Blog: Criminal Defense
- Why do people make false confessions?
Mar 31, 2025
One interesting result of the development of DNA evidence is that it’s become clear that some people have made false confessions. This is because DNA evidence can be used to exonerate those who were falsely convicted. But in some of these cases, even though DNA evidence makes it clear that the person is not responsible, there’s a confession on record. But why would someone ever confess to a crime they didn’t commit? Why would they...Read More - 3 common medication mistakes that can lead to drug charges
Feb 24, 2025
Prescription medications are controlled substances. They are subject to strict state regulations. People can only use prescription medication when a doctor believes that they are medically necessary. Even after a doctor recommends medication, people are still at risk of drug-related charges because of prescribed medication. Many defendants facing prescription drug charges make the same mistakes that put them at risk of prosecution. What types of behaviors increase the possibility of a drug charge related to...Read More - Do you have to let a police officer into your house?
Nov 20, 2024
When a police officer knocks on your door, they may ask to come inside. They might claim they just want to take a quick look around, ask you a few questions or have a conversation. Depending on the situation, the officer may come across as friendly and accommodating or as authoritative and demanding. Regardless of how they ask, you may be wondering if you’re legally obligated to let them inside. You do not have to...Read More - What not to say on jail calls
Oct 2, 2024
Being arrested and locked in a jail cell can be disorienting and scary for anyone. It’s only natural to reach out to those you love for comfort, connection and support through the phone. There’s a catch, however: Those calls are not private. You will be warned early on that jail calls – unless they are to your attorney or meet another narrow exception – may be monitored and recorded. That makes it critically important to...Read More - What is assault in New Jersey?
Aug 2, 2024
If you’ve been accused of assault in New Jersey, you must understand exactly what that means in the eyes of the law. Many people are surprised by some of the elements of assault, which don’t necessarily line up with what they assumed. For instance, it is assault when someone recklessly injures another person or when they attempt to do so. It does not necessarily have to be successful to be illegal. Merely attempting to injure...Read More - You could still face marijuana charges in New Jersey
Jun 29, 2024
Like many other states, New Jersey has changed marijuana laws in recent years. Marijuana can now be sold legally for adult recreational use. It is no longer illegal simply to possess or use this drug within the state. That said, people will sometimes assume this means you can’t get arrested for any reason, as if there are no longer regulations surrounding marijuana. This is not true. There are still many regulations and reasons you could...Read More - What is the law’s definition of drug possession?
Jun 24, 2024
Drug possession is a criminal offense that can lead to significant penalties, depending on the substance a person is charged with possessing. This charge is typically associated with a smaller quantity of drugs than would be possessed by someone who is looking to sell substances unlawfully. A person who’s charged with drug possession should understand some basic information about their charges. At its core, drug possession means that a person had physical control over a...Read More - Can you break the law in an emergency?
May 31, 2024
Imagine that an emergency situation comes up and you break the law in some way while responding to it. You may feel that your actions are completely justified. But you could still face arrest. For example, perhaps you are trying to rush an injured friend to the hospital, so you’re breaking the speed limit and driving aggressively. You know that breaking the speed limit is illegal, but your friend’s health comes first. Or perhaps you...Read More - When can you argue self-defense when facing assault charges?
Apr 29, 2024
You can avoid criminal liability when charged with assault by demonstrating you were acting out of self-defense. New Jersey laws allow you to use reasonable force to protect yourself from imminent harm. It’s important to understand that self-defense is not a blanket justification for violence or use of force. A self-defense argument must meet certain criteria to be considered legally justifiable. Here is what you need to know. The threat must be reasonable and imminent...Read More - Can you use your phone as a truck driver?
Mar 15, 2024
While working as a truck driver, you spend long hours in the cab. You may want to use your phone to connect with loved ones or people you don’t see very often. From a professional perspective, you may want to use your phone to keep track of deadlines or shipments. The world is very interconnected today, and it seems like everyone has a smartphone in their pocket. But are you actually allowed to use that...Read More