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Having a car can be a great asset. It offers the freedom and convenience to go anywhere you want whenever you want. However, it can be a costly asset. Many expenses are required when you have a car, like loan payments, gas, and maintenance. Insurance is one of the more expensive aspects of driving, but it is necessary. Driving without insurance is illegal in the state of New Jersey. If you require legal assistance related to a car or insurance situation, an experienced Oradell, New Jersey lawyer can help. Does New Jersey Require Auto Insurance? New Jersey is one of 48 states in the U.S. that require every driver to have a minimum amount of auto insurance coverage. Operating a vehicle without having insurance is a crime and will be treated as such if you are caught. Insurance, while costly, is an important part of owning a car. If you were to get into an accident and are found to be at fault, you may be responsible for paying damages to the other parties. Costs can include property damage, bodily injury, loss of wages associated with the accident, pain and suffering, and more. These costs can add up quickly and […]

Under New Jersey state law, armed robbery is committing a theft using force or the threat of force while being armed with a deadly weapon. Being convicted of armed robbery can be detrimental because of its required prison time and criminal record. With the help of a good defense strategy and a Bergen County, New Jersey theft lawyer, you may be able to have your armed robbery charges dismissed or lessened. Is Armed Robbery a Felony in New Jersey? In New Jersey, the word “felony” is not commonly used. The equivalent of a felony is an indictable crime. Armed robbery is a serious crime because of its use of both theft and violence and is considered an indictable crime. Standard penalties for armed robbery in NJ include: Up to $200,000 in fines Prison sentence of 10 to 20 years You will be required to serve at least 85% of your sentence before becoming eligible for parole. The severity of these penalties is the reason why you need to find the best defense option for your situation. What Are the Best Defense Options for Armed Robbery? There are generally four defense options that a lawyer might use to convince a court […]

Murder and manslaughter are arguably two of the most tragic crimes. They both result in the loss of human life, however, their differences are significant. If you are being charged with murder or manslaughter in New Jersey, contact a Bergen County, New Jersey criminal defense lawyer for assistance. How is Murder Defined? Murder is defined as the unlawful and intentional killing of another human being. A murder conviction will depend on evidence that the killing was done with malicious intent and was premeditated or done with some forethought. It is one of the most serious and severe crimes that a person can commit. How is Manslaughter Defined? Manslaughter is defined as the unlawful but unintentional killing of another human being. People who commit manslaughter did end the life of another but it occurred either completely unintentionally or was an action taken with no thought in the heat of the moment. Manslaughter charges are divided into two categories, called voluntary and involuntary manslaughter. Involuntary manslaughter is a true accident and typically results from criminal negligence or recklessness. An example of this could be a person driving under the influence of alcohol and striking and killing a pedestrian crossing the street. The […]

Committing an act of assault is a crime taken seriously across the United States. Under New Jersey law, an aggravated assault conviction is accompanied by a slew of penalties. The degree of offense you are charged with and therefore the severity of the consequences you receive will vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case. For more information on New Jersey state law and legal representation, reach out to a Bergen County, New Jersey assault lawyer. Is Aggravated Assault a Misdemeanor or Felony? In New Jersey, aggravated assault is considered an indictable offense. An indictable offense is the state’s term for a felony charge. Simple assault is considered a misdemeanor and does not include the use of a deadly weapon. Because of the severity of the consequences of an aggravated assault, the penalties are much harsher. Aggravated assault does not have one simple definition in terms of New Jersey state law. Each of the following situations can result in a felony aggravated assault charge. Causing or attempting to cause someone bodily harm Causing or attempting to cause someone bodily harm with a deadly weapon Recklessly injuring someone with a deadly weapon Aiming a firearm at someone Aiming either a […]

Theft is the unlawful stealing of property that does not belong to you without permission from the owner. Penalties for theft in New Jersey will depend on the type of theft, the value of the property, and a multitude of factors related to the crime. Theft can be charged as either a misdemeanor (referred to as a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey) or as a felony. A misdemeanor charge will yield less harsh consequences, but penalties will vary depending on your individual case. If you are facing theft charges contact a Bergen County, New Jersey theft lawyer for legal advice and representation. When is Theft Considered a Felony? It can be confusing to determine whether or not you will be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. The charges for theft in New Jersey range from a misdemeanor to a first-degree felony. Misdemeanor charges are considered theft of items valuing $200 or less. Fourth-degree felony charges relate to the theft of items valuing $200 to $500. A third-degree felony charge will result from the theft of items totaling $500 to $75,000. A second-degree felony charge is considered theft of items valuing more than $75,000. A first-degree felony is not […]

A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge is accompanied by a slew of harsh consequences. DUI is used interchangeably with DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) in New Jersey. A DUI refers to the crime of operating a motor vehicle after consuming drugs or alcohol to the extent that it alters your ability to safely and coherently operate the vehicle. A conviction like this can have serious repercussions. So how long does a DUI really stay on your record in the state of New Jersey? The answer is forever. After being convicted of a DUI there is nothing you can do that will remove the charge from your driving record. However, if you have a DUI conviction the positive news is that while it will remain on your driving record permanently, it will never appear on your criminal record. If you require legal representation concerning a DUI charge, contact our competent Bergen County, New Jersey DUI lawyers. Will a DUI/DWI Appear on My Criminal Record in New Jersey? A DUI charge is not a criminal offense in New Jersey. NJ is one of the few states where a DUI is considered a traffic violation. Because DUIs in New Jersey are treated as […]

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 […]