How is Criminal Law Unique in New Jersey?

The criminal law attorneys in New Jersey at the Law Office of Mark A. Bernstein explain how criminal law is unique in NJ and discuss how they may affect the outcome of your case.

What are some of the New Jersey criminal laws you should know?

Types of Crimes

New Jersey has two categories of criminal offenses: crimes and disorderly persons offenses (often referred to in other jurisdictions as felonies and misdemeanors). In New Jersey, the differences between criminal offenses and disorderly persons offenses include which court hears the case, who prosecutes it, and the amount of imprisonment a person faces if convicted.

DWI

Drivers whose blood alcohol level is .08% or more are considered to be driving while intoxicated (DWI). New Jersey has a graded system of fines and punishment, which increase in accordance with the level of intoxication and the frequency (if any) with which you have been arrested for DWI before. If you are stopped on suspicion of DWI, you are required to submit to two breath tests. If you refuse to take the test, you will receive an immediate citation for that refusal. Unlike states which permit some limited driving – such as driving directly to and from work – in New Jersey, if your license is suspended or revoked for any reason, you will not be able to drive, without exception.

Sex Offenders

New Jersey created sex offender registration with the enactment of Meghan’s Law. Now copied in other states, Meghan’s Law requires the registration of sex offenders and those registration records are public records.

Expungement

In New Jersey, it may be possible for certain criminal records to be “expunged,” or removed. Depending on various factors such as the type of crime involved, the length of time that has elapsed since the crime was committed, and the criminal’s age at the time, all criminal records on file, including warrants, arrests, and convictions, may be expunged upon application to the court.

If you have been charged with a crime or a disorderly persons offense, or if you have been arrested for DWI, call the Law Office of Mark A. Bernstein at 856.424.3338, or complete our quick contact web form. Let us fight for you.

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