For individuals who are interested in entering a county drug court program, the New Jersey Appellate Court recently decided in State v. Figueroa that a person sentenced to a term of probation may apply for admission into the drug court program. The court further decided that certain convictions, which had previously blocked an individual’s admission into the drug court program, no longer block an applicant’s acceptance into the drug court program. For example, and this is not an exclusive list,[…] Read More
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How to Fight a Disorderly Conduct Charge
A disorderly conduct charge is designed to preserve the peace and harmony of a community. When large crowds gather in public places, are intoxicated, and create disturbances with loud obnoxious behaviors, municipalities resort to the charge of disorderly conduct after arresting individuals to preserve the peace. A disorderly order charge covers a wide range of behaviors; it is defined in vague and general terms. Police officers have wide discretion when arresting someone based on this charge. When one is faced with a disorderly[…] Read More
New Jersey’s “Clean Slate” Law Greatly Expands Expungement Eligibility
On December 18, 2019, Governor Murphy signed Senate Bill 4154 into law. Effective June 15, 2020, many individuals, who were previously ineligible for expungement will now be permitted to take advantage of this significant change in the law. The Clean Slate provision permits individuals who would otherwise be ineligible to have their criminal records expunged to obtain an expungement of a crime, offense or multiple crimes and offenses after the expiration of ten years. Specifically, the Clean Slate provision states:[…] Read More
How do I Clear my Criminal Record?
Making a mistake and receiving a criminal charge can completely change your life, and the life of your family and friends. A criminal charge can lead to expensive fines, potential jail time, the inability to vote, or the loss of your license among other things. Clearing your record is the best option for someone who needs to start a clean slate. What Are Expungement Laws? Expungement laws are helpful to those who would like to erase, seal, or limit public[…] Read More
What Are my Options if I Have a Revoked or a Suspended License?
All states issue driver’s licenses. All states also use their powers to bestow or restrict driving privileges to penalize certain unlawful behaviors. Often, a driving offense results in a driver’s license being revoked or suspended. Other times, a driver’s license can be affected by a legal issue that is not connected to driving, such as owing a substantial amount of child support. It makes sense for the authorities to use their licensing powers to keep unfit drivers off the roads,[…] Read More
Legal Defenses in Sexual Assault Cases
All forms of rape count as sexual assault, but not all sexual assault crimes count as rape. Even though state laws vary, all states view sexual assault crimes as crimes that involve sexual activity with no clear consent. The legal defense used in a sexual assault case may revolve around the issue of consent. However, other defenses have been used successfully as well. How Does New Jersey Define Sexual Assault? If there is any form of sexual contact or coercion[…] Read More
Domestic Violence Defense During the Coronavirus Pandemic
In the times of the coronavirus crisis, domestic violence accusations have increased due to the quarantine laws that have been put in place. The surge in reported cases mainly comes from women with violent and abusive partners. Despite the amount of cases that have been reported, there are many people who face false criminal charges, such as domestic abuse allegations. An accusation like this can ruin someone’s life and place them in severe legal trouble. Possible Defenses When an experienced[…] Read More
Consequences of Failing to Register as a Sex Offender
If you have been convicted of a sexual offense, such as sexual abuse or other related offenses, then you most likely are aware of the consequences and ramifications that have followed. In addition to your sentencing, you also will have to register as a sex offender in your jurisdiction. Evidently, a sex offender is one who has been convicted of a sexual offense, which is characterized as harming an individual in a sexual manner. Registration Requirements Sex offenders are required[…] Read More
Legal Counsel for Military Personal
Specific legal cases, such as those dealing with military personnel, need to be handled by professionals with knowledge of military life. Cases include those in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. We understand the difficulty in finding a lawyer who understands your case and connects to you on a personal level. Christopher St. John of Agre & St. John is a licensed trial attorney whose practice areas include criminal law, legal ethics, municipal law, personal injury,[…] Read More
What Are Criminal Mischief Charges?
Under criminal law, criminal mischief normally pertains to the destruction of another person’s personal property with known intent, but it can be more complicated than that. In fact, the definition and punishment may differ from state to state. Generally, criminal mischief includes crimes such as vandalism, graffiti, or defacing a business or property. It can also contain reckless acts as well. Criminal Mischief Varies by State Each state and each jurisdiction treat the charge of criminal mischief differently. If you[…] Read More