Author: William Proetta Criminal Law

justice

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 […]

police

The New Jersey Constitution mirrors the United States Constitution in guaranteeing a citizen’s right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. Police departments have been criticized in recent years for stopping citizens on the street and searching them without a warrant. In fact, a federal judge recently held that the NYPD’s “stop and frisk” […]

tow truck

Having your car towed is a horrible position to be in, especially when it happens because you are being arrested. If police impounded your vehicle while arresting you in New Jersey, it is important to know when and why law enforcement is allowed to do this under the law. This article examines the circumstances that […]

liberty

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. […]

DUI check point

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 […]

CONTEMPT OF COURT

Contempt Charge Lawyer in Toms River, New Jersey Perhaps you know that you should obey a court order, but did you know that New Jersey considers it crime if you violate a court order? Fewer people are aware of the mechanisms the New Jersey court has to compel individuals to follow its orders. In many […]

Handshake

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 […]

Close Up Teenagers Drinking Alcohol Together

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 […]

Winding skid marks

Accidents involving drunk driving, hitting a pedestrian, and fleeing the scene are strikingly common in Hoboken, New Jersey and surrounding areas. In some cases, all three of these events will occur in the course of the same car crash. When these situations arise, the driver can be charged with numerous criminal and motor vehicle offenses, […]

Drug laboratory: blue methamphetamine and money on table close up

The combined methamphetamine and opioid abuse crisis currently gripping New Jersey has taken hold in Lacey Towsnhip, resulting in numerous charges for drug possession, distribution, and intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance (CDS). Individuals can be charged with either disorderly persons offenses (similar to misdemeanors in other states) or indictable offenses (similar to felonies outside New […]