New Jersey's Criminal Defense Blog
New Jersey has determined that anyone convicted of certain sex offenses should be penalized with a sentence of parole supervision for life (PSL) after their release from prison. PSL is mandatory for convictions of sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and sex crimes against a kidnapping…
The outcome in a criminal court proceeding is not always as simple as guilty or not guilty. In many cases, the attorney for a first-time, nonviolent offender can get charges dismissed, typically through a diversion program designed to help certain offenders avoid jail. Diversion programs are designed to…
The sentence of parole supervision for life (PSL) is mandatory in New Jersey for anyone convicted of certain sex offenses, including sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child and sex crimes against a kidnapping victim under age 16. Parole supervision for life means that for a minimum of…
When we work with the parents of young people facing criminal charges in NJ, most often the parents’ primary concern is whether their child might go to jail. We are happy that we can assure them in most cases that New Jersey juvenile courts focus on helping wayward…
A juvenile who has for the first time committed a minor crime in New Jersey may be offered a second chance through a “deferred disposition” handed down by the juvenile court. This is a type of probation that, if successfully completed, wipes the slate clean for the young…
The outcome of a criminal proceeding involving a child can vary drastically depending on whether the individual is tried as a juvenile or as an adult. The New Jersey juvenile and adult court systems both handle cases involving serious offenses. But there are notable differences between the two…
If you are arrested and charged with an indictable offense in New Jersey, your first brush with the judicial system will be in Central Judicial Processing Court, or CJP Court. The CJP Court determines whether your case goes to Municipal Court (better for a defendant), is scheduled for…
Resisting arrest is a serious charge in all states, and New Jersey is no exception. Anyone convicted on charges of resisting arrest could face criminal charges and more serious consequences than they might have under the original circumstances of their arrest. So, what should you do if you…
New Jersey takes domestic violence very seriously. A domestic violence conviction can result in lengthy prison sentences, fines, probation, and a ban on firearm purchases. These convictions will also show up on a permanent record and can be visible on background checks. The victim can also sue the…
When someone has filed a domestic violence complaint against you, the court will issue a temporary restraining order against you and schedule a final restraining order hearing. Assuming that the case has not been dismissed or otherwise resolved between you and the plaintiff, the family part of the…