Is a Juvenile Criminal Case Different From an Adult Case in NJ? One of the most fundamental procedural differences between the adult and juvenile justice systems in New Jersey involves who decides the facts applicable to a criminal case. Adults are generally tried by jury in New Jersey, whereas juveniles are tried by a judge […]
How Long Can Police Detain You While Waiting for a Drug Dog? If police suspect you of drug dealing or distribution, or an officer has reason to believe there are drugs in your car, they may request a canine unit or “drug-sniffing” dog to come to the scene. These dogs are trained to alert their […]
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 […]
New Jersey offers a number of programs designed to help certain qualifying criminal defendants avoid a costly and potentially life-altering criminal conviction. These programs are broadly referred to as diversionary programs. If you have been charged with a crime in New Jersey, you should know about all of your legal options, especially those that may […]
Yes. New Jersey police can tow or impound your car after an arrest, but outside of a DWI arrest they usually need a real reason to do it. After a DWI or breath-test refusal arrest, N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.23 requires police to impound the car for 12 hours, with limited early release. Police can also remove an […]
New Jersey drivers frequently encounter roadside sobriety checkpoints. These checkpoints are designed to investigate whether drivers have valid licenses and whether they are driving under the influence of alcohol or driving on drugs. DWI checkpoints are fairly unique, along with border patrol checkpoints, because they permit the police to briefly stop and interview motorists even though the police […]
Reviewed by William A. Proetta, Esq. · Updated November 2026 Contempt of court is disobeying a court’s order or interfering with a court’s authority. In New Jersey it can be handled two ways. A judge can deal with it directly under the court rules, either on the spot for misconduct in the courtroom or through […]
Facing criminal charges in New Jersey can be devastating, but under the right circumstances, you may be able to negotiate your way out of the some of the harshest potential penalties. A skilled criminal defense attorney, or a set of facts that are particularly favorable to you, can motivate a prosecutor to offer you a […]
Underage drinking is a tremendous problem throughout the United States, and New Jersey has not escaped the effects of this potentially deadly issue. As a young person or the parent of a teenager, it is important to understand the prevalence of underage drinking both nationally and in NJ, as well as the common charges linked […]
A DWI arrest and subsequent conviction can be devastating. Your car insurance premiums may increase by thousands of dollars, your driving privileges will be suspended, you may even lose your professional license or be sentenced to jail. Those penalties don’t even include the court fines, community service, and other fees associated with a DUI in […]