Case Summaries | Law Office of Jay M. Arnesen

Case Summaries 2010

Defendant was charged with Aggravated Assault, N.J.S. 2C:12-1B(1), a 2^nd degree felony, subjecting him to 5 - 10 years in prison and a $150,000.00 fine; Terroristic Threats, N.J.S. 2C:12-3B, a 3^rd degree felony, subjecting him to 3 - 5 years in prison and a $15,000.00 fine; Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, N.J.S. 2C:39-4D, a 3^rd degree felony, subjecting him to 3 - 5 years in prison and a $15,000.00 fine; and Disorderly Conduct, N.J.S. 2C:33-2A, a disorderly persons offense, subjecting him to up to 180 days in the county jail and a $1,000.00 fine. Through successful negotiations with the State prosecutor, defendant pleaded guilty to one count of Possession of a weapon and was sentenced to 24 months probation and received a $205.00 fine. No State prison time.
A Hudson County man was arrested and charged with N.J.S.A. 39:4-50, Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). Additionally, the defendant's Blood Alcohol Content was allegedly .19%. If convicted of DWI, the defendant would have been sentenced to a 7 - 12 month loss of license, 12 - 48 hours of Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (I.D.R.C.), up to 30 days in the county jail, an ignition interlock device and fines. Through a pre-trial motion to exclude evidence, the defense was successful in having the Alcotest reading excluded from trial. Without the Alcotest reading, the State's could only proceed on an observation case for driving while intoxicated. The defendant opted to forego a trial and accept a new offer to plead guilty to DWI (observation case only). Defendant lost his driver's license for only 3 months, received minimum fines and the remaining charges were dismissed.
A Bergen County man was charged with N.J.S.A. 39:4-129(b), Leaving the Scene of an Accident whereby it was alleged he hit 4 parked cars and fled the scene. If convicted, the defendant would have been subjected to imprisonment for up to 30 days, a 6 month loss of his driver's license and fines. Through successful negotiation, defendant pleaded guilty an amended charge of N.J.S.A. 39:4-130, Failure to Report a Motor Vehicle Accident. Defendant was given a $100.00 fine, no jail and no loss of his driver's license.
A Bergen County man was charged with N.J.S.A. 39:3-10, Unlicensed Driver; N.J.S.A. 3-13.2A, Unauthorized Use of Special Learner's Permit; and N.J.S.A. 39:3-47, Failure to Use Headlights. If convicted, defendant could have lost his license for a total of 9 months, been imprisoned for up to 60 days and heavy fines. Through successful negotiation, defendant pleaded guilty to unauthorized use of his special learner's permit whereby he received a small fine and no loss of his driver's license.
Defendant was arrested in Ocean County and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (C.D.S.), contrary to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1), a third degree felony. More specifically, the defendant was alleged to have in his possession pills of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or the street drug commonly known as Extasy. If convicted, the defendant was subject to 3 - 5 years in prison and a $15,000.00 fine. Through negotiations with the State Prosecutor, the defendant was admitted into Pre-Trial Intervention for 24 months. After completing only 12 months of his probationary period, defense counsel successfully filed a motion for early termination of PTI. Once PTI was terminated the underlying felony drug charge was dismissed and the defendant had no criminal record or drug conviction.
Defendant was arrested and charged with N.J.S.A. 39:4-50, Driving While Intoxicated (DWI); N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.2, Refusal to Submit to Breath Samples; and 39:4-98, Speeding. The defendant was allegedly clocked doing 94 mph in a 50 mph zone. If convicted, the defendant was subject to up to 24 months loss of his driver's license for the DWI and Refusal, 5 points on his license, up to 30 days in the county jail, an ignition interlock device, community service, up to 48 hours I.D.R.C. Through successful negotiations with the Municipal Prosecutor, defendant pleaded guilty to DWI and Refusal but only received a 7 driver's license suspension, no ignition interlock, no community service, no jail, no points and the minimum fines allowed under statute. The speeding ticket was dismissed.
A Passaic County woman was arrested and charged with N.J.S.A. 39:4-50, Driving While Intoxicated (DWI); N.J.S.A. 39:4-97, Careless Driving; N.J.S.A. 39:6B-2, Uninsured Vehicle; and N.J.S.A. 39:3-29b, Failure to Exhibit Documents (Registration Card). This was the defendant's second DWI, however, since her first conviction was over ten years prior, this new offense was treated as a first. The defendant's Alcotest reading was allegedly .16% (BAC) Blood Alcohol Content. If convicted of DWI, the defendant would have been sentenced to a 7 - 12 month loss of license, 12 - 48 hours of Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (I.D.R.C.), up to 30 days in the county jail, an ignition interlock device, and fines. If convicted of the uninsured motor vehicle, defendant would have lost her license for an additional 12 months, community service and up to a $1,000.00 fine. The Careless Driving ticket subjected the defendant to 2 points on her driver's license and fines. Through a pre-trial motion to suppress evidence, the defense was able to have the Alcotest reading excluded from trial. Without the Alcotest reading, the State's case was weak. The defendant decided to forego a trial and accept a new offer to plead guilty to DWI (observation case only). Defendant lost her driver's license for only 3 months, received minimum fines52 and the remaining charges were dismissed.
