The sun hadn’t even set as you headed out to dinner. But the blue lights of the police car behind you struck fear in your heart. Chances are good the police officer is going to ask you to perform field sobriety tests. Should you comply? Sober people can flunk field...
When a person hears the words, “You are under arrest,” it can feel like the end of the world. There is an instant loss of control and freedom that comes with the click of handcuffs. Instead of thinking of all the things that can’t be controlled, it is important to...
Discrimination based on someone’s race or ethnicity is illegal. Both federal and New Jersey laws address this issue. Yet, discrimination continues to occur – including instances of racial profiling. Racial profiling generally refers to a type of discrimination often...
Although you have the right to a speedy trial, it is common for those accused of a crime to wait weeks or even months between arraignment and their criminal trial. Most people do not want to spend that much time in state custody, so they will oppose the state's motion...
A municipal court is often a defendant’s first stop in their journey through New Jersey’s criminal justice system. Sometimes, the case will begin and end in municipal court if the charges are relatively minor. For serious offenses, a municipal court appearance is...
Most criminal defense attorneys will tell you that what you do before, during and after your arrest can have a profound effect -- for good or ill -- on the outcome of your case. If you’re facing a criminal investigation or have been arrested, there are things you can...
Predictive policing is a relatively new system that has been developed as computer technology advanced. It is intended to harness the power of data to determine where a crime is likely. The computer can sort through this data quickly and give recommendations about...
Assumptions of gang involvement are an all too common occurrence for many people of color. It can happen on the street or even in the halls of their school building. These accusations might be common, but they can pose a serious risk to individuals and their futures....
These days, between cellphone and surveillance videos inside and outside of businesses and other properties, it seems like just about every interaction between police and citizens is recorded. But what should you know before you record your interaction (or someone...
If you are a person of color in America, there is a risk that you will be or have been racially profiled. Racial profiling occurs when a law enforcement officer treats one racial group differently (and worse) than they would another. This might happen in a few ways....
