Police officers need legal justification before they can stop, search, or arrest someone. This legal justification falls under two of the most important legal standards in criminal cases: probable cause and reasonable suspicion. These standards affect everything from traffic stops and searches to the evidence prosecutors may try to use…
TL;DR New Jersey largely eliminated cash bail in 2017, replacing it with a system that evaluates whether a defendant poses a flight risk or public safety risk. Judges typically decide whether a defendant will be released or detained within 48 hours of arrest based on a risk assessment score. The…
A warrant issued by a magistrate or judge in New Jersey could have your name on it and be used to place you under arrest and in police custody. A search warrant could allow police into your home to go through your belongings. If you are subject to an arrest…
TL;DR Missing a court date in New Jersey can lead to serious consequences, including arrest warrants, fines, license suspension, bail forfeiture, or even jail time. Judges have broad discretion and typically impose harsher penalties when the underlying charges are serious, such as DWI, domestic violence, or probation violations. Valid excuses…
TL;DR RICO (racketeering) targets involvement in an ongoing criminal enterprise, while conspiracy is simply agreeing with others to commit a crime—even if it never happens. RICO requires a pattern of illegal activity (at least two acts), while conspiracy focuses on the agreement and intent between participants. Racketeering covers a wide…
