Cranford New Jersey Criminal Defense Blog
Arrested while away at college? Here’s how to tell mom and dad
College presents numerous opportunities for personal growth and trying new things. But sometimes that newfound independence can turn into a brush with the law. If you find your life on campus accompanied by a DUI or other criminal charge, you face the difficult task...
DWI penalties get harsher the more priors you have on your record
To deter people from committing the same crime more than once, New Jersey's criminal code has many progressively stronger penalties for every subsequent offense. Drinking and driving is a good example of this strategy. However, this is not to say that a DWI is not a...
Unsafe driving plea: The “Get Out of Jail Free” card for motorists
It’s easy to get caught up in the moment when behind the wheel and fail to follow all traffic laws. But getting ticketed for running a red light, speeding, reckless driving or another serious driving violation puts your license at risk. When faced with a moving...
Passcodes and search warrants: Does a new ruling violate privacy rights?
Phones and mobile devices store nearly endless personal information. From photos, messages and contacts to detailed browsing history – one can gather a lot of information very quickly if they can unlock your device. Taken out of context, any of this data can easily be...
Taking a bite out of roadside breathalyzer reliability
It is illegal in New Jersey for motorists to drive with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Many police officers who stop someone suspected of driving under the influence will ask to give a breathalyzer to test their BAC. Roadside chemical tests can be...
New Jersey court orders 3rd resentencing for ‘Melrose Place’ star in DUI crash
In 2010, actress Amy Locane was convicted of vehicular manslaughter in a New Jersey courtroom and sentenced to prison. She served four years, followed by four years of probation. However, her case is still active, and Locane could potentially be sent back to prison...
Is your drug charge Brimage-eligible?
New Jersey’s increasingly tough stance on drug crimes is a major concern for anyone arrested on a drug-related charge. But if your alleged offense is Brimage-eligible, a conviction could take away your plea options. What are the Brimage Guidelines? In 1998, the Garden...
Retail return fraud: Are your shopping and return habits problematic?
As consumers, we make purchases all the time. Sometimes it’s for small daily needs things and other times we buy big ticket items we’ve had our eye on for a while. But on occasion, you may have a change of heart and decide you no longer want the item. Whether you...
How to defend yourself against a temporary restraining order
Being accused of domestic violence can wreck relationships and have chilling effects on children that may last years. Defendants in New Jersey can have their lives turned upside down during a criminal investigation that could take weeks or months to be resolved. If a...
A shoplifting conviction can come with a heavy price tag
Swiping a pack of gum from the corner gas station or a T-shirt from a big-box retailer might seem benign compared to other property crimes or violent confrontations. But shoplifting is a serious offense in New Jersey. It can steal your freedom and driving privileges,...
