New Jersey's Criminal Defense Blog
When we work with the parents of young people facing criminal charges in NJ, most often the parents’ primary concern is whether their child might go to jail. We are happy that we can assure them in most cases that New Jersey juvenile courts focus on helping wayward…
A juvenile who has for the first time committed a minor crime in New Jersey may be offered a second chance through a “deferred disposition” handed down by the juvenile court. This is a type of probation that, if successfully completed, wipes the slate clean for the young…
The outcome of a criminal proceeding involving a child can vary drastically depending on whether the individual is tried as a juvenile or as an adult. The New Jersey juvenile and adult court systems both handle cases involving serious offenses. But there are notable differences between the two…
If you are arrested and charged with an indictable offense in New Jersey, your first brush with the judicial system will be in Central Judicial Processing Court, or CJP Court. The CJP Court determines whether your case goes to Municipal Court (better for a defendant), is scheduled for…
Resisting arrest is a serious charge in all states, and New Jersey is no exception. Anyone convicted on charges of resisting arrest could face criminal charges and more serious consequences than they might have under the original circumstances of their arrest. So, what should you do if you…
When someone has filed a domestic violence complaint against you, the court will issue a temporary restraining order against you and schedule a final restraining order hearing. Assuming that the case has not been dismissed or otherwise resolved between you and the plaintiff, the family part of the…
If you are the target of a temporary restraining order issued by a New Jersey court, you need to act quickly to try to stop a temporary order from becoming a final restraining order. Unless you fight the restraining order, a judge’s final protective order could limit your…
An alleged victim of domestic violence may obtain a restraining order against another person who has threatened harm or caused some type of harm. Restraining orders, also known as protective orders, typically prohibit contact between the defendant and the alleged victim. The alleged victim of an assault or…
Domestic violence is taken incredibly seriously under New Jersey law. Police must respond to all domestic violence calls made by a victim or a bystander. Police must also arrest the person accused of abuse if physical injury or violation of an existing restraining order is involved, and officers…
Under marijuana decriminalization enacted in New Jersey in 2021, possession of up to 6 ounces of marijuana is legal for adults. Even a juvenile would have to be in possession of more than 6 ounces of marijuana to warrant an arrest for possession alone. A person under 21…