The 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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Read MoreNew Jersey White Collar Criminal Defense Attorney When you are facing criminal charges concerning fraud, financial crimes, tax evasion, or other related charges, it is critical to begin working with an experienced New Jersey white-collar criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. White-collar crime is a relatively broad area of criminal law in New Jersey …
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Read MoreSince the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Murphy has signed a series of executive orders that affect the operation of the New Jersey State Government. These orders concern several different aspects of government and private life. Many of these orders likely affect your daily life and activities. The following is a partial list of …
Read MoreJERSEY CITY – 24-year-old Chaz R. Morris, of Van Wagenen Avenue near Pavonia Avenue, has been charged with pointing a gun at a man through a window, threatening him to “come out and fight.” Facts of the Case According to officials, Morris was charged with making terroristic threats and weapons offenses related to a gun …
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