Blog: Criminal Defense

May 29, 2022

In New Jersey, the crime of assault can occur even when a perpetrator merely puts a victim in fear of imminent physical harm. Nevertheless, an assault charge is still a serious criminal offense that can carry harsh penalties in the event of a conviction. If you have been charged with assault, you may have factual or legal defenses that can help reduce the seriousness of your charge or that can allow you to pursue an...

New Jersey Lawmakers Push to Make Sexual Extortion a Crime

Apr 22, 2022

New Jersey lawmakers are pushing a new law that would make sexual extortion a crime and punishable with criminal charges. What is Sexual Extortion? Sexual extortion is any non-physical form of coercion or encouragement to extort sexual behaviors or favors from another person. Sexual extortion is a type of sexual exploitation, which is an abuse of power used for sexual gain. The Bill Aims to Protect Minors and Those with Disabilities The purpose of the...

NJ Rapper Has Spent Over 6 Years in Jail for a Killing He Didn’t Commit, According to His Lawyer

Mar 31, 2022

A self-described “gangsta rapper” had his second murder trial end in a deadlock. His lawyer argues that he was not responsible for the murder and that the state has held him for over six years based on purely circumstantial evidence. Charged Rapper’s Second Trial Deadlocks Isaiah Newsome was charged in Atlantic County over six years ago with the shooting death of 17-year-old Dr. Steven Davion Garrett. Garrett, whose legal first name was “Dr.”, was found...

NJ Gospel Singer Charged with Sex Crime And Practicing Medicine Without a License

Mar 15, 2022

A Newark gospel singer is facing charges including criminal sexual contact, unlicensed practice of medicine, and luring. Newark Man Alleged to Have Committed Sexual Act as Part of Purported Physical Exam Albert J. Lewis, 75, was arrested at his Newark home and charged with criminal sexual contact, unlicensed practice of medicine, and luring. Prosecutors from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office allege that Lewis introduced himself to a 41-year-old Congolese national in January of 2021 and...

Penalty for Stalking in New Jersey

Jan 18, 2022

In New Jersey, the law seeks to protect innocent people from having to live in fear due to the threatening behavior of others. Stalking is one of the types of threatening behavior that is outlawed under New Jersey criminal law. Stalking is considered a serious criminal offense, and a conviction carries significant penalties and consequences. What is Stalking? Under New Jersey’s criminal law, stalking does not occur simply because a victim is followed or an...

What to Expect If You’re Arrested on Thanksgiving

Nov 20, 2021

Although Thanksgiving is supposed to be an opportunity for relaxation and celebration, you may, unfortunately, find yourself under arrest for a crime over the Thanksgiving weekend. You may have been arrested for Will You Be Immediately Released? For certain minor, non-violent offenses, the arresting officer can choose to not take you to the police station but may instead issue you a summons and allow you to go. The summons informs you of the date...

‘Tis the Season for Crime? Top Crimes Committed During the Holiday Season (And How a Lawyer Can Help)

Nov 11, 2021

While the holidays are meant to involve celebrations, gatherings, and cheer, the season is also an opportunity for some to take advantage of the general goodwill. In addition, other crimes result from some people enjoying the holiday season a little too much. Below are some common crimes that are committed during the holidays. Identity Theft Unfortunately, the holidays represent one of the most prevalent times of the year for identity thieves. As people open their...

NJ Expunged 362,000 Marijuana Records…So Far

Oct 5, 2021

This past summer, the New Jersey judiciary expunged arrest and criminal records for over 300,000 marijuana possession cases, giving hundreds of thousands of New Jersey residents the opportunity to move on in life without the stigma of a criminal record. Judiciary Expunged Hundreds of Thousands of Marijuana Cases over the Summer As part of the legislative efforts to legalize the possession and sale of recreational marijuana in New Jersey following the voters’ approval of a...

Criminal Penalty for Possession of a Weapon at School

Sep 12, 2021

Possession of a weapon at school can be a serious offense. It can lead to expensive fines and potential jail time. Many states, including New Jersey, have moved to increase the severity of these consequences due to an increase in school cases of violence. If you’re currently dealing with potential weapon possession charges in a school setting, it’s important to understand not only your potential consequences but also your options. New Jersey Laws Regarding Weapon...

Penalties For Prescription Fraud And Forgery in New Jersey

Jul 19, 2021

Incidents of What Constitutes Prescription Fraud? Under New Jersey law, it is illegal to obtain prescription drugs through any form of fraud, forgery, misrepresentation, or deception. Specifically, New Jersey’s prescription fraud statute is codified in N.J.S.A. 2C:35-13. The prescription fraud/forgery statute has three specific elements that the state must prove for a conviction: A person obtained a controlled substance The controlled substance was listed on New Jersey’s schedules of controlled dangerous substances The person...