New Jersey Criminal Sentencing – Understanding Aggravating & Mitigating Factors (N.J.S.A. 2C:44-1) After a conviction for a criminal offense in New Jersey, whether by plea or trial verdict, the crucial next step is sentencing. While statutes define the range of potential penalties based on the degree of the crime, judges don’t impose sentences arbitrarily. New […]

Can Police Pat Me Down During a Stop in New Jersey? Understanding Your Rights (Terry Frisks) Being stopped by police in New Jersey can be stressful, and you might wonder about your rights if an officer wants to search your person. A common procedure is the “pat-down” or “frisk.” Can police legally do this whenever […]

Riding a Bicycle Under the Influence in New Jersey – Is It a DWI/DUI? (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50) Many New Jersey residents enjoy cycling, but questions often arise about the legal consequences of riding a bicycle after consuming alcohol or drugs. Can you get a DWI/DUI for biking under the influence? Brett M. Rosen, Esq., certified by […]

Can Police Make Me Step Out of My Car During a Traffic Stop in New Jersey? It’s a question many drivers in New Jersey consider: during a traffic stop, can a police officer legally order you, the driver, or your passengers to get out of the vehicle? Understanding your rights and police authority in this […]

Brett M. Rosen, Esq.: Can NJ Police Arrest Me Just for Forgetting My Driver’s License or Registration? It’s a common scenario: you’re pulled over for a minor traffic infraction in New Jersey, and you realize you left your wallet or purse at home, without your driver’s license, registration, or insurance card. Panic might set in […]

How Much Time for a Gun Charge in New Jersey? Understanding NJ Gun Laws & The Graves Act New Jersey has some of the most stringent gun laws in the United States, and convictions often carry severe penalties, including mandatory prison time with lengthy periods of parole ineligibility. If you’re charged with a firearms offense, […]