Tag Archives: New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney
Federal Legislation Expanding Domestic Violence Criminal Provisions Signed Into Law
In late December, legislation adjusting and expanding what is considered to be “stalking” under the federal criminal code was signed into law in an effort to better protect domestic violence victims and their pets. Specifically, the “PAWS Act” not only expands what is covered under the law and protection orders, but it also establishes… Read More »
New Jersey Supreme Court Orders New Trial for Man Convicted Of Murder Because Statements Illegally Obtained From Him
During the week of December 14, the New Jersey Supreme Court ordered a new trial for a man convicted of murder whose rights were violated while he was being interviewed by police. Specifically, the high court found that detectives had violated his rights by continuing to question him about unrelated crimes, even though he… Read More »
New Jersey Bans Wild/Exotic Animal Circus Acts
A measure signed into law by Governor Murphy on December 14—known as “Nosey’s law—makes it illegal in New Jersey to use certain exotic animals such as elephants and tigers in events such as carnivals, circuses, petting zoos, and similar setups. The bill was reportedly passed for the sake of public safety, as well as… Read More »
Pressure Mounts on Hill over Criminal Justice Reform
There is no question that the U.S. is badly in need of criminal justice reform, especially when it comes to reducing mandatory minimum sentencing. It is largely a bipartisan issue that both major political parties agree on. The current legislation pending in Congress—known as “The First Step Act”—is a step in the right direction;… Read More »
Hearings Scheduled To Legalize Recreational Marijuana in New Jersey
On November 26, the long-fought-for battle to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in New Jersey will take a major step when state lawmakers debate the bill to legalize its use. Debate on the law—titled “The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory and Expungement Aid Modernization Act”—begins on November 26, and is expected to be followed… Read More »
Jeff Sessions Lets States Off-Hook for Criminal Justice Issues before Exiting Position
Before he left as Attorney General in November, Jeff Sessions issued a final memo in an attempt to limit federal oversight of police officers accused of abusive and unconstitutional conduct. Specifically, he limited the Department of Justice’s ability to enforce certain patterns of conduct via court-enforced consent decrees when it comes to police departments… Read More »
U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Arguments in Guilty Plea Appeal Waiver Case
We’ve previously discussed the issue of plea bargains being on the rise in the United States. It has become such an issue that many argue that it has turned our criminal justice system upside down. In fact, today, an estimated 97 percent of federal and 94 percent of state prosecutions now end in plea… Read More »
Law Proposed In New Jersey Requiring Pet Groomers to Be Licensed
Pending legislation in New Jersey known as “Bijou’s Law” would force pet groomers to be licensed, or otherwise face strict sanctions. The legislation was born out of a tragedy that occurred, whereby one woman’s dog died at a grooming session, inspiring her to push for changes and require that groomers not only get licensed,… Read More »
Police Using Fitbit Data to Charge Defendants with Murder
Police are reportedly using a new tool to gather evidence in their criminal investigations: Fitbit fitness trackers. Recently, they used data provided by this device to arrest a man for allegedly killing his stepdaughter. According to reports, the arrest was made based on data from the victim’s Fitbit, which showed that her heart rate… Read More »
Crackdown On Drugged Driving In New Jersey & Prison Conditions Coming
A number of important developments concerning criminal defense, justice, and penalties occurred in New Jersey this month (August), as we discuss in detail below: Prison Reform Addressed In New Jersey This Month On August 9, a number of governors and state attorneys met with President Trump in New Jersey to discuss prison reform at… Read More »
