New Jersey Criminal Defense Blog

Super Bowl weekend may not be considered an official national holiday, but it is celebrated like one. As millions of Americans gather at parties to drink beer and watch football, law enforcement will take to the streets to crack down on the inevitable increase in drunk driving incidents. It is important for all New Jersey motorists to remember that it only takes a few drinks to be considered over the legal limit and that drunk driving penalties in New Jersey are severe.

Super Bowl weekend is often treated by law enforcement like New Years Eve or the Fourth of July. Law enforcement agencies know that there will be more drunk drivers on the roadway. So, they step up enforcement efforts. You may notice more DUI checkpoints on major thoroughfares, as well as a substantial increase in the number of DUI patrols. Officers will be on the lookout for drivers behaving erratically. Signs of intoxication that may result in a traffic stop include running through a red light, speeding or driving well below the speed limit, swerving, and other erratic behavior.

If you plan on drinking or partying this Super Bowl Sunday, you would be well advised to have a designated driver who has committed to being sober. If this is not possible, either call a taxi or spend the night at the location of the party and drive home in the morning. Remember, even first-time offenders face up to 30 days in jail, a 90-day license suspension, and considerable fines in New Jersey.

The skilled NJ drunk driving defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein help drivers fight DUI charges in New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been accused of driving under the influence, please contact us at (609) 240-0040 to discuss your case at absolutely no cost.

There are a number of acts that may be considered "lewd conduct" under New Jersey law. The type of act, the age of the alleged victim, and the criminal history of the defendant could affect the nature and the severity of the charges. All lewd act charges could have serious ramifications for defendants in social and professional realms, not to mention the potential for jail time and hefty fines.

According to New Jersey Criminal Code 2C:14-4: "A person commits a disorderly persons offense if he does any flagrantly lewd and offensive act which he knows or reasonably expects is likely to be observed by other non-consenting persons who would be affronted or alarmed." There are circumstances that could elevate a lewd act from a disorderly persons offense.

It is a fourth-degree crime if an individual "exposes his intimate parts for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of the actor or of any other person under circumstances where the actor knows or reasonably expects he is likely to be observed by a child who is less than 13 years of age where the actor is at least four years older than the child."

Individuals charged with committing a lewd act can experience social and professional consequences even if the charges are dropped. It is important for anyone facing these types of charges to take the necessary steps to protect their reputation and future.

The NJ lewd conduct defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience fighting lewd conduct and other disorderly persons cases. If you or a loved one has been arrested on suspicion of lewd conduct, please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 for a free and comprehensive case evaluation.

Three teenagers, ages 15, 18, and 19, have been arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft and arson. According to a news report in Toms River Online, one incident involved the theft of a 2007 Honda from a Nevada Drive residence in Toms River and another alleged theft involving a Ford Flex. Officials say the Honda was taken from a property and left in the woods. The Ford was taken and destroyed by being set on fire. The two adults are being held in Ocean County jail on $50,000 bail on two counts of vehicle theft and aggravated arson. The 15-year-old has been charged with arson and vehicle theft.

According to New Jersey Statute 2C:20-10(c): "A person commits a crime of the third degree if, with purpose to withhold temporarily from the owner, he takes, operates or exercises control over a motor vehicle without the consent of the owner or other person authorized to give consent and operates the motor vehicle in a manner that creates a risk of injury to any person or a risk of damage to property."

In addition to facing potential jail time, individuals convicted of auto theft could face an additional $500 fine and a one-year license suspension. These penalties could increase if there are multiple cars involved or if the vehicle was damaged. Anyone facing these types of serious charges would be well advised to seek the counsel of a skilled criminal defense lawyer who will help fight the charges and protect their rights.

The experienced New Jersey juvenile crime attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to fight wrongful charges and negotiate for lesser penalties. Please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Police are searching for a man and a woman who were videotaped stealing baby formula from a Target store and assaulting an employee as they escaped. According to a CBS New York news report, the shoplifting and assault incident occurred at a Target store in Manalapan. Officials say the woman loaded a cart with over $1,400 worth of formula before they attempted to leave the store without paying. When confronted by a Target employee, the man broke the employee's finger and sprained his arm. It is unclear if officials have any leads regarding the whereabouts of the two individuals who have been labeled as "baby formula bandits."

It is a crime "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." Charges for shoplifting can dramatically increase when the act of shoplifting results in assault and physical injuries.

In such cases, there are multiple charges that may arise out of the incident. A skilled defense attorney will look at all possible aspects of the incident. Did the defendant enter the premises with the intention of committing a crime? Did the assault result from misunderstanding or self-defense? Was the defendant under duress, the influence of alcohol, or suffering from a mental health issue?

A knowledgeable assault defense lawyer in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein can defend your rights in court against harsh penalties for such crimes. If you or a loved one has been accused of shoplifting or theft, please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

A 76-year-old man faces child pornography possession charges after his house caught fire and firefighters found a single 1970s magazine containing images of prepubescent girls. According to a FOX News report, the professor's Eagleswood Township home caught fire the morning of January 17. Officials say firefighters found an old magazine containing pornographic images of girls on the premises while they were fighting the blaze. He now faces child endangerment charges. It is not clear why he had the magazine, if he was aware that he owned the magazine, or if he has a prior record.

Child pornography involves images of a minor engaging in or simulating a sexual act. It may be possessed in the form of a videotape, film, photograph, computer file, video game, magazine, or other reproduction. Simply possessing one of these items can result in charges that have serious consequences. Possession of child pornography in New Jersey can result in up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine. Individuals convicted of distributing pornographic material involving children face even harsher penalties.

Accusations of New Jersey sex crimes can hurt an individual both socially and professionally, even if he or she is not convicted of a crime. It is important that defendants facing these types of serious allegations seek quality legal representation to help fight the charges.

The New Jersey criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein fight to protect our clients' rights and reputation. Please contact us at (609) 240-0040 to find out how we can help you. We always offer free consultations and comprehensive case assessments to anyone facing criminal charges in New Jersey.

A 21-year-old Cliffside Park man was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting $1,295 worth of watches from a shopping mall. According to a news report in The Nyack-Piermont Patch, the incident occurred at the Lord and Taylor store in the Palisades Center Mall in West Nyack. Officials say the man was seen taking Michael Kors watches from a store display before attempting to leave without paying. When brought to the Clarkstown police headquarters, they allegedly found a forged credit card on him as well. He faces fourth-degree grand larceny, fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, and second-degree possession of a forged instrument.

The consequences for shoplifting in New Jersey are directly related to the calculated value of the items wrongfully taken. It is a disorderly persons offense "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" for items valued under $200. It is a fourth-degree crime to take items valued between $200 and $500 and a third-degree crime to take items valued over $500. When the stolen items have a value of $1,000 or more, the charges will likely be elevated to second degree.

Anyone facing shoplifting or forgery charges in New Jersey would be well advised to seek immediate representation from a skilled criminal defense attorney. New Jersey imposes harsh penalties on shoplifters and failing to obtain quality legal representation can result in unnecessarily severe penalties and jail time.

The Princeton criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a proven track record of successfully handling shoplifting cases in New Jersey. To discuss your situation with an experienced New Jersey shoplifting defense attorney at absolutely no cost, please call us at (609) 240-0040 today.

It is at the discretion of a police officer to determine when someone needs to be taken into custody or for questioning. Under New Jersey law, the act of evading or resisting arrest can be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances of the case. There are many questions that must be asked in such cases. What cause did the officer have to make the arrest? Did the officer make it clear that the suspect was under arrest? Was the officer engaged in the performance of his job duties at the time of the incident? Did the suspect purposely attempt to prevent the arrest?

Generally, a resisting arrest charge comes with punishments such as fines, probation, creation of a criminal record, and potential jail time. While resisting arrest is often considered a misdemeanor, there are circumstances that can elevate the charges to a felony. Does the defendant have a history of resisting arrest or assault? Did the alleged resistance result in injuries to the officer? Was the act a parole or New Jersey probation violation for the defendant?

Each case is different, but a skilled criminal defense attorney will carefully examine the facts and circumstances of the case to ensure that the defendant's legal rights and best interests are protected. In some cases where the defendant's rights have been violated by the arresting officer or in cases where the officer has not followed proper procedures, the charges may be reduced or even dismissed.

The experienced resisting arrest defense lawyers in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of successfully handling resisting arrest charges in New Jersey. We will work diligently to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case. Please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 for a no-cost consultation and comprehensive case assessment.

Perjury is the act of lying or making verifiably false statements while under oath. Often, the penalties for perjury are as serious as the criminal act about which the individual was allegedly lying. Therefore, it is crucial that individuals do not speak under oath or with a law enforcement authority without first discussing their situation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Perjury may be charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony. The severity of the penalties someone may face for an act of perjury in New Jersey is often determined by the purported importance of the testimony in question. Unfortunately, there are many acts that may be considered perjury and all of them have varying degrees of potential outcomes.

Under New Jersey law, an individual does not have to be under oath to commit perjury. Providing a false report to a law enforcement official during an investigation can be considered perjury. Giving false information on an official document, such as an application or form, may also be considered perjury. Lying on an application for a handgun, for example, can result in felony charges. It often takes a skilled attorney to understand the severity of the crime and how to fight the resulting penalties.

The experienced New Jersey perjury defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long and successful track record of handling white collar crimes such as perjury. If you or a loved one has been accused of perjury in New Jersey, please contact our offices at (609) 240-0040 for a no-cost consultation.

A 58-year-old man has been sentenced to two years in prison after offering a $100,000 bribe for a contracting deal. According to a news report in The Asbury Park Press, on March 17, 2010 the president and CEO of VDH Precision Machining Corporation was recorded offering a contracting officer $100,000 in return for an increase in the value of a contract. Officials say that on March 23, 2010, they recorded the man offering $10,000 in cash for a contract increase as well. He has now been sentenced to two years in prison and a three-year supervised release. He has also been ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and the forfeiture of $10,000.

New Jersey Statute 2C:21-10 states, "A person commits a crime if he solicits, accepts or agrees to accept any benefit as consideration for knowingly violating or agreeing to violate a duty of fidelity to which he is subject as: a partner, employee, guardian, physician, manager, labor official, representative, adjudicator or referee."

Individuals facing bribery charges not only face serious penalties such as jail time and heavy fines, but they also face serious consequences with regard to their career and future. Even in cases that are dismissed, the mere allegation of bribery can tarnish an individual's reputation and cast a shadow over his or her credibility.

Anyone facing these potentially serious and damaging allegations would be well advised to discuss their case with a skilled attorney before talking to authorities. A Princeton white collar crime defense lawyer at Lependorf & Silverstein will fight hard to protect your rights and your reputation. To discuss how to protect your future and fight the charges you face, please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 for a no-cost consultation.

A 34-year-old Nutley man has recently been arrested for allegedly attempting to sell drugs within a school zone. According to a news report in The Nutley Sun, the man was arrested at his River Road home in Nutley. Officials say the illegal drugs seized at his home were mainly prescription medications and he has been charged with possession of controlled dangerous substances near a school because his home lies within a school zone. He also faces other charges including possession of hypodermic needles, possession of CDS, and possession with intent to distribute.

Under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7: "Any person who violates subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:35-5 by 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."

Drug distribution in New Jersey within 1,000 feet of a school is a serious offense. Individuals convicted of this offense not only face a lengthy incarceration, but also fines of up to $150,000. These penalties remain the same, whether or not the defendant was aware that he or she was within a school zone.

The NJ drug crime attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience handling drug possession and possession with intent to distribute charges in New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been arrested on suspicion of a drug crime in New Jersey, please call our offices today at (609) 240-0040 for a free consultation on your case.

A 45-year-old Merrick man has been arrested for allegedly stealing laptops from an Apple Store. According to a news report in The Merrick Patch, the alleged shoplifting incident occurred at the Freehold Raceway Mall Apple store. Officials say the man took two Macbook Air laptops valued at approximately $2,298. Police say the man physically resisted an off-duty police officer while fleeing the store. He now faces charges of shoplifting, fleeing, and becoming a fugitive for violating his parole by leaving Nassau County. He is being held on $200,000 bail.

Taking items from a store valued at over $500 can result in serious charges and penalties. New Jersey enforces shoplifting laws based on a tiered system. While it is a disorderly persons offense to take items valued at under $200, it is a fourth-degree crime to take items valued between $200 and $500. Taking items with a full retail value of over $500 but under $75,000 is a third-degree crime, which carries a potential period of three to five years in jail or prison. This means that someone who takes $600 worth of merchandise from a store could face the same penalties as someone who steals over $50,000 worth of items.

Anyone facing shoplifting charges in New Jersey would be well advised to not speak with the authorities without a lawyer present. A skilled shoplifting defense attorney will fight for your rights and attempt to get the charges reduced, if not dismissed. The experienced criminal defense lawyers in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein offer free consultations to those who are facing theft or shoplifting charges in New Jersey. Please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a no-cost consultation.

Two juveniles have allegedly confessed to numerous acts of criminal mischief including throwing debris on the Garden State Parkway. According to a NBC40 news report, the alleged incidents occurred between August and December of 2011 between milepost 32.6 and 32.8 in Egg Harbor Township. Officials say the two juveniles threw rocks and tree branches at passing vehicles. It is unclear how many passing vehicles may have been damaged. Even so, officials are requesting information from anyone who may have suffered damage from debris along that stretch of the Garden State Parkway.

Under N.J.S.A. 2C:17-3, a juvenile is guilty of criminal mischief if he or she "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 "tampers with tangible property of another so as to endanger person or property."

Criminal mischief can be a fourth- or third-degree crime depending on the value of the property damaged by the juveniles. For example, causing $500 to $2,000 worth of damage is typically a fourth-degree crime and causing over $2,000 worth of damage can be a third-degree crime. There are many additional circumstances that can alter the types of charges or penalties for a New Jersey juvenile crime as well, such as the criminal history of the youth.

The reputed Princeton juvenile criminal mischief defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to handle New Jersey cases involving criminal mischief. If your child has been charged with damaging someone's property, please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a free consultation.