Category: Criminal Law

New Jersey gun laws impose strict regulations on firearm possession, making it illegal to carry or own weapons without the necessary permits. If you’re found guilty, you can face up to $150,000 in fines and 5 to 10 years in prison for this second-degree offense.

However, depending on your unique circumstances, it may be possible to fight back against these charges in court. Here’s an overview of five ways attorneys can defend their clients in weapon possession cases.

First, an Overview of New Jersey Weapon Possession Charges

To convict someone of unlawful possession weapons charges in New Jersey, prosecutors must prove that the defendant knowingly possessed the weapon and that it was either obtained illegally or used with criminal intent. 

Certain firearms offenses, such as possession of a machine gun or an assault rifle without proper authorization, are classified as a first-degree crime and carry severe penalties. If convicted, individuals could face years in New Jersey state prison, depending on the severity of the crime.

The issuer of a bounced check may be charged with passing a bad check depending on the circumstances surrounding the bank’s refusal to honor it. While this issue may not appear to be that serious on the surface, it is considered a theft offense under New Jersey law. If you were charged with writing a bad check or simply want to learn more about them, here’s an overview of what they are, the potential penalties, and possible defenses.

Under New Jersey law, resisting arrest is a serious disorderly person offense that can incur six months in jail or longer, depending on the circumstances. However, it is possible for defendants to drop the charges with the help of an experienced criminal law attorney. Here’s an overview of five possible legal defenses that can be used to challenge a resisting arrest offense.

As most everyone already knows, underage drinking is illegal in New Jersey. Consequently, the act of furnishing an alcoholic beverage to a minor is also against the law in the state and many other parts of the country.

While furnish means to provide or supply, it also encompasses many other acts, meaning that this law isn’t as simple as it may seem. If you’re curious about what this law entails, let’s look at what it means to furnish alcohol to minors, the consequences, and possible exemptions.

An obstruction of justice is when an individual’s conduct obstructs the administration of law. This term is incredibly broad and encompasses many different types of unlawful actions and behavior. 

In general, a justice obstruction commonly pertains to conduct that hinders and stands directly in the way of law enforcement and court processes. Here are several different forms an obstruction can take.

Those who are found guilty of a criminal case face heavy and life-changing penalties — however, what is considered a criminal case? The definition of civil and criminal cases and the punishments for being found guilty can vary by state. If you’re interested in learning what criminal cases are in the state of New Jersey, here’s an overview of how they’re defined and what each degree entails.

Hiring a competent defense attorney can make a major difference in the success of your case. As such, knowing the signs of experienced and reliable criminal defense lawyers is of utmost importance. If you’re searching for criminal defense attorneys to assist with your criminal charges, here are five traits you should be on the lookout for.

In the intricate realm of criminal law, the choice between a public defender and a private attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your case. At The Law Office of Zapicchi & Liller LLP, we understand the nuances and complexities that surround criminal cases in New Jersey.

Here we’ll delve into the differences between a public defender and a private attorney, shedding light on the advantages of opting for personalized legal counsel.

To deter their usage and distribution, the penalties and punishments for drug possession can be incredibly harsh. Defendants found guilty can end up facing hefty fines and years of jail time — but even if they are charged with possessing drugs, that doesn’t mean they are automatically guilty. There are actually many ways that you can defend yourself in court from a possession charge, so let’s take a look at four common drug possession defenses.

The New Jersey Supreme Court recently issued a ruling that has significant implications for those with prior cannabis offenses. The court’s decision allows people with previous cannabis offenses to still be eligible for diversionary programs such as pre-trial intervention. This is an important step forward in the state’s efforts to reduce the criminal justice burden on individuals convicted of minor marijuana offenses.