Under federal and New Jersey state law, a conviction for certain drug offenses can result in some of the most serious punishments in the criminal justice system, matching the retribution afforded to weapons or violent crimes. Such punishments may involve fines,...
Penalties for drug crimes, especially when the charge is possession with intent to sell, drug distribution or drug trafficking, are harsh in New Jersey. Many of these charges result from lengthy police investigations and home raids, but many others result from traffic...
New Jersey’s sentencing structure, like other jurisdictions, increases in severity for repeat offenses. A recent drug arrest provides context. A 47-year-old New Jersey man recently appeared in court regarding a possession with intent to distribute heroin...
As an attorney that has helped many clients in their criminal defense, I understand the importance of reviewing police procedures for impropriety. For example, a recent story reminds us that sometimes even a routine traffic stop or communication with an officer can...
At first thought, bail seems like a great provision for those who are accused of a crime. "All you have to do is pay some money and you get out of jail? What's not to like?" But, of course, if you extend that first thought to a second, third, or fourth thought, the...
When it comes to immigrants and immigration, there's a staggering variety of issues for people to have political opinions about. Legal vs. unauthorized entry into the U.S. is the one you've probably heard the, but even legal, productive immigrants face a number of...
In 2011, two Woodbridge police detectives had their eye out for a particular Ford Bronco. They had received some calls from concerned citizens claiming that there was an unusual amount of activity at the Bronco owner's apartment, and they suspected drug activity. One...
One of the more startling aspects of the War on Drugs has been its influence on the relationship between police officers and citizens. Aside from alleged racism in its enforcement, the drug war has turned every encounter between law enforcement and the public into a...
A three-month investigation has led to serious drug charges being filed against six residents of New Jersey, including a local doctor. The physician and other individuals are facing drug trafficking charges that stem from an investigation where roughly 1,000...
Last year, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced that the Department of Justice would change the way it would prosecute low level drug offenders on possession charges. Essentially, the change was based on an acknowledgement that the vaunted “War on...
