Month: February 2024

Burglary is a serious crime across the United States, though not all punishments are the same. In New Jersey, burglary is always charged as a felony. Burglary is similar to breaking and entering. It is defined as the unlawful entry of private property with the intention to commit theft or another crime. Even if nothing is stolen or no other crime was committed, it will be charged as burglary if intent to do so is proven. For legal assistance in a burglary case, reach out to a Bergen County, New Jersey theft lawyer. Are Robbery and Burglary the Same? A common misconception is that robbery and burglary refer to the same thing. While the two are often used interchangeably, they are very different crimes. We defined burglary above as the crime of entering a property as a means of committing another felony. Robbery is stealing someone else’s property by force, whether it be threatening or using violence or injury. What Are the Penalties for a Felony Burglary Charge? In New Jersey, burglary charges can come in two forms, a second-degree charge or a third-degree charge. While they both are classified as felonies, a third-degree charge is less serious and therefore […]

Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) are essentially interchangeable terms in New Jersey legislation. They both indicate the crime of operating a motor vehicle after taking part in the consumption of drugs and/or alcohol. DUI convictions remain on your record for the rest of your life. If you get charged with a DUI it is always in your best interest to work with an experienced Bergen County, New Jersey DUI lawyer. Every DUI charge is taken seriously, but a first-time offender is going to have a far less aggressive punishment. On the low end, first-time offenders may receive 12 hours of jail time, $250 in fines, and a short license suspension. A second DUI will result in much more serious charges. You will find that the specifics of your circumstances greatly affect the outcome of your charges, including your fines, jail time, and community service. What Are the Penalties for a Second DUI in New Jersey? A plethora of penalties come along with a second DUI charge in New Jersey. As is the case with most penalties in any type of litigation, the exact sentencing will be determined on a unique case-by-case basis. However, there are […]

When someone makes a false accusation against you, especially something as serious as child abuse, it is important to prove your innocence. An accusation like this can be a permanent detriment in your life if it is not disproven. You could lose custody of your child, lose visitation rights, and have your reputation tarnished. Seeking help from a Bergen County, New Jersey criminal defense lawyer is the first step in discrediting these false allegations. What is Child Abuse? Child abuse is a crime that includes the physical, mental, and sexual abuse of a child along with neglect, abandonment, and exploitation. It is a broad definition of a very serious crime. Child abuse can result in lasting trauma, both physically and mentally, along with injury or even death of the child. It is a serious matter which is why every accusation is investigated thoroughly. What Do I Do After Being Accused of It? After being accused of such a crime, there are many actions that can be taken to help the investigation reveal the truth. First, obtain a lawyer. An experienced attorney will be able to help with the legal proceedings and explain exactly what the process will be like. They […]

Shoplifting is punished more harshly across the United States than people may expect, with jail time, fines, and a criminal record following defendants for many years after the original court case for shoplifting. If you’ve been accused of shoplifting in New Jersey, your first step should be to call a Bergen County theft lawyer. We have extensive experience helping clients in situations likely very similar to yours, and we will bring that experience to get you the best result possible. Another useful step is to read this blog post, as it will explain possible penalties for shoplifting in New Jersey as well as what you can expect in a New Jersey shoplifting trial. How Is Shoplifting Punished in New Jersey? Shoplifting is either a disorderly persons offense or an indictable offense in New Jersey, increasing with the severity of the theft involved. Penalties start with a fine and a maximum of six months in jail, when the goods taken equal $200 in value or less. The higher the value of items stolen, the harsher the penalties threatened. The charges for shoplifting increase as follows: Disorderly persons offense: a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail […]

Most of the United States considers driving more a privilege than a right, but even with that, the state does recognize that for most people, driving is inseparable from transportation to and from school and jobs. In trying to balance both the need for consequences with an acknowledgment of the above, New Jersey state traffic laws allow some offenders to shorten their license suspensions by agreeing to install ignition interlock devices on their vehicles. You may then be wondering what an ignition interlock device even is and how an ignition interlock device can affect the penalties you ultimately face for a DWI. Keep reading to learn all about the use of these devices and don’t hesitate to contact a Bergen County traffic ticket lawyer if you are dealing with a DUI or DWI charge. First-Time Offenders and the Ignition Interlock Device Although New Jersey wants to impress on drivers the gravity of driving while intoxicated, the state tries to balance this with some amount of leeway for first-time offenders. As such, first-timers will have their license suspended until they install an ignition interlock device on their car. An ignition interlock device is a handheld breathalyzer, installed on a car, that […]