Are Juvenile Records Sealed in New Jersey?
Often the answer is no – especially if you or a child are arrested for a serious offense or even felony charges. A conviction is a tough experience for both the offender and family. Teenagers make mistakes and often find themselves on the wrong side of the law. They go through the judicial process, juvenile defense, pay fines and sometimes serve time as punishment for their errors. What’s worse, is that after the ordeal is over, they find themselves fighting an uphill battle in their college applications and careers, with a criminal record that hangs like a shadow over their lives.
For the first time in a decade, a bill (NJ bill no. 309) was put in front of the New Jersey State Senate this week proposes that the state place a ban on the construction of new jughandles from being built on any road, including highways. State Senator James Holzapfel of the State Transportation Committee was one of the members who promoted the bill says that the turns do not serve as more convenient or safe option to prevent car accidents given modern levels of traffic. (more…)
Shoulder injuries are extremely common in the active person, but sports and car crashes aren’t the only culprits in painful shoulder injuries: falling, mowing the lawn and scar tissue or stretched ligaments from previous injuries also contribute to your shoulders inability to perform at its top level. (more…)
Everyone knows that being behind the wheel of a car is dangerous when the snow is falling. Slippery road surfaces, impaired vision from blustery winds and loss of tire traction all factor into the increased danger of driving that winter presents. But have you ever wondered if car accidents and injuries are more prevalent during the winter months than during the rest of the year? The answer might surprise you. (more…)
The State of Jersey has taken a strong stance against driving under the influence (DUI). Even a first time DUI offense can carry severe penalties and fines. A DUI charge can even result in restrictions on your liberty. For a first time offense, if your BAC is 0.10% or greater there are mandatory penalties including: (more…)
What should I look for in a criminal defense attorney?
Hiring a criminal defense attorney can make a large difference in the outcome of your case if you are charged with a crime. A defense attorney could make the difference between your charges being reduced or dismissed and serving jail time. The first step in hiring a defense attorney is to identify the things that you find important in an attorney. Some common characteristics clients find desirable in an attorney include: experience, professional style, and strategy. It is important to consider in what order these factors are important to you. (more…)
In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, many of us are attempting to assess the damage to our homes, cars, and other belongings. In order to ensure that you receive a fair and full coverage for the damage you sustained you need to start taking careful steps by making preparations today. The preparations you make today can make the difference in getting fairly compensated for damages.
Find your policy
Before filing for a Sandy related claim, it is important to know what your insurance policy covers. In this era of increasingly frequent and severe storms many insurers have recently made changes in policies that limit their liability. Many policies now include wind and hurricane deductibles which can range from roughly two to five percent of the home value. However, the good news was that New Jersey Gov. Christie declared that Sandy was not a hurricane at the time of landfall. (more…)
How is the sentencing for DUI offenses determined?
Sentencing for driving under the influence (DUI) is largely based on two factors. The first factor is your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). A police officer is easily able to determine your BAC using a breathalyzer test. The second factor is whether this is a first time or repeat offense. (more…)
In New Jersey, stalking is a crime and of the fourth degree and could be a third degree offense under certain circumstances. The person charged with the crime of stalking in the fourth degree must be guilty of intentionally or expressively engaging in behavior that is focused at a particular person. (more…)
Why do I need a criminal attorney?
If you have been charged with a criminal offense you face the possibility of significant penalties. Not only can criminal charges result in large fines but you also face the possibility of prison and other restrictions on your liberty. DUI offenses carry mandatory fines, imprisonment, educational classes and loss of license. Many other criminal offenses carry even more severe penalties and restrictions. For young people charged with crimes, criminal penalties can significantly impact plans for the future. Pleading guilty to the possession of drugs or other controlled substances can make you ineligible for certain types of aid for college in addition to the punishment for the crime.
If you are charged with a crime, The State of New Jersey will prosecute you with an experienced prosecution attorney. You need an experienced criminal attorney to represent you who is familiar with the system and can expertly meet this challenge. Your criminal attorney may be able to find a mistake or other issue that eliminates or reduces the charged crime. Your attorney will ensure that the State meets its burdens at each step of the way. By forcing the state to supply proof for their allegations, your attorney may be able to secure a dismissal or negotiate a better plea bargain
When should I contact a criminal attorney?
If you have been charged with a crime you should contact a criminal attorney now. Delay in contacting a criminal attorney can permanently damage your case and ability to defend yourself. If you have been charged with assault, battery, sex crimes, DUI, theft, kidnapping, forgery, domestic violence crimes, juvenile crimes, fraud, manslaughter, murder, drug possession, drug manufacturing, drug distribution, or any other crime where you face severe penalties including fines or imprisonment you should immediately contact a criminal attorney.
It’s your right!
The right to an attorney or other legal counsel is written into the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution. The Amendment is part of the Bill of Rights designed to protect you against false charges that could lead to imprisonment. Remember, if you are charged with a crime you face the possibility of loss of liberty, significant monetary penalties, and other restriction and requirements. You will be prosecuted by an expert attorney. If you delay in exercising your right to protect yourself you endanger your freedom and finances.
If you have been arrested in New Jersey
If you have been arrested and charged with a criminal offense, contact Lombardo Law Group, LLC today. Joseph Lombardo previously served as a Municpal Prosecutor and has been putting that experience to use defending clients in South Jersey since 1993. He will challenge the circumstances surrounding your arrest and the charges against you and work to have those charges reduced or dismissed. Contact him today by phone at 1 (609) 445-4300 for a free, initial consultation.
