties stemming from a disorderly conduct charge reduced. By getting involved early on in the process, an attorney may even negotiate a deal with the prosecution to have the charges thrown out if the defendant agrees to a lesser penalty such as community service. Keeping an offense off a record is an important step to protect your future. This option is not always available, but anyone charged with a crime in New Jersey would be well advised to speak to a knowledgeable lawyer regarding their legal options.

The criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein provide free consultations to anyone facing disorderly conduct charges in New Jersey. You can reach us directly at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at no cost.

A disorderly persons charge is an offense and not a crime in New Jersey. It is a category of offense that typically involves something relatively minor, such as a petty theft or a drug possession charge. While an indictable charge could result in a full trial by jury, a disorderly persons charge will most likely result in a trial in front of a municipal court judge. A disorderly persons charge should not, however, be taken lightly. All charges should be faced with the assistance of a skilled Princeton criminal defense attorney.

There are many potential acts that may result in a disorderly persons charge in New Jersey. Public drunkenness, disturbing the peace, and loitering are all forms of disorderly person charges. Potentially more serious charges include fighting and marijuana possession.

Even though an offense is considered less serious than a crime, the resulting penalties can still be quite serious. In some cases, a municipal court judge could charge an offender with a fine of up to $1,000 and a jail sentence of up to six months. While a disorderly persons charge will not result in a loss of the right to vote, it could result in the loss of one’s driving privilege.

The skilled lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein help defendants facing disorderly persons allegations in New Jersey have their charges reduced or dismissed. To begin building your defense, please call us at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation today.

A 21-year-old man from Garden City was arrested twice in one day for disorderly conduct on January 29. According to The Observer & Eccentric, police arrested the man at his home following a non-physical disagreement in which police heard the man yelling at his wife. Later that day, police observed the man becoming agitated in a gas station and arrested him after he turned over a steel rack of merchandise. It is unclear why the man was agitated, but no one was physically harmed by his actions.

New Jersey Statute 2C:33-2 states that: “A person is guilty of a petty disorderly persons offense, if with purpose to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof he engages in a fight or threatening behavior or creates a hazardous or physically dangerous condition.” Disorderly conduct covers a wide range of criminal activity. These charges can result in serious consequences for defendants.

All criminal allegations must be taken seriously and in most cases, it is in the best interest of the defendant to fight the charges with a skilled New Jersey criminal defense attorney. A lawyer will review the circumstances of the alleged disorderly conduct and the history of the defendant to determine whether the event was a one-time or repeat occurrence. In some cases, individuals may need the help of a psychiatrist or counselor. Jail is not the answer.

The reputed attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have helped numerous clients throughout New Jersey have their disorderly conduct charges dismissed. Before speaking to the authorities about your case, call our offices at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation.