Month: 2021
Facial-recognition technology leads to wrongful arrests
The state’s attorney general ordered law enforcement to stop using facial-recognition software in 2020. This was after a New Jersey man was wrongfully identified in 2019 by facial-recognition software in a police cruiser as a shoplifter when the suspect fled the scene. The misidentified man then went to law enforcement...
Advocates propose resentencing units
There have been few bipartisan laws at the federal level in recent years, but one that stands out has been to revamp the criminal legal system. This is in response to the tough-on-crime sentencing practices of the 1980s and 1990s, which incarcerated defendants for years even when they committed non-violent...
What to expect after an arrest
Anyone can find themselves entangled in the criminal justice system. Whether law enforcement arrested you wrongfully, arrested you due to some error or you made an unfortunate choice that led to your arrest, you are probably wondering what happens next. What are the steps following an arrest? New Jersey law...
Simple assaults common in NJ casinos
People come to Atlantic City expecting to have a good time. However, sometimes things can get out of hand, and suddenly someone can become embroiled in a dispute or fight. They then may find themselves arrested and charged with simple assault. Simple assault typically involves a fight, attack or threat...
Disorderly conduct can lead to trouble in Atlantic City
Atlantic City has a long history as a fun town to visit. The casinos make sure that there are plenty of opportunities for gambling, drinks, food, and a good time. However, they want this to be done in what they believe is a safe and respectful manner. If security feels...
Challenging toxicology evidence in DUI cases
Most New Jersey motorists arrested on drunk driving charges are taken into custody after failing a breath test during a routine traffic stop. The portable breath-testing devices used by police officers in the field are not considered reliable enough to provide evidence that can be used in court, so DUI...
Is law enforcement too aggressive with traffic tickets?
When police face claims about excessive behavior, the first scenario that comes to mind is an incident involving unreasonable force. In New Jersey, some worry that law enforcement might act unreasonably and excessively in other areas of their formal duties. Specifically, concerns exist about whether the police have become overly...
Right to bear arms not a given in NJ
People buy, own and carry guns for a variety of reasons. Some cannot imagine going anywhere without one, particularly if they are traveling by car. Unfortunately, state laws on carrying a weapon vary, which can lead to confusion. New Jersey has some of the most restrictive gun laws in the...
Casinos protecting themselves in domestic violence cases
Phillies outfield Odubel Herrera made national news in 2019 when he was arrested for domestic abuse at Atlantic City’s Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino. He was charged with simple assault and quickly placed on administrative leave by the team as part of a Joint Domestic Violence Policy between Major League...
Fighting a temporary restraining order
Those accused of domestic violence must take these charges seriously regardless of how flimsy they think the proof is. One way to do this is by defending themselves against a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued during an investigation. A TRO prevents the defendant from calling or visiting the alleged victim’s...
How does probable cause affect a DUI?
When an officer pulls over a driver on suspicion of DUI, they are looking for signs of probable cause to make their arrest and justifying the stop. In the case of driving under the influence, they are looking for signs of an intoxicated driver. Besides a breathalyzer test or a...
The potential penalties for underage gambling
In the state of New Jersey, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to gamble. Those who are convicted of such a charge will have a disorderly persons offense added to their criminal records. It’s worth noting that anyone who allows a minor to gamble could also...
Steps for managing a reputation after arrest
Those who face criminal charges may face time in jail, fines and other serious penalties levied by the court. However, those faces charges often find that they quickly become outcasts in their community. It can be digital blacklisting and shaming done to celebrities and public figures accused of misbehavior. Still,...
Inmates eligible for early release still held
The Garden State made news in March when it announced that it would furlough or switch to home confinement 1,000 prisoners to reduce the crowding in its prisons, which had about 18,500 inmates in custody. We made news again when it became clear that the state released fewer (the numbers...
Some teens prone to sexting
Teens go nowhere without their devices these days. This enables them to be in constant communication with friends and family. However, there can be another side to this, even if those devices are used for sexting, which is sharing sexually explicit messages, photos or videos. According to a recent study...
Why speeding tickets are a serious issue
A few decades ago, receiving a speeding ticket was not a major issue for New Jersey drivers. While demerit points were issued for certain speeding infractions, those who were cited rarely lost their driving privileges, and there was little financial repercussion other than paying the fine and a reasonable court...
What constitutes a lawful arrest for domestic violence in New Jersey?
It is true that no relationship is perfect. While this likely means that couples will have their ups and downs as well as disagreements, it does not mean it is normal for these arguments to get heated and violent. Nonetheless, violence is part of society, resulting in some individuals facing...
A quick look at the process of a juvenile crime case
If your child has been charged with a juvenile crime, then you’re probably worried about their future. After all, some juvenile offenses can have a profound impact on your child’s future, not the least of which is his or her future. The best way to address these matters, though, is...
Multiple traffic tickets can come with consequences in New Jersey
Most motorists receive at least one traffic ticket during their driving career. Yet, you might have received several citations within a short period, and you may fear that these will cost you your license. This may be possible, depending on the nature of your offenses. But there are ways to...
How juvenile offenders can avoid jail time
The juvenile justice system in New Jersey differs in its approach to justice compared to the adult system. The priority for juvenile courts in the state is making decisions that represent the best interests of a child. And even when juveniles become adjudicated as “delinquent,” the state’s focus on rehabilitation...
Don’t underestimate the value of witness credibility
There are a lot of ways that prosecutors can build a case against you. Sometimes they have hard physical evidence to support the charges thrust upon, but in other situations their case is mostly circumstantial in nature. Regardless of which type of case you’re facing, one thing is for sure:...
Defenses against DWI Charges
Too many people make the mistake of assuming there is no defense against charges for driving while intoxicated (DWI). A DWI’s consequences can affect you for years or longer, which makes giving up one of the worst things you can do for your future. The consequences for even a first...
Don’t immediately accept breath test results: here’s why
Drunk driving allegations have to be taken seriously. If they aren’t, then you could wind up facing penalties that negatively impact your life in a multitude of ways. To start, you might be stripped of your freedom by being forced to serve jail time. Additionally, your license might be suspended...