Author Archives: Jay Butchko

Can Teens Avoid Jail Time in New Jersey?
Everyone makes mistakes, especially while they’re still young. Should a teen’s life be ruined just because they committed a crime? These young adults often act impulsively, and some research has shown that teens have an enhanced capacity for fear and anxiety, coupled with an undeveloped capability for calm reasoning. With these facts in mind,… Read More »

How is a Jury Selected in a New Jersey Criminal Trial?
Approaching a criminal trial as a defendant can be stressful for many reasons. You may be facing the possibility of years in prison. Perhaps you’re worried about your reputation, or the potential financial consequences. One of the most unsettling thoughts that may arise is the fact that you’ll be putting your fate in the… Read More »

What Constitutes Money Laundering in New Jersey?
Money laundering is a serious crime in the state of New Jersey, but sometimes it’s not quite clear whether individuals are truly guilty of this offense. There are many instances in which a person might be engaged in activities that resemble money laundering without actually breaking any laws. If you have been charged with… Read More »

What Are the Penalties for Bias Intimidation in New Jersey?
In the current political climate, it should come as no surprise that a number of people are being accused of crimes related to discrimination and bias in New Jersey. Individuals may face convictions of these so-called “hate crimes” for relatively innocent and innocuous offenses. In many cases, something as basic as invasion of privacy… Read More »

What is a “Certain Persons Offense” in New Jersey?
Some of New Jersey’s laws can seem a little misleading, and it doesn’t help when the name of the crime reveals almost no clues about the nature of the offense. A clear example of this is a “certain persons offense.” When you first hear this term, you might be understandably confused. What does “certain… Read More »

Will My Accuser Be Punished if I Am Falsely Accused of a Crime in New Jersey?
Being falsely accused of a crime can be an extremely stressful situation in New Jersey. While you can gain a certain measure of confidence with the knowledge that you are completely innocent, you may worry that you will face criminal charges after being unable to defend yourself properly in court. When your name is… Read More »

What Is White Collar Crime in New Jersey?
For many people in New Jersey, the term “white collar crime” might seem somewhat vague and open-ended. What is considered white collar crime in the Garden State? What are some examples of white collar crime in New Jersey? These questions are often left unanswered. If you have been accused of white collar crime, you… Read More »

Can You Lie to a Police Officer in New Jersey?
When you are confronted by a police officer, it can be an extremely stressful experience. You may not be sure of how to act or what to say. You may be scared for your life. In these circumstances, it’s not surprising that many innocent citizens choose to lie to a police officer. There are… Read More »

Can I Go to Jail for Running a Ponzi Scheme in New Jersey?
In recent years, various states have cracked down on so-called “Ponzi schemes” or “pyramid schemes.” New Jersey is one of many states that have taken a tough stance against these types of businesses. But what is the legal definition of a Ponzi scheme? When does your business fall into this category? Do you need… Read More »

What Are New York’s Self-Defense Laws?
Protecting yourself against violence is an obvious choice. After all, who in their right mind would stand idly by and accept a potentially life-threatening situation? In most cases, acts of self-defense happen on an almost instinctual level. Before we know it, we’re acting out of muscle memory and fighting to protect ourselves and our… Read More »