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In today’s digital world, teens often use smartphones and social media in ways that can have unintended consequences. One of the growing concerns is In this blog, we’ll explore the legal consequences of juvenile sexting, the penalties under New Jersey law, and what parents should do to protect their child from severe punishment. If your teen is facing juvenile sexting charges, it’s crucial to work with a What is Juvenile Sexting? Sexting refers...

Drug possession Whether you’ve been charged with possessing marijuana, cocaine, prescription drugs, or any other controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school, it’s essential to understand the laws, the potential consequences, and why you need a Understanding New Jersey’s School Zone Drug Laws New Jersey’s drug-free school zone laws are designed to deter You might not even realize you’re in a school zone when you’re arrested for drug possession. The school doesn’t...

Being arrested on The Role of the Victim in Domestic Violence Cases New Jersey takes domestic violence cases very seriously, with the state committed to protecting victims and upholding justice. Even if the alleged victim wishes not to testify, the prosecutor can still move forward with the case. This is because domestic violence is considered a matter of public concern, and the state's role is to represent the broader public interest. Prosecutorial Discretion Prosecutors...

If you're facing 1. Remain Calm and Avoid Panic When confronted with criminal charges, it's natural to feel a wave of emotions—fear, anxiety, and confusion. However, staying calm is essential. Panicking can lead to poor decisions, such as saying something incriminating or resisting arrest. Here's what to do: Take a moment to breathe deeply Focus on the steps ahead Remember 2. Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent Your right to remain silent is...

A criminal record can have far-reaching consequences that affect various aspects of an individual's life. From employment opportunities to social relationships, the repercussions of having a criminal record can be profound and enduring. However, understanding these impacts and knowing the steps to mitigate them can significantly improve one's chances of overcoming the associated challenges. At Attorneys Hartman, Chartered, our experienced New Jersey Understanding the Impact of a Criminal Record Employment Opportunities One of the...

Facing Your First Step: The Arraignment The arraignment is your first formal appearance in court following an arrest. During this stage, you will be formally charged with the alleged crime, and the charges will be read aloud. You will then enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney is crucial at this stage, as your attorney can provide guidance on the best plea to enter based...

If you feel unsafe around someone, you may decide to get a restraining order. A restraining order prohibits the person from coming within a certain distance of you. Learn everything you need to know about restraining orders, including how to file for one. What is a Restraining Order? A restraining order is a protective order that prohibits a person from engaging with another person. Restraining orders are most commonly used following an alleged domestic dispute...

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) A Stricter Standard for Commercial Drivers: In New Jersey, while the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for non-commercial drivers is 0.08%, commercial drivers face a stricter BAC limit of 0.04%. The rationale behind this stricter standard is the increased risk associated with larger vehicles and the professional responsibility commercial drivers hold. Penalties for a First Offense: A Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge is taken very...

Facing a What Constitutes Third-Degree Shoplifting in New Jersey? In New Jersey, shoplifting is defined as purposely taking merchandise from a store without paying the full price or without paying at all. This includes actions such as: Physically removing merchandise from a store. Concealing merchandise with the intent to steal. Altering or transferring price tags to pay less than the full value. Under-ringing merchandise at a self-checkout or through an accomplice at checkout. A...

In New Jersey, knowing when it is legally justifiable to use force in self-defense is crucial, especially for those recently in such situations. The complexities of Understanding Justifiable Use of Force Legal Definition of Self-Defense In New Jersey, self-defense involves using force against another when you reasonably believe it necessary to protect yourself from immediate unlawful force. The key is proportionality; the force must match the severity and immediacy of the threat. Key Aspects...