Qualified Immunity shields all government workers from civil lawsuits arising from constitutional right violations. Some believe that Ending qualified immunity is the best solution for both law enforcement and the general public.
In New Jersey, the Conditional Discharge Program is sometimes an option for first time offenders. This program, similar to Pennsylvania’s ARD, provides a person the ability to have his or her charges withdrawn,
There is a difference, however, between searches done by a government official, such as a police officer or other law enforcement and private searches. All persons have a 4th Amendment right against illegal search and seizure and both Pennsylvania and New Jersey’s constitution provide further protections.
there have been over 239 mass shootings in the United States in 2022 alone and so this issue of gun ownership if at the top of current events. States have the right to legislate and make laws within their borders, but state law can never conflict with federal law
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is an important concept in a Pennsylvania or New Jersey DUI/DWI case but it isn’t necessary to prosecute a DUI
The words Due Process are often used in and out of the courtroom but many people, even some attorneys, surprisingly don’t understand or can’t explain it. Due process ensures that legal proceedings operate according to established rules and principles that are designed to protect the rights of private individuals, specifically the right to a fair hearing and the right to know what actually constitutes a crime (notice).
Communication between the alleged victim and the defendant are major trial and pre-trial issues. We often must explain to clients legal concepts involving communications by phone, email and text message. It is unbelievable how many are actually convicted at trial because of a text message with often devasting prosecution evidence.
If this plastic bag ban wasn’t enough, a city, with the one of highest crimes rates in the country, has instituted a policy which directs police to NOT stop vehicles for certain vehicle code violations
We always tell readers and clients to respect police and law enforcement but to never give consent to search their vehicle, their home or property. In addition to not giving consent to search, a person should never speak to police without a lawyer present.
While the majority of these cases involve representation of adults, our law firm has also represented minors in the juvenile justice system in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The goal of the juvenile system is supervision, care, and rehabilitation to ensure that the community in general is kept safe from harm, the perpetrator takes responsibility for his or her actions, and finally, to teach skills to allow the youth to become a productive member of society.
