Blog: Criminal Defense
- The real cost of a DUI
Jun 27, 2016
DUIs can be very expensive, but not always in the way you would think. While the state of New Jersey imposes fines, fees and surcharges for both first-time and repeat offenses, there are other costs to be aware of. Initial fines and penalties In New Jersey, the fines, fees, surcharges and other penalties you incur if convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol depend on whether it is your first or a repeat offense...Read More - How An Attorney Can Help Fight Your Bergen County Domestic Violence
Charge
May 31, 2016
A Bergen County domestic violence charge is one that you never want to handle alone. Not only can your emotions get in the way of your defense but the legal system surrounding this type of charge can get confusing, fast. Domestic violence can take many forms and does not need to be physical to rise to the level of a major charge with serious consequences. Working with an experienced Bergen domestic violence attorney can help...Read More - How An Attorney Can Help Defeat Your Union County Domestic Violence
Charges
May 31, 2016
Dealing with Union County domestic violence charges is never fun. In fact, it can be downright infuriating. Not only is there an incredible amount of emotion that goes into anything dealing with domestic violence but many individuals often feel like their side of the story won’t even be heard. That is simply not the case and a major reason why you should get in touch with an experienced attorney if you are facing this charge...Read More - Benefits of Working With A Middlesex Domestic Violence Attorney
May 20, 2016
Confusion. Anger. Frustration. Desperation. Defeat. All very common emotions when dealing with a domestic violence charge in Middlesex County, New Jersey. Here’s a quick look at some of the benefits of working with an attorney over trying to handle the domestic violence charges on your own: Handling court papers Self-representation: mistakes, misunderstanding and missed deadlines are so easy to happen that when you are representing yourself, all these things can happen way too easily. Handling...Read More - Why You Need A Lawyer For Hudson County Domestic Violence Cases
May 20, 2016
Getting charged with domestic violence is a serious charge that many individuals feel confused and frustrated by and not sure what they should do. At the Law Offices of Thomas Carroll Blauvelt, I get how you are feeling and will make sure that your side of the story is heard loud and clear by the court. Don’t try to handle this on your own and don’t accept the charges against you without presenting your side...Read More - Somerset Domestic Violence Defenses: How An Attorney Can Help
May 20, 2016
Let’s start with this very simple truth that many people quickly forget when facing the Somerset criminal justice system: just because you are charged with domestic violence does not mean you will be convicted of it. So with that in mind, take a deep breath and keep reading. At the Law Offices of Thomas Carroll Blauvelt, we are here to help fight the domestic violence charges against you and allow you to begin living your...Read More - New Jersey does not offer diversion programs to DUI offenders
Apr 28, 2016
In many states, first-time DUI offenders can participate in diversionary programs that allow them to avoid the harsh penalties of a conviction and keep their records clean. While New Jersey does have diversion programs – such as the Pre-Trial Intervention Program (“PTI”), the Conditional Discharge Program and the Conditional Dismissal Program – for certain offenses, none of these programs apply to DUI. However, that does not mean your case is hopeless. Prosecutors do have the...Read More - New Jersey has strict shoplifting penalties
Apr 7, 2016
If you are convicted of shoplifting in New Jersey, you will pay for two things: your crime and your conviction. In New Jersey, shoplifting penalties include fines, community service and possible jail times. But, they also allow store owners to recover all of their monetary losses linked to the shoplifting. This might even include the store owners’ court fees. Exactly what is shoplifting? In New Jersey, shoplifting is defined as taking an item, or attempting...Read More - Are juvenile records really private?
Mar 22, 2016
Everyone knows juvenile records are sealed and can’t be viewed by anyone….right? Wrong. While it is true that juvenile records are “strictly safeguarded” in New Jersey, they are not completely hidden from public view. In fact, juvenile records are accessible by more people than you may think. Juvenile records are not invisible Most states offer complete protection while a juvenile matter is pending. However, once a child has been adjudicated “delinquent” (the equivalent of “guilty”...Read More - What is a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE)?
Mar 9, 2016
In New Jersey, it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Police have tools, like the Breathalyzer, to measure the amount of alcohol in a driver’s blood. However, determining whether a driver is under the influence of drugs – and whether those drugs have caused impaired driving – is more difficult. In the 1970s the Los Angeles Police Department created a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) program to help officers determine whether...Read More