New Jersey's Criminal Defense Blog
New Jersey’s Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (PDVA) is a sweeping state law that defines domestic violence as committing one or more of 19 criminal offenses upon a person who is involved in or has had a relationship with the alleged perpetrator. Offenses under the law include crimes of violence…
When a court imposes a restraining order against you, it can impose hardships on many areas of your life – from family relationships to your job. Even if you think you did nothing wrong or you have significantly changed your life since the court’s decision, a restraining order…
If you are the target of a temporary restraining order issued by a New Jersey court, you need to act quickly to try to stop a temporary order from becoming a final restraining order. Unless you fight the restraining order, a judge’s final protective order could limit your…
An alleged victim of domestic violence may obtain a restraining order against another person who has threatened harm or caused some type of harm. Restraining orders, also known as protective orders, typically prohibit contact between the defendant and the alleged victim. The alleged victim of an assault or…
Domestic violence is taken incredibly seriously under New Jersey law. Police must respond to all domestic violence calls made by a victim or a bystander. Police must also arrest the person accused of abuse if physical injury or violation of an existing restraining order is involved, and officers…
New Jersey is close to the center of the global coronavirus pandemic, a fact that already has legal consequences. State officials enacted sweeping limits on movements and business activities in New Jersey. On March 21, Governor Phil Murphy signed an executive order (Executive Order No. 107) that instituted…
Under marijuana decriminalization enacted in New Jersey in 2021, possession of up to 6 ounces of marijuana is legal for adults. Even a juvenile would have to be in possession of more than 6 ounces of marijuana to warrant an arrest for possession alone. A person under 21…
Typically, law enforcement officers in New Jersey must obtain a warrant before they can search a person or a person’s property. However, an exception exists for automobiles. Police officers do not need a warrant to make a traffic stop or search a person’s vehicle. Instead, they can act…
Shoplifting is not a minor offense in New Jersey. If you are convicted of shoplifting, you face a serious risk of going to jail. It will depend on the circumstances of the charge, including whether: The full retail value of the item (or items) that you allegedly stole…
In 1994, New Jersey passed Megan’s Law. The law provides additional consequences for those convicted of sex crimes, including a requirement to register as a sex offender. Aggravated sexual assault and criminal sexual contact are among the crimes that could require you to register as a sex offender…