An Essex County man was arrested and charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS), Cocaine, 2C:35-5a(1) and 2C:35-5b(2), a 2^nd degree felony, subjecting him to 5 - 10 years in prison and a $150,000.00 fine; Possession of CDS, Cocaine, 2C:35-10a(1), a 3^rd degree felony, subjecting him to 3 - 5 years in prison and a $15,000.00 fine; and Possession of CDS, Cocaine, within 1000 feet of a school, a 3^rd degree felony, subjecting him to 3 - 5 years in prison and a $15,000.00 fine. Through successful negotiations with the State prosecutor, defendant pleaded guilty to one count of 3^rd degree possession of cds in a school zone whereby he received only 1 year probation and a $1,000.00 fine.
Defendant was arrested and charged with Filing a False Police Report, N.J.S.A. 2C:28-4B, a disorderly persons offense, subjecting him to up to 180 days in the county jail, probation and a $1,000.00 fine; and Leaving the Scene of An Accident, N.J.S.A. 39:4-129, subjecting him to up to 30 days in jail, fines and a 6 month loss of license. Through successful pretrial negotiations, the criminal complaint was amended to a borough ordinance for disorderly conduct whereby the defendant pleaded guilty and received a small fine. The moving violation was also amended to Failure to Report an Accident N.J.S.A. 39:4-130 which resulted in a $100.00 fine, no jail and no loss of license. 56t
A Bergen County man was arrested and charged with Filing a False Police Report, N.J.S.A. 2C:28-4A, a fourth degree felony, subjecting him to up to 18 months in prison, and a $10,000.00 fine. Through successful pretrial negotiations, the felony complaint was amended to a borough ordinance and the defendant only received a small fine.
A Hudson County man was charged with Simple Assault, 2C:12-1A, a disorderly persons offense, subjecting him to up to 180 days in the County jail and a $1,000.00 fine. Through successful negotiations with the prosecutor, the charge was dismissed entirely.
A Bergen County man was arrested and charged with a second offense N.J.S.A. 39:4-50, Driving While Intoxicated (DWI); N.J.S.A. 39:3-29(b) Failure to Exhibit Documents; N.J.S.A. 39:4-98, Speeding 50 mph in a 25 mph zone; and N.J.S.A. 39:4-88b, Failure to Maintain Lane. If convicted, the defendant was subject to a 2 year loss of his driver's license, 2 - 90 days in the county jail, 4 points for Speeding, 4 points for Failure to Maintain Lane for the DWI, an ignition interlock device for 1 - 3 years, community service, up to 48 hours I.D.R.C. Through successful negotiations with the Municipal Prosecutor, defendant pleaded guilty to a first offense DWI whereby he received a 3 month suspension of driver's license, no ignition interlock, no community service, no jail, no points and the minimum fines allowed under statute. The speeding ticket was dismissed, failure to maintain land and failure to exhibit documents tickets were dismissed.
A Morris County man was arrested and charged with Simple Assault, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1A; Disorderly Conduct, N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2A(1); three counts of Harassment, N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4A, 2C:33-4B and 2C:33-4C; two counts of Terroristic Threats, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3A; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5D; and Possession of
Drug Paraphernalia, N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2. Many of the initial charges were felonies and were against police officers. The entire case was remanded down to the municipal court. Through multiple discovery requests and successful negations, seven charges against the defendant were dismissed immediately. Defendant thereafter pleaded guilty to one count of Simple Assault whereby he received probation, no jail and was ordered to attend anger management. Defendant was also given a Conditional Discharge on the drug charge. This meant that if he stayed out of trouble for six months, the charge would be dismissed.
A Morris County man was arrested and charged with DUI, Driving Under the Influence of drugs, N.J.S.A. 39:4-50; careless driving, N.J.S.A. 39:4-97; and unlawful possession of a Weapon, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3e. If convicted on the DUI, defendant would have been sentenced to a 7 - 12 month suspension of his driver's license, 12 - 48 hours of Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (I.D.R.C.), up to 30 days in the county jail, an ignition interlock device and fines. If convicted of the weapons charge, defendant could be sentenced to 180 days in the county jail and a $1,000.00 fine. The Careless Driving ticket carried two points and fines. Prior to trial, Defendant challenged the blood test which showed multiple illicit drugs in his system. As a result, Defendant pleaded guilty to DUI, observation only, whereby he received only a 3 month suspension of his driver's license, no jail, no ignition interlock device, fines and mandatory I.D.R.C. The Careless Driving and Weapons charges were dismissed.
A Hudson County man was charged with Aggravated Assault, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(B), that allegedly occurred during a bar room brawl. The charge was a third degree felony, subjecting the defendant to up to 5 years in state prison and a $35,000.00 fine. The case was remanded to municipal court and the defense challenged all pre-trial evidence. As a result, defendant agreed to pay the alleged victim's medical bills and the charge was dismissed entirely. No prison, no fines, and no criminal conviction.
A Hudson County man with a lengthy criminal record was arrested for Possession of CDS (ketamine or special k), N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10A(1), a third degree felony and Possession of Hypodermic Needles, 2C:36-6, a disorderly persons offense. If convicted of the felony, defendant could be sentenced to 5 years in prison and a $35,000.00 fine. The disorderly persons offense carried a maximum exposure of an additional 180 days jail as well as a $1,000.00 fine. Through successful negotiation, defendant pleaded guilty to one count of drug possession, however, he was sentenced to 5 years in the Hudson County Drug Court Program. The hypodermic needle charge was dismissed. The end result was the defendant received help for his drug problem and didn't go to state prison.
A high school student was arrested and charged with possession of weapon, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5, for allegedly bringing a knife into school. Defendant was originally charged with a felony weapons charge but the case was remanded back to municipal court. If convicted, the defendant faced up to six months in jail, fines, probation and a criminal conviction on his record. Through pre-trial discussions, the prosecutor amended the criminal charge to a city ordinance of Breach of Peace. This resulted in no criminal record, no probation and a small fine.
Defendant was arrested for shoplifting, N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11, a fourth degree felony at the Garden State Plaza. Defendant faced up to 18 months in prison if convicted and a $10,000.00 fine. The felony charge was remanded to municipal court. Defense counsel successfully persuaded the prosecutor to amend the charge to a petty disorderly persons offense of disorderly persons, N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2A. Defendant received a small fine and no jail.
A Morris County man was charged with 2^nd offense DWI, 39:4-50; speeding, 39:4-98; possession of CDS in a motor vehicle, 39:4-49.1; failure to exhibit documents, 39:3-29; and 2^nd offense possession of CDS, marijuana, 2C:35-10A(4). Defendant's blood alcohol content was alleged to over double the legal limit at .17%. If convicted, defendant could be sentenced to 180 days in the county jail, a 2 year loss of license for the DWI with a mandatory 2 - 90 days in jail and an additional 2 year loss of license for the drugs in a motor vehicle charge. By challenging the State's evidence, the drug portion of the case was suppressed or thrown out. Defendant then chose to forego a trial and plead guilty to DWI with the remaining charges dismissed. Defendant only received a 2 year loss of license, 2 days in jail, fines and IDRC.
A Bergen County man was charged with possession of crack/cocaine 2C:35-10A(1), possession of drugs in a motor vehicle 39:4-49.1 along with other motor vehicle tickets. If convicted, defendant could be sentenced to 180 days in the county jail, a 2 year loss of license and heavy fines. At the time of his arrest, the defendant was enrolled in drug court. This charge violated his participation in drug court and he was facing 3 years in State prison. By working with the prosecutor and his probation officer, defendant pleaded guilty to possession of CDS and was sentenced to a 6 month in-patient drug rehabilitation program and only lost his license for six months as well. Defendant was reinstated into the drug court program after he successfully completed his inpatient therapy.
Defendant was charged with failure to maintain lane 39:4-88, Driving Under the Influence of a Narcotic 39:4-50, possession of CDS in a motor vehicle, possession of marijuana 2C:35-10A(4) and possession of drug paraphernalia 2C:36-2. If convicted, defendant could have lost her license for years and been sentenced to 180 days in the county jail. Through successful negotiation, defendant entered into a conditional discharge whereby the drug charges would be dismissed after a successful 6 month probationary term. Defendant decided to forego a trial and pleaded guilty to a single count of DUI. She lost her license for 7 months, 12 hours IDRC, no jail, no ignition interlock. The remaining charges were dismissed. In the end, defendant did not get a criminal record for drug possession.

Case Summaries 2009

A Bergen County man was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) cocaine, 2C:12-35-10a(1), a crime of the Third Degree (3rd degree felony), punishable by 3 – 5 years in prison and fines and possession of drug paraphernalia, 2C:36-2, a disorderly persons offense punishable by up to 6 months in jail and fines. Defendant entered into a conditional discharge program, which is a form of Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI), created specifically for first time drug offenders in New Jersey. Upon the defendant’s successful completion of a one year probationary term, the charges against him will be dismissed, and he will have no criminal record.
Defendant arrested and charged in a Morris County municipality with 9 charges. Each charge exposed the defendant for a term of imprisonment of up to 6 months, thousands of dollars in fines and a criminal record. Defendant was charged with three counts of harassment, 2C:33-4a, 2C:33-4b, 2C:33-4c; simple assault, 2C:12-1a; purposely