Many individuals who are scheduled for court appearances are not United States citizens. Some do not have any legal status at all and are undocumented. In New Jersey, many court dates are scheduled for minor traffic tickets or less serious criminal cases. Now, more...
Criminal Defense
Can coffee sober you up? Myth or reality?
Many people believe that drinking coffee can help sober you up after consuming alcohol, but this notion is largely a myth. While caffeine, the active ingredient in coffee, is a stimulant that can temporarily increase alertness, it does not speed up alcohol metabolism...
What if authorities wrongfully accuse you of shoplifting?
You walk out of the store with your purchased items when suddenly security stops you. They accuse you of shoplifting, even though you know you are innocent. The shock and stress hit you instantly, leaving you unsure of how to respond. Wrongful accusations can be...
Do you have to identify yourself during a traffic stop?
In many situations, you don’t actually have to talk to the police. They can ask you questions, but you have a right to remain silent. Many people will simply ask if they are free to go or if they’re being detained, and the police have to let them go if they have no...
What to know about your rights if police ask to search your vehicle or house
If the police pull you over for suspicion of a DUI or if they show up at your house in pursuit of controlled substances, you can expect that an officer will ask to search your vehicle or property. You might feel powerless at that moment, but you actually have rights...
Treatment of juveniles charged with crimes in NJ
Receiving a criminal charge is a very serious matter under any circumstances, even when the accused is a child. If a juvenile in your care receives criminal charges, it is important to know exactly what kind of treatment they will receive from the New Jersey courts....
The use of forensic evidence
The use of forensic evidence in criminal cases is a practice that is often applied by prosecutors in New Jersey and the rest of the country. And while television has assuredly done more than its part in its overuse and false perception of infallibility, the fact is...
Do you know what to do if police knock on your door?
At least in the initial stages of your contact with police, it's up to you to protect your rights under the United States Constitution. The more you know about your rights, the better off you may be if you end up facing criminal charges at some point in the future.One...
New Jersey’s new expungement law
When a court convicted you of a minor crime, the judge or your attorney may have explained the consequences. You may have served a short time in jail, paid a fine or spent time on probation. You may have made restitution or completed a drug rehabilitation program. It...
How do police get an arrest warrant?
Since the founding of the country, U.S. lawmakers have sought to protect the rights of citizens by placing limits on the actions of law enforcement. Police may not walk into your home whenever they want or search your vehicle without a reason to believe you have...
Criminal convictions and your immigration status
If you are in New Jersey on a U.S. visa or green card, you probably went through a long, frustrating process to obtain that privilege. Perhaps you are here for employment, or a family member sponsored your application for permanent residency. Whatever your situation,...