Criminal charges

If a defendant is charged with a violent crime that involves any element of self-defense, New Jersey statutes protect one’s rights to defend themselves when safety is in imminent and illegal danger. A defense that uses the concepts of “Stand your ground” and “Castle...

Over the decades, much research has gone into determining the long-term consequences of incarcerating youths. For example, research indicates that adolescent brains have not developed enough for teenagers to understand the consequences of their actions. Research also...

Most everyone on some occasion has mistakenly written a check when there wasn’t enough money in their account to cover it. Those mistakes can come with hefty fees from the bank and the payee. When someone intentionally writes a check knowing there’s not enough money...

Not every potential criminal case goes to a grand jury -- but the idea that you may be indicted on a crime can certainly be intimidating. It’s worth noting -- right up front -- that an indictment isn’t the same as a conviction. In fact, grand juries are generally a...

When people find themselves facing serious criminal charges, they often think that the goal of going to court is to prove their own innocence. They want to show that the charges are false and prove that they did nothing wrong.  This mindset makes sense, as you’re...

You may have heard people say that someone else was involved in a crime of passion. This is often brought up in reference to murder cases. What does this mean and why is it used as a defense? The dictionary defines a crime of passion as one that takes place when...

When someone dies in a violent event, the charges against the other party or parties involved may not always be immediately clear. Instead, prosecutors may charge a defendant with, including voluntary or involuntary manslaughter. Understanding the difference between...

If accused of a criminal offense, you may feel hopeful you can prove your innocence. Then the prosecution announces it has a witness who places you at the scene of the crime. Witnesses have been vital to many prosecutions over the years. People have been put behind...

“Street art” has become very popular, especially in urban areas and among young people. Unfortunately, youthful exuberance about that kind of art can lead to some unauthorized experimentation with paint cans -- and wind up with criminal charges.  In New Jersey,...

When you think of the most personal things in your possession, does your cellular phone come to mind? These days, almost everybody has a powerful little personal computer right in their purse, pocket or bag -- and the business they conduct on their phones is often...