Detention Hearings for Union County Criminal Charges
April 24, 2018
A detention hearing is the part of the criminal justice process where a judge determines whether to release the defendant or keep them in jail before trial. In New Jersey, there have been major changes to the pretrial process because of what is called “Bail Reform.” New Jersey decided to reform its bail system, which was previously based on cash bail, by creating a process based on assessing risk. This means that when someone gets arrested in New Jersey, the decision about whether or not ... Read More»
What happens if I fail to appear on my court date in NJ?
April 18, 2018
After someone is arrested in New Jersey, the police will take them to the police station to be processed. At this point, the person is either released or detained pending a detention hearing. If you are "released on your own recognizance” (also called “ROR”) after charges are filed, you will be required to appear in either the Municipal or Superior Court for your next court hearing. This is also true if a judge releases you after a detention hearing. What is important to remember is that ... Read More»
Disorderly Persons Offense Charges in NJ
April 14, 2018
In New Jersey, crimes are not categorized as felonies or misdemeanors, as in most other states. The lower levels are considered misdemeanors by most states, while the upper levels are generally felonies in other states. Lower level “misdemeanors” are referred to as disorderly persons offenses in New Jersey and are heard in the Municipal Court. The Superior Court hears higher level crimes, known as indictable offenses. Even though a criminal charge falls into the category of disorderly ... Read More»
3rd Degree Suboxone Charges Dismissed Outright
November 16, 2017
Our New Jersey criminal attorneys recently defended a client who had been pulled over and arrested for third degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance after troopers found a suboxone pill. The whole thing started after a trooper pulled over our client's car because his brake light was out. Once he approached the car however he claimed to smell burnt marijuana emanating from inside the vehicle. Based on the smell, the trooper requested him to step out of the car and placed him ... Read More»