No. New Jersey is not a stop and identify state: no New Jersey statute requires a pedestrian to give police a name or show ID just because an officer asks. Drivers are different. Under N.J.S.A. 39:3-29, anyone driving must carry and show a license, registration and insurance card when an officer asks. Passengers usually do […]
Being pulled over is inherently stressful, but the anxiety spikes if an officer orders you to step out of your vehicle. Many New Jersey drivers wonder if they have to step out of the car during a traffic stop when order by a police officer. The short answer? It depends entirely on whether you are […]
If a police officer denies your request to leave after refusing a car search, what should you do next to handle the situation effectively? Knowing your rights during a traffic stop is critical, but knowing how to execute them when law enforcement pushes back is even more important. You have the Constitutional right to refuse […]
Ghost guns have become a major focus of law enforcement efforts in New Jersey and throughout the country. As technology has made it easier for people to build firearms at home or purchase firearm parts online, state lawmakers have responded with strict regulations. So, what is a ghost gun? Are they legal in New Jersey? […]
Even a first-time DUI arrest in New Jersey can have long-term consequences. From the moment police stop your vehicle through the final court decision, the right legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of a drunk driving case. An experienced attorney is the best way to protect yourself and your rights. What […]
Self-defense laws vary widely across the United States, and New Jersey takes a more measured approach than many states with broader stand-your-ground rules. Knowing when you can legally use force – and the limits of those rules – can make a difference if you are in a threatening situation. Self-defense could be a viable strategy […]
Yes, New Jersey still has some strange laws on the books, and a few of them can lead to a real criminal charge. Selling a car on a Sunday is a disorderly persons offense, selling handcuffs to anyone under 18 is a disorderly persons offense, and carrying a slingshot without a lawful purpose is a […]
Have you been served with a temporary restraining order (TRO) in New Jersey? Even though this kind of restraining order is temporary by definition, a TRO can still cause major disruptions. It can bar you from your home, limit your contact with your kids, and damage your reputation, even before you get a chance to […]
The New Jersey State Police (NJSP) have reached a settlement in a class-action lawsuit that alleged the NJSP’s systemic failure to update criminal background checks after court-ordered expungements. The backlog has had long-term consequences for people trying to move forward with their lives. Expungement delays often impact jobs, housing, and reputations. Background of the Expungement […]
Yes, certain drug crimes can be expunged in New Jersey. The eligibility for expungement depends on the severity of the offense and the individual’s criminal history. If you have a drug conviction on your record, it can interfere with your ability to find work, rent an apartment, or go to college. In New Jersey, you […]