Can I get Deported for a Criminal Charge in NJ?
August 7, 2019
Everyone dreads being arrested, but if you are not a United States citizen, an arrest can go from an inconvenience to a life-altering event. Arrests and resulting convictions on certain charges can threaten your immigration status and even lead to removal proceedings or deportation in New Jersey. The federal government has recently stepped up enforcement efforts in this area, and local police departments in NJ do not take lightly to anyone who they suspect has committed a crime. Criminal ... Read More»
NJ Municipal Court Case Process
July 10, 2019
How Cases are Handled in NJ Municipal Court
In New Jersey, disorderly persons offenses (similar to misdemeanor offenses in other states) and traffic offenses are tried in municipal courts. A municipal court has local jurisdiction over cases that arise from acts committed in the township, city, or other community where the municipal court is located. Municipal courts follow different procedures than those followed in New Jersey Superior Courts, which handle indictable offenses (similar to ... Read More»
Rights & Evidence in Court when Determining Bail
May 22, 2019
New Jersey eliminated the cash bail system and implemented a new pretrial detention system in January 2017. Under the new system, the state has the burden of making a motion that establishes, by clear and convincing evidence, that you should remain in jail leading up to your trial. If the state fails to meet this burden, you should be released until your trial commences. The state must make any motion to keep you in jail prior to your trial at a pretrial detention hearing held shortly after ... Read More»
Indictable Offense vs. Disorderly Persons Offense: Why Does It Matter?
May 15, 2019
Like many states, New Jersey classifies criminal charges into various types based on the perceived severity of the crime. While other states use the terms “felonies” and “misdemeanors,” New Jersey describes similar crimes as “indictable crimes,” “disorderly persons offenses,” and “petty disorderly persons offenses.” An “indictable crime” is similar to a felony in other states. A disorderly or petty disorderly persons offense is similar to a criminal misdemeanor. If you have been charged ... Read More»