New Jersey's Criminal Defense Blog
As a first-time offender in New Jersey’s criminal justice system, you will likely face a structured legal process that includes arrest, booking, court appearances, and possible outcomes ranging from dismissal to conviction. Understanding these steps and working with an experienced criminal defense attorney can significantly affect the outcome…
New Jersey law classifies the unlawful taking of property, or theft, as either a disorderly persons offense or an indictable offense. Whether the crime is a disorderly persons offense (a misdemeanor in other jurisdictions) or an indictable offense (a felony in other states) depends in part on the…
In New Jersey, a person engages in shoplifting when they purposely take, carry away, or transfer store items with the intent to deprive the store of its possession or use of the items, or who does so without paying the total retail value of the items. A person…
While many people in New Jersey consider shoplifting a minor crime, the authorities don’t see it that way. A misdemeanor shoplifting charge in New Jersey could send you to jail for 6 months, and you could face up to 10 years in prison for felony shoplifting. Other potential…
An assault conviction on your record can make it challenging to secure employment, housing, educational, or financial opportunities. Fortunately, New Jersey law allows some individuals convicted of criminal offenses to petition to expunge their criminal records. An expungement can relieve the stigma of a criminal record after the…
If you get arrested in New Jersey, remember that you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say could harm your case. Do not explain, apologize, or give your side of the story. Instead, ask for a lawyer immediately and wait until they are present before you…
Whether a first-time offender will go to jail upon conviction in New Jersey depends on the nature of the charges against them. While up to 90 days of jail time is a possibility for some municipal ordinance violations, judges do not have to order it. Petty disorderly persons…
During a traffic stop, the police officer may ask whether you have anything illegal in your vehicle or request permission to search your car. They may even order you out of your vehicle and search it regardless of whether you consent. Police may search a vehicle with the…
Depending on the nature of your sexual offense, you may be eligible to have your information removed from the Megan’s Law registry. If you haven’t reoffended in 15 years and an expert testifies that you aren’t a danger to the public, you can file for removal with the…
In New Jersey, indictable offenses are serious criminal charges that correspond to felonies in other states. These offenses are prosecuted more rigorously than disorderly persons offenses – New Jersey’s equivalent to misdemeanors – and carry significant potential penalties. If you’re facing an indictable offense charge in New Jersey,…