In New Jersey, a first DWI is a motor vehicle offense handled in municipal court, not a crime, but the penalties are real: fines of $250 to $500, 12 to 48 hours at an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center, a $1,000 yearly insurance surcharge for three years, and possible jail of up to 30 days. Since the 2019 law took effect, most first offenders install an ignition interlock device instead of facing a long license suspension. Refusing a breath test carries similar penalties.

5 min read

Criminal Defense

Charged with shoplifting in New Jersey: penalties and options

In New Jersey, shoplifting is graded by the full retail value of the merchandise under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11. Under $200 is a disorderly persons offense heard in municipal court; $200 and up is an indictable crime handled in Superior Court. Many first-time defendants may be eligible for diversion like conditional dismissal or PTI, and stores can separately demand civil payment whether or not you are convicted.

5 min read

Criminal Defense

Drug possession charges in New Jersey after cannabis legalization

Since February 2021, adults in New Jersey can legally possess up to six ounces of marijuana, and possessing that amount is no longer any kind of offense. Possessing other controlled dangerous substances like cocaine, heroin or pills without a prescription is still generally a third degree crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10. First-time defendants may qualify for diversion like conditional discharge or PTI, and past marijuana cases were largely vacated.

5 min read