When a person is accused or arrested for an alleged crime, they should hire a criminal defense lawyer because that person has the experience and knowledge to best represent a defendant’s interests. They can help achieve the best possible outcome and work with prosecutors to lessen any punishments that come with a criminal conviction or a plea bargain. A criminal defense lawyer represents the rights of individuals, organizations, and companies charged with criminal activity. Their job is to advocate on[…] Read More
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What are the Differences Between Assault and Domestic Violence?
To be charged with assault in New Jersey, a person must place or attempt to place the alleged victim in imminent fear of physical harm. An act of physical violence does not need to take place, and the parties do not need to intimately know each other. Domestic violence is a pattern of physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual abuse. Like assault, physical violence does not need to occur to bring a domestic violence charge. Unlike assault, the people involved in[…] Read More
Robert N. Agre Selected to 2021 Super Lawyers List
Agre & St. John is pleased to announce that Robert N. Agre, a managing partner at the firm, has been selected to the 2021 New Jersey Super Lawyers list. Robert has been recognized for his work as a criminal defense attorney and has consistently been selected to Super Lawyers each year since 2008. Super Lawyers highlights the work of lawyers in over 70 fields of practice. The selection process extends through a multiphase process where a lawyer’s personal and professional[…] Read More
What Do I Need to Know About the Legalization of Marijuana in New Jersey?
In February 2021, New Jersey officially legalized recreational marijuana. This means that adult consumers over 21 years old in the state can now lawfully purchase and use marijuana. However, there will be rules, regulations, and laws dictating recreational marijuana usage. Cannabis advocates have pushed for legalization in New Jersey and across the nation for years. After winning their position, the state governor finally signed several bills decriminalizing marijuana usage. The legalization is a watershed moment in the pro-cannabis movement. Many[…] Read More
What is a Disorderly Conduct Charge?
Different states and municipalities have their own rules regarding disorderly conduct. Generally, disorderly conduct causes a public disturbance and could lead to criminal charges. Fighting could fall under the disorderly conduct category. More serious altercations could lead to battery or assault. Public misconduct such as intoxication is another common type of disorderly conduct. It is not uncommon for people to be charged with disorderly conduct at public gatherings as well. Peaceful protests are legal, but disruptive protests can lead to[…] Read More
What are the Different Types of Criminal Defenses?
There are multiple criminal defenses that a criminal defense lawyer can utilize when attempting to dismantle a prosecutor’s criminal case against a defendant. Among those defenses include: Affirmative criminal defense Insanity defense Coercion and duress Abandonment and withdrawal Getting arrested for a crime can be a traumatic experience, and it may seem like the prosecutor will easily win. This is not always true, there are multiple ways to deconstruct a prosecutor’s case that can lead toward exonerating a defendant. No[…] Read More
What Should I Do if I am Pulled Over by a Police Officer?
Getting pulled over by a police officer can be a harrowing experience. A driver may or may not know why they are being stopped, and what happens next can depend on how they react. The best advice is to remain calm and to respond to the inquiries and directions. The situation can easily escalate, so it is important to understand what the police are allowed to do in these situations. How Should I Pull Over? When a driver realizes that[…] Read More
Drunk Driving Arrests in the Time of COVID-19
The onset of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has negatively impacted all aspects of modern life. In New Jersey, the state implemented a strict shutdown policy to battle the virus. This caused delays in all criminal procedures, and it even affected those who were charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in the state. In New Jersey, DUIs are not criminal offenses, they are traffic violations. This means that those suspected of DUI do not have the same constitutional expectations than[…] Read More
When am I Eligible for Expungement?
If a person has only been indicted for one offense throughout their lifetime, they are eligible for expungement in the state of New Jersey. If a person has been indicted on two indictable offenses, they will not be eligible for expungement. Clearing up an eligible criminal record can provide benefits to a person for years. They might not think it important until they find themselves in a situation where they have to consent to a criminal background check. There are[…] Read More
What are the Different Types of Cybercrimes?
Over the years, cybercrimes have grown and developed to the point where there are global networks of hackers that target financial institutions and individuals. Hacking has also risen to the level of international aggression as certain nations will use hacking to disrupt their enemies. A cybercrime is defined as any crime where a computer is the target of the act or is the tool used in the commitment of the crime. Many will use their computer to illegally gain access[…] Read More