When most people hear about a grand jury proceeding or subsequent indictment, they mistakenly believe someone is guilty of committing a crime. The grand jury performs an important role in criminal cases in New Jersey but does not get involved in convicting someone accused of criminal conduct. The grand jury serves an essential purpose in […]
Fundamentals of a Criminal Mistrial in New Jersey Criminal trials in New Jersey are complex, some more than others. Most occur with both sides presenting their arguments and evidence, questioning and cross-examining witnesses, and preparing and executing all of the necessary steps from beginning to end, at which point the jury deliberates and verdict is […]
What Part Do Tech Advances Play in Criminal Defense? As society changes at breakneck speed with the advancement of technology, all areas of daily life are connected through social media, digitalization, and computer software, to name a few significant technological spaces. Criminal defense work is one area where technology plays a huge role in expanding […]
As in baseball, three strikes in the criminal arena can mean that a convicted felon is out. In criminal law, three strikes refer to criminal convictions. Many states enacted three-strikes laws to deter repeat offenders from re-offending and secure public safety. New Jersey has a three-strikes law, which is modeled after the federal law punishing […]
Probable cause is the legal principle that protects individual privacy and prohibits unreasonable governmental intrusion into people’s lives. It is a significant legal concept with relevance to multiple aspects of criminal law in New Jersey, such as going into someone’s residence, obtaining a warrant for someone’s arrest, arresting a defendant, searching a person or their […]
The Enduring Power of Miranda Warnings and How They Can be Pivotal for Your Defense in New Jersey Most people have probably heard police officers advise a handcuffed suspect, “You have the right to remain silent,” in television shows or movies. However, they may not know where that right comes from or what it means. […]
PTI Eligibility for Applicants with Past Marijuana-Related Conditional Discharges in New Jersey Diversionary programs aim to help a first-time offender rehabilitate and turn their life around without having to bear the burden of a criminal record that could further impact them long after their case ends. The one time only rule for diversionary programs in […]
Don’t Live in NJ But You Got Arrested? Here’s What You Need to Know The Garden State is a popular destination for visitors across the nation and overseas. Family, vacationers, businesspeople, and passersby, come to stay or pass through on their way to neighboring states. New Jersey has waterfront vacation spots, commerce, national parks, and […]
Extradition laws allow the government to transfer a criminal suspect fleeing justice in one state to face charges in another. This means that someone charged with a crime in one state may be arrested in another state and subsequently extradited to the original jurisdiction where the criminal charges were filed. The complexities of the governing […]
You may be too casual learning you are under a criminal investigation. After all, an investigation is not a criminal charge; everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, a criminal investigation could lead to criminal accusations you must defend against in criminal court, facing a prosecutor and judge. The law enforcement agencies who investigate […]