Author: William A. Proetta

DUI check point

New Jersey drivers frequently encounter roadside sobriety checkpoints. These checkpoints are designed to investigate whether drivers have valid licenses and whether they are driving under the influence of alcohol or driving on drugs. DWI checkpoints are fairly unique, along with border patrol checkpoints, because they permit the police to briefly stop and interview motorists even though the police […]

CONTEMPT OF COURT

Reviewed by William A. Proetta, Esq. · Updated November 2026 Contempt of court is disobeying a court’s order or interfering with a court’s authority. In New Jersey it can be handled two ways. A judge can deal with it directly under the court rules, either on the spot for misconduct in the courtroom or through […]

Handshake

Facing criminal charges in New Jersey can be devastating, but under the right circumstances, you may be able to negotiate your way out of the some of the harshest potential penalties. A skilled criminal defense attorney, or a set of facts that are particularly favorable to you, can motivate a prosecutor to offer you a […]

Close Up Teenagers Drinking Alcohol Together

Underage drinking is a tremendous problem throughout the United States, and New Jersey has not escaped the effects of this potentially deadly issue. As a young person or the parent of a teenager, it is important to understand the prevalence of underage drinking both nationally and in NJ, as well as the common charges linked […]

Alcoholic Drink with Car Keys concept drinking and driving

A DWI arrest and subsequent conviction can be devastating. Your car insurance premiums may increase by thousands of dollars, your driving privileges will be suspended, you may even lose your professional license or be sentenced to jail. Those penalties don’t even include the court fines, community service, and other fees associated with a DUI in […]

Pillars of courthouse in retro style

Residents of New Jersey are constrained by at least two different sets of laws: federal law and state law. The consequences of committing a criminal offense and the legal process applicable to the criminal prosecution you will face can vary dramatically depending on whether you allegedly violated federal or state laws. Our experienced Ocean County criminal […]

Plea Agreement concept

If you have been arrested for a crime such as robbery, burglary, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, heroin distribution, or another indictable offense, you may be wondering what happens next and if you have to plead guilty. After you have been arrested, the police may book you and release you within a short period of time or hold […]

Magnifying glass in hand on calendar you can look Thirty one day

Have a Court Date for a Criminal Charge in New Jersey? Here’s Why You Need to Appear Appearing for a court date can be a tremendous challenge. You may have to arrange transportation to a courthouse located some distance away from you. You may have to take time off work, arrange childcare, or wait in […]

plead guilty

You have been charged with an offense in a Union County Superior Court or one of the Municipal Courts in Union County, New Jersey. Is there anything positive about taking a plea? The simple answer is that it depends on the situation and what is right for you. We all come from different walks of life, […]

Court gavel with books, closeup

Criminal law differs from civil law and popular television legal dramas in at least one critical way: there aren’t supposed to be any surprises in a criminal trial. Prosecutors have an obligation under federal law to turn over all exculpatory evidence in their possession to the defense, and, under several New Jersey state rules, prosecutors […]