Blog: Criminal Defense
- Why fentanyl offenses may lead to harsher penalties
Mar 6, 2023
Opioids are synthetic compounds that are similar to traditional opiate medications derived from poppies, like morphine and codeine. Unlike traditional opiates, opioids are easier to source and cheaper to produce. They are often far stronger as well, which makes them medically useful but very dangerous for the general public. Fentanyl is a perfect example. It is many times more powerful than the opiates that came before it, making it very effective in a medical setting...Read More - I missed my court date. What are my defense options?
Jan 25, 2023
If you are indicted and charged with certain crimes, you will be directed to appear in court on a specific date for your arraignment. Disregarding your court date can to an additional charge of failure to appear (FTA). Failure to honor your court date can amount to a criminal offense in New Jersey. Besides, this can escalate your current charges, lead to the revocation or denial of your bail and negatively impact the court’s perception...Read More - I’ve been charged with harboring a fugitive. What do I do?
Jan 12, 2023
A long-lost childhood friend or cousin calls and asks if they can stay at your place for the weekend. You don’t hesitate to welcome them over, but then that very night, law enforcement comes knocking on your door. Through the loudspeaker, they call your guest out. You never knew they were in any trouble, but that doesn’t stop your arrest. You are being charged with harboring a fugitive. What happens next? Unfortunately, this scenario plays...Read More - How can you violate a protective order?
Oct 5, 2022
If you find yourself the subject of a protective order, you need to follow the rules. If you do not, you could face new criminal charges. But, what amounts to a violation of a protective order? Every protective order is unique. That being said, here are some of the most common ways you might violate a protective order: Getting in touch with your accuser If the issue at hand involves domestic violence, then the protective...Read More - Why did that driver think you were invisible?
Aug 15, 2022
You get hit as you’re going through a crosswalk. You’re injured and quite shocked. You had the right away and you still got hit by a vehicle, and you don’t understand why it happened. The other driver claims that you showed up out of nowhere – as if you were invisible right before the accident. You know that you were just walking through the crosswalk, so you certainly should’ve been visible. Why does that driver...Read More - When can you expunge a criminal record in New Jersey?
Aug 5, 2022
A criminal record can affect your quality of life long after you have done time and put all that behind you. You could miss job or education opportunities due to a past brush with the law that appears on your record. Fortunately, the law provides some recourse. It is sometimes possible to expunge a criminal record and get a new lease on life. What is expungement? Expungement is the legal process of sealing all records...Read More - When can you change a Breathalyzer test result in N.J.?
Apr 27, 2022
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense in New Jersey just as it is elsewhere. Even if you are a first-time offender, a conviction can attract serious penalties. In other words, if you are pulled over and charged with DWI, your life is likely to change in a number of ways. But, a positive Breathalyzer result is never the end of the road if you are charged with DWI. There are a number of...Read More - Do you need to let the police search your vehicle?
Mar 5, 2022
Traffic stops are usually just frustrating and inconvenient. Typically, a police officer pulls you over, keeps you on the side of the road for a while, asks you a few questions and then writes you a ticket. However, some drivers get detained by police for far longer or face more than just a citation. If an officer asks to search your vehicle, they can keep you on the side of the road for some time...Read More - Can drug courts reduce the impact of your drug charge?
Mar 3, 2022
Addiction is a serious medical issue that has social and criminal consequences. People get arrested and go to prison because they have developed a chemical dependence on a specific substance. Drug use does not occur in a vacuum but is often the result of untreated medical conditions or previous emotional trauma. Some people even use prohibited drugs to self-medicate for mental health issues. Unfortunately for those caught with drugs, criminal charges often make their lives...Read More - Can you tell the police not to enter your home?
Feb 19, 2022
If the police show up at your home and knock on the door, they may simply want to talk to you. But it is likely that they may ask if they can come inside and have a look around. They may not have opened an official investigation yet, but you know that they’re searching for something. Perhaps you suspect they’re looking to see if there are illegal drugs in the home. Whether or not there...Read More