Drivers and passengers beware. The recent New Jersey Supreme Court decision in State v. Witt dramatically widens the range of situations where a police officer can search a motor vehicle without first getting a search warrant. History Prior to this decision, the law in all of New Jersey was, pursuant to State v. Pena-Flores, that …
Continue reading "State v. Witt – DWI And Other Infractions in New Jersey"
Read MoreCiting multiple studies nationwide, New Jersey legislators have introduced a bill that would expand the use of ignition interlock devices for individuals convicted of drinking and driving. New Jersey already mandates that repeat offenders found guilty of driving with a blood alcohol content of .15 or greater must have such a device installed. State Looks …
Continue reading "New Jersey Considers Ignition Interlock Legislation"
Read MoreThis poignant quote from Washington Township, NJ, assemblyman Paul Moriarty comes on the heels of New Jersey’s new law that requires all police patrol vehicles to be equipped with dashboard cameras. Moriarty was charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) in 2012, but the charge was later dismissed when evidence from the patrol vehicle camera footage …
Read MoreFollowing the tragic suicide of bullied teen Tyler Clementi in 2010, the New Jersey Legislature found that the percentage of students bullied in all of New Jersey is higher than the national median. Our lawmakers took action, and Governor Chris Christie intended for the new anti-bullying law, which was passed in 2011, to be one …
Read MoreMuch has been said about the graphic video recently released showing a physical altercation in an Atlantic City casino elevator last February between the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens player Ray Rice and his wife, Janay Rice – but many are left scratching their heads as to why he’s not in jail after such an attack. Did …
Read MoreIn Atlantic City, New Jersey, the Showboat Hotel and Casino, home of Atlantic City’s House of Blues, has closed its doors. The Revel Casino has also closed only two years after opening – and having never earned a profit. Revel, which was losing approximately $1 million dollars per week received another financial blow in August …
Continue reading "Atlantic City – A Crumbling Gambling Empire With High Crime Rates"
Read MoreCriminals using sophisticated malware were able to obtain over 2.5 million credit cards used at several Michaels stores, including the Mays Landing, New Jersey location, between May 8, 2013 and Jan. 27, 2014. An information security breach might have established the parameters for the perpetrators to gain access. Michaels’ subsidiary, Aaron Brothers (no current locations …
Continue reading "Chain Store Credit Card Hacking And Identity Theft In New Jersey"
Read MoreApril was Distracted Driving Awareness Month The National Safety Council recognized April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month, employing the slogan: “U DRIVE. U TEXT. U PAY.” Local Police in towns such as North Plainfield conducted roadside stings in order to catch distracted drivers. In order to bust distracted drivers, North Plainfield officers posed as construction …
Continue reading "Distracted Driving Citations And Crashes Are On The Rise in New Jersey"
Read MoreOur DUI/DWI Defense Practice We work with clients at all stages of a DUI/DWI case, from the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) proceeding regarding the status of your driver’s license to the hearing to determine guilt or innocence and establish penalties. Even if you have already been convicted of drinking and driving, we can help you …
Continue reading "Drunk Driving Defense"
Read MoreAt the Law Office of Matthew V. Portella, LLC, we have fought for the rights of criminal defendants in New Jersey since 1994. We take a highly personalized approach to the practice of law, focusing on minimizing the consequences of an arrest or prosecution, but also striving to calm your fears and anxiety about the …
Continue reading "Welcome To The Law Office Of Matthew V. Portella, LLC"
Read More