Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol carries many perils, including causing a serious accident, losing driving privileges and facing serious criminal charges if someone is injured in an accident. Two men from northern New Jersey were recently charged with a...
Criminal Defense
Bill would end drug charges for less than a pound of marijuana
While many states across the nation have taken the step of decriminalizing marijuana, New Jersey has yet to do so. People who are arrested and charged with marijuana possession can face a variety of penalties that can complicate their lives. The law dictates the...
Psychology tests in court could be faulty, study says
Some people in New Jersey who are facing misdemeanor or felony charges may find themselves being required to take psychological and IQ tests that are not supported by evidence. According to a study that appeared in the journal Psychological Science in the Public...
Miranda rights: More than the right to remain silent
"You have the right to remain silent." For many people in New Jersey, this is a familiar phrase. Even if people have not encountered it through their own experiences, they have heard these warnings on a police drama on television. However, people may not consider just...
Unproven investigative technique used widely by police
Many New Jersey residents may expect police investigations to be like those often portrayed in movies and TV dramas, focused on accuracy and taking advantage of the latest advanced scientific techniques. Unfortunately, however, some investigations and forensic...
Community service sentencing can reinforce inequity
People in New Jersey often think of community service sentences as providing a win-win situation. People who are convicted of crimes, usually misdemeanors with fines attached, may be able to work through their sentence without harsh jail time or hefty fines they...
How arrest rates are affecting younger generations
New Jersey residents may be interested in learning that about one quarter of arrests are for consuming alcohol or drugs without permission. Statistics show that 9% of arrests for men and 8% of arrests for women are connected to drugs while 11% of arrests for women and...
Domestic violence claims can lead to restraining orders
Courts take domestic violence accusations seriously. The primary concern when someone makes a complaint is keeping the complainant safe, even though the accused person hasn't been convicted yet. One way this occurs is through restraining orders, which can include...
Civil rights groups worry about police access to personal data
Police officers and federal agents usually must obtain search warrants if they wish to search a New Jersey resident's home or automobile, and judges will only authorize searches when they are presented with sufficient probable cause. However, the confidential personal...
College students can face major consequences for drug convictions
College is a time of experimentation, often without carefully considering the potential repercussions for an action. Students can engage in a lot of risky behaviors, from cheating on exams to drinking before they turn 21, largely because they see many of their peers...