Category Archives: Criminal Defense
New Jersey Legislation Permitting 218 Marijuana Dispensaries & Banning Child Marriage Moves
During the month of June, the New Jersey legislature moved forward on some key issues, including barring individuals under the age of 18 from getting married and opening the state to a number of legal marijuana dispensaries. Below, we discuss these changes in greater detail: New Jersey Steps Closer To Banning Child Marriages On… Read More »
New Jersey Supreme Court Bars Retroactive Application Of Megan’s Law Amendment
On May 30th, the New Jersey Supreme Court held that an amendment to Megan’s Law enhancing penalties for sex offenders who violate parole requirements was unenforceable and violated both state and federal constitutions. In doing so, the court vacated the convicts’ third-degree convictions for parole violations after four offenders had committed minor violations of… Read More »
U.S. Supreme Court Decides Police Officers Need Search Warrants To Inspect Vehicles In Driveways
On May 29th, the U.S. Supreme Court made an important decision that will impact thousands of potential criminal defendants each year in holding that privacy protections extend to vehicles that are parked in a driveway or carport. In other words, police need a search warrant before inspecting vehicles parked in front of your home… Read More »
Should Prisoners Have A Right To DNA Testing?
The story of Kevin Cooper—who is currently sitting on death row, and demanding DNA testing to prove his innocence—has captured news headlines of late, especially after Nicholas Kristof—a columnist for The New York Times—published an opinion column suggesting that Cooper was framed for the murder he stands convicted of. The case not only involves… Read More »
New York Man Accused Of Hate Crime For Rant On Train
One man’s alleged “rant” has led to a hate crime charges to be filed against him in New York in May, as well as one count of second-degree aggravated harassment. Cases like these are important to follow in order to understand where state law draws the line in terms of free speech and hate… Read More »
Recreational Marijuana And Sports Gambling Could Soon Become Legal In New York
On May 14th, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a federal ban on sports gambling, opening up the possibility for states to pass laws allowing for the activity as they see fit. While New Jersey has already passed a law to allow for sports gambling, New York is also expected to in the next… Read More »
Breakdown Of Allegations Against New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman
Sexual assault and physical abuse allegations against New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman have been all over the news of late. As a result, Schneiderman ultimately decided to resign, noting that they would prevent his ability to continue to lead the New York office. Many remain shocked, particularly given that Schneiderman was a… Read More »
U.S. Supreme Court Decides Whether Attorneys Can Override Criminal Defendants’ Wishes
On May 14th, the U.S. Supreme Court decided a very important case addressing the issue of whether a criminal defendant’s Sixth Amendment right to assistance of counsel is violated if their attorney concedes their guilt over their express objection. Ultimately, the majority determined that the client—not the attorney—is at the center of every criminal… Read More »
New Jersey Township Considers Making Sale Of Guns And Ammunition Illegal In Some Areas
One New Jersey Township–Piscataway–is considering passing an ordinance that would make it illegal to sell ammunition or firearms within 1,000 feet of “sensitive” locations, including bars, college campuses, daycare centers, medical facilities, parks, places of worship, schools, and similar locations. Local leaders have noted that it is part of an effort to take things… Read More »
Will Sexual Assault Cases Ever Be The Same After The #MeToo Movement?
The most recent trial against Bill Cosby for sexual assault has many speculating that trials like these are now forever changed since the onset of the #MeToo movement. Many are now commenting that changing cultural perspectives are now affecting courtroom procedures, such as admissibility of evidence. While the first jury to weigh whether Cosby… Read More »