A criminal record can create significant obstacles when searching for work in New Jersey. From background checks to professional licensing restrictions, the consequences of a conviction can extend well beyond the courtroom. However, New Jersey law also provides important protections and pathways that may help individuals with criminal records access employment opportunities. Understanding how a …
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Read MoreMany people facing a drunk driving charge assume they are dealing with a criminal offense similar to those prosecuted in other states. One of the most common questions New Jersey drivers ask is: “Is a DUI a felony in New Jersey?” The answer surprises many people. Unlike most states, New Jersey does not classify DUI …
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Read MoreWhen temperatures rise, tempers often do too. Each summer, there’s a noticeable uptick in assault cases and public fights in towns like Haddonfield, NJ. While this area is generally safe, the combination of heat, alcohol, and social stress can lead to more confrontations in both public and private spaces. Public assaults often happen at parks, …
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Read MoreNew Jersey has strict sex offender registration requirements. A person convicted of a sex-based offense may be required to register as a sex offender and may even be supervised by authorities for a period of 15 years. That being said, there are options available to get your name removed from the sex offender registry and/or …
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Read MoreThe U.S. Constitution protects people against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police officers generally need to get a warrant from a judge to conduct a search. However, there are some limited exceptions. In this article, our New Jersey criminal defense attorney provides an overview of the key things to know about your search warrants, the legal …
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Read MoreIn 2021, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act into law. The legislation dramatically reformed New Jersey’s marijuana laws creating a system for regulation and legalizing cannabis possession and use for adults 21 years of age and older. This raises an important question: How is …
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Read MoreTechnically speaking, New Jersey does not have “felonies” and “misdemeanors.” Instead, the state classifies offenses as “indictable crimes” and “disorderly persons” offenses. As a result, this raises an important question: “if I am cited for a traffic violation in New Jersey, have I been charged with a crime?” The short answer is “no.” Traffic violations …
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Read MoreWhile not one of the most severe charges under New Jersey law, a conviction for disorderly conduct carries significant penalties including fines and jail time. There are many myths and misconceptions about what exactly constitutes disorderly conduct under state law. At the Law Office of Matthew V. Portella, LLC, we make sure you understand your …
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Read MoreOn February 22, 2021, Governor Phil Murphy signed a series of cannabis reform bills into law. The legislation legalizes recreational cannabis use and possession for adults 21 years old and older. It decriminalizes certain marijuana offenses and changed the penalties from criminal to civil fines. The action has received mixed reactions. While some appreciate the …
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Read MoreIn criminal law, a defendant’s actions can sometimes be excused if they can establish Duress/Coercion as a Defense to Criminal Charges in New Jersey. This defense may apply where a threat or actual physical force caused you to commit a crime. Consider a situation where someone threatens physical harm or holds a gun to your …
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