Month: November 2022

Shoplifting is when someone intentionally takes merchandise from a store without paying for the items. Shoplifting charges are taken pretty seriously in New Jersey compared to other states. At the same time, minors are treated much differently than adults in the legal world. If your teen has recently gotten caught shoplifting, you may wonder about the possible consequences they could face. Read on or reach out to a Bergen County, New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer to learn more about your legal options. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A MINOR IS CAUGHT SHOPLIFTING? The answer depends on whether or not the store wants to press charges. In New Jersey, stores are allowed to detain suspected shoplifters for a period of time before law enforcement arrives to take further action. They must have reasonable cause though, meaning the store can usually only detain your teen if an employee or security camera caught them in the act. If the store does decide to press charges against the minor, the legal process will be much different than if the shoplifter was over 18. There are few exceptions that allow the justice system to treat teenagers as adults. In New Jersey, minors as young as 15 can […]

Getting convicted of a DUI has serious consequences in New Jersey. Those who have faced DUI charges know how much it can impact your life for months, years, or even longer. One possible consequence is a suspension of your driver’s license, which can be a major hindrance for anyone. You may have heard of the possibility of obtaining a hardship license. For more information on hardship licenses in NJ, read on or reach out to a Bergen County, New Jersey DUI Lawyer today! What is a Hardship License? Some states offer hardship licenses, or conditional licenses, in the event that your standard license is suspended. Hardship licenses allow drivers to legally drive under specific circumstances while their regular driver’s license is suspended. If you have a hardship license, usually you’re only allowed to drive during certain times of the day, such as during daylight hours. The purpose of a hardship license is to allow people to keep their job and manage other obligations while their standard driver’s license is suspended. It’s not normally easy to get one, especially for those with a DUI conviction. Does New Jersey Offer Hardship Licenses? Unfortunately, New Jersey does not currently offer hardship licenses, no […]

Depending on the seriousness of the crime, being convicted of a crime can drastically affect multiple areas of a person’s life. Many people with criminal records wonder how their past can alter their future. If you have a past criminal charge that you’re not proud of, our Bergen County New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer is here to provide legal assistance. Read on to learn more about how exactly a criminal record affects a person’s life and how you can possibly have your record expunged. Can a criminal record affect my job? In short, yes. Depending on the crime and the job, you can get fired if you are found guilty of a crime. Having a criminal record can also deter you from getting a new job in the future. Many employers ask on their application if you have a history of crime and will perform a background check to confirm your criminal history. Acceptance into other organizations such as colleges or military academies may also require a background check. What else can a criminal record affect? With the combination of legal fees and possible fines for the crime, being charged with a crime can make a heavy dent in your […]

There are few things more stressful than being charged with a crime. Unfortunately, people are charged with crimes every single day in New Jersey and around the United States. That being said, all those facing criminal charges have one thing in common: they need an experienced attorney on their side. At this point, after being charged, there is nothing more important than hiring skilled legal representatives who can effectively fight on behalf of their client. This is why below, our Bergen County, New Jersey criminal defense lawyer has compiled a short checklist of the qualities for anyone to look for in a criminal defense attorney. Read on to learn more. Your Lawyer Exclusively Practices Criminal Defense Law Though this is not entirely necessary, you should strongly consider this before proceeding with an attorney. Many attorneys who are primarily personal injury attorneys and only dabble in criminal law would be happy to take your case, but should you let them? The answer is probably not, as an attorney who exclusively practices criminal law is most likely best suited to effectively guide you through your legal matter. Your Attorney is Knowledgeable of the Law While the law is complicated, your attorney should […]

Stealing the property of another party is illegal and offenders can face criminal charges as a result of their actions. However, these charges can vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the crime. This is because there are differences between crimes such as theft and robbery. Continue reading below to learn more and contact an experienced Bergen County, New Jersey theft lawyer for assistance if you’ve been charged with a crime. What is Theft? New Jersey defines theft of movable property as unlawfully taking or exercising unlawful control of another’s movable property with the intent to deprive the owner. Theft of immovable property is the unlawful transfer of any interest in another’s immovable property in order to benefit themselves or another person who isn’t entitled to the property. The classifications of these crimes and their consequences are as follows: Disorderly Persons Offense: When the property stolen is valued at less than $200. This is a disorderly persons offense and can result in up to 6 months in jail and fines. Fourth-Degree Theft: When the stolen property is valued between $200 and $500. This can result in up to 18 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000, or double […]