Blog

  • When do police need a warrant to search your vehicle?

    Nov 4, 2025

    Most people are at least somewhat aware of their rights if law enforcement officers show up at their door and want to search their home. They know that police typically need their permission to come in and search unless they have a search warrant. When people are in their vehicles, things get a little fuzzier. Searches and seizures involving vehicles weren’t addressed in the U.S. Constitution since vehicles as we know them today didn’t exist...
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  • 3 types of pictures to take after a car accident

    Oct 16, 2025

    If you get involved in a car accident, outside of seeking medical attention, taking photos should be one of your first priorities. You do need to contact the authorities, and if anyone has been injured, that always takes precedence. But if possible, taking pictures can certainly help to strengthen your case. But exactly how should you take those pictures? Here are three areas to consider. Pictures and videos that capture the scene To begin with,...
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  • Can a phone call from an alleged victim end a restraining order?

    Oct 5, 2025

    People in volatile relationships may request restraining orders from the courts. Also known as protective orders, restraining orders limit the interactions between people and reduce opportunities for misconduct. People accused of domestic violence or other criminal activity could find themselves subject to a restraining order sought by someone they know. Restraining orders may force one person to change where they live and alter their socialization habits. They may need to avoid events and locations where...
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  • How diversionary programs like PTI or drug court work in NJ

    Oct 2, 2025

    Facing criminal charges in New Jersey can feel overwhelming. Not every case ends with a conviction. The state offers diversionary programs that may provide some individuals with a second chance. Programs like pre-trial intervention (PTI) and drug court focus on rehabilitation instead of punishment. What is pre-trial intervention (PTI)? PTI is for many first-time, non-violent offenders. They must meet certain requirements to qualify. Instead of going to trial, participants enter a supervised program. This may...
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  • What are examples of status offenses by juveniles?

    Sep 25, 2025

    When minors break the law, the justice system treats them differently from adults. Some offenses apply only to those under a certain age and are not crimes if committed by adults. These are known as status offenses. Status offenses are intended to protect young people and direct them toward safer behavior. Even though they may not sound serious, these offenses can still have lasting effects on a juvenile’s record and future opportunities. Truancy from school...
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  • Can you avoid distraction as long as you are looking at the road?

    Sep 10, 2025

    Many driving distractions revolve around issues that take a driver’s eyes off of the road ahead of them. Texting and driving is dangerous when a driver is looking down at their phone, for example, so they may not see things like a traffic light changing, a pedestrian entering a crosswalk or traffic slowing down ahead of them. But is it possible for a driver to avoid distraction as long as they keep their eyes up...
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  • The financial consequences of paying a speeding ticket

    Aug 29, 2025

    Traffic tickets are embarrassing and potentially inconvenient. Many drivers who get pulled over by police officers want to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. They can achieve that goal by paying the ticket. What they may not realize is that paying the fine associated with the traffic citation is the equivalent of pleading guilty. They have a blemish on their driving record that can affect their options in the future, including their eligibility for...
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  • Upcoming Labor Day targeting impaired drivers

    Aug 21, 2025

    A joint project with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation, the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” yearly campaign to reduce traffic deaths attributed to drinking or drugging and driving, is now in force. The sobriety campaign started August 15 and will run through the upcoming Labor Day weekend that ends on Sept. 1. Drunk driving wrecks 100% preventable Some accidents appear to be unavoidable. But for...
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  • 5 steps to take immediately after a drug possession arrest

    Aug 11, 2025

    An arrest for drug possession can shake up your life and bring a lot of uncertainty. What you do next matters. Taking responsible action early, like understanding your rights and seeking the right help, can make a real difference in protecting your future and starting to rebuild your life. Here are five clear steps to follow after a drug possession arrest in New Jersey: 1. Stay calm, but know your rights During an arrest, emotions...
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  • Steps to take after being involved in an auto accident

    Aug 3, 2025

    An auto accident, especially one involving a truck, can shake your sense of control in an instant. Whether it’s a fender bender or something more serious, your immediate response matters more than you might think. Understanding what you are supposed to do next can protect your safety, preserve important details, and help you avoid avoidable setbacks. 1. First, check on everyone involved Your first concern should always be health and safety. If you or anyone...
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