5 Ways to Stay Out of Trouble & Stay Safe this Summer
The Memorial Holiday Weekend is only a few weeks away and many will often be off to the Shore, Lake, or the Mountains in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Our criminal defense law firm handles matter in both states and the purpose of this blog, like my free books and videos is to provide information that gives instant value to my readers.
While these summer holiday weekend like Memorial Day and the 4th of July are a time to spend with our friends and family, there is always an increased police presence on the state and local highways in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. As we soon begin Summer 2024, please keep in mind 5 important legal tips which can be a huge benefit if you find yourself charged with a crime involving illegal drugs, guns, or drunken driving (DUI/DWI).
- Never give police consent to search your house or car….but don’t be a jerk! Your criminal defense attorney can’t challenge the constitutionality of the search if you consent to it. While there are exceptions to the search warrant requirement, giving consent doesn’t even allow your attorney to argue that the exception doesn’t apply in your case. While you should not give consent, this does not mean be rude to the officer or in any way argumentative. Simply tell the officer that he or she isn’t allowed to search you or your property, if he tries to do it anyway never stop him or her.
- If you are stopped for DUI/DWI, DO NOT refuse a chemical test (breathalyzer or blood draw). Refusing a chemical test will not make your DUI/DWI case any better and it could make it worse. With regards to DWI, please keep in mind that New Jersey, unlike Pennsylvania, has an additional charge within that statute for “allowing DWI”, (NJSA 39:4-50(a)) which charges the owner of a vehicle with allowing an intoxicated person drive their vehicle. DWI in New Jersey isn’t a criminal offense but a person can’t still receive a jail sentence if convicted of the offense. Read my article on New Jersey’s offenses vs. crimes.
- Reckless versus careless driving – In Pennsylvania and New Jersey there is a major difference between reckless and careless driving. In New Jersey, reckless driving (39:4-96) carries 5 points and is committed when a person willfully disregards the right to safety of others and drives in a manner that endangers people or property. Careless driving is committed when a person drives a vehicle without “due caution and circumspection” and only carries 2 points.
Like New Jersey, in Pennsylvania careless driving (Title 75, Section 3736) is a much better alternative to reckless driving (Title 75, Section 3714). In New Jersey you can have your driving privileges suspended for any drug conviction for a minimum of 6 months; this is no longer the law in Pennsylvania. While the judge has discretion in New Jersey to order the suspension. If you’re charged with Simple Possession or Possession with Intent to Deliver (PWID), this is another important consideration for your defense at trial or during pre-trial negotiations to alternative charges.
- Traveling with guns or firearms through Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Pennsylvania, unlike New Jersey, is a shall issue state whereas the Garden State is a may issue state. This basically means that it is nearly impossible to obtain a license to carry a firearm in the state of New Jersey. Your Pennsylvania license to carry is not valid in New Jersey and you are still subject to a mandatory minimum sentence under New Jersey’s Graves Act with regards to an illegal possession (unlawful possession) of a firearm. While there are partial and full waivers of the mandatory minimum sentence, the prosecution must agree to these waivers. Read my article on New Jersey Graves Act (NJSA 2C:43-6(c))
If you are transporting a gun or firearm through New Jersey and into Pennsylvania, make sure the gun is unloaded and the ammunition is kept separate from the weapon. The gun or firearm should also be locked in a guy or firearm case in the trunk of your vehicle. If the police do stop you, you should immediately tell them that you have a weapon and that it is secured.
Even if you are a New Jersey resident, you more than likely do not have a license to carry a firearm in the state. It is only legal to transport the weapon to and from your home, from a gun range, or for repair. Keep in mind, Pennsylvania, unlike New Jersey, has reciprocity with the following states:
- Drug Possession & Drivers Licenses Suspensions in Pennsylvania & New Jersey New Jersey will suspend a driver’s license for any drug offense including drug paraphernalia which is often a good way to avoid a license suspension in Pennsylvania. While New Jersey has a specific law addressing the operation of a motor vehicle while in possession of a controlled substance, a person faces a license suspension for any drug offense even if it didn’t involve the operation of a car or some other motor vehicle.
Under NJSA 2C:35-16, when a person is found guilty of any drug offense under Title 35 or 36 he or she forfeits their right to operate a motor vehicle within the Garden State for a minimum of 6 months and up to 2 years! The suspension would start on the day the person was sentenced unless the sentencing judge found the “compelling circumstances” warranting an exception to the suspension requirement. In New Jersey, a compelling circumstance exists if the forfeiture of the license will impose a “extreme hardship” on the person and alternative means of transportation are not available. This is where the services of a strong trial advocate can really benefit you because it is up to your criminal defense lawyer to present a strong argument to the judge as to why he or she should not suspend your driver’s license for up to 2 years.
Pennsylvania License Suspension & Drug Offenses
Pennsylvania has repealed the mandatory license suspension associated with underage drinking under 18 Pa.C.S.A Section 6308 and Possession of a False Identification Card (Fake ID) under 18 Pa.C.S.A Section 6310.3. This change to Pennsylvania’s Vehicle Code also eliminates the mandatory license suspension for the illegal possession of drugs (misdemeanor charge) and possession with intent to deliver illegal drugs or narcotics (PWID)(felony offense).
Our law firm wishes you and your family a happy and safe 2024 summer!
Contact Our Criminal Defense Lawyers in PA & NJ Please click here to contact our criminal defense lawyers. We offer free case reviews and serve the following areas in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Atlantic City, Camden, Cherry Hill, Chester, Conshohocken, Doylestown, Media, Norristown, Philadelphia, Pottstown, Salem, Upper Darby, Upper Merion, Upper Providence, Vineland & Woodbury areas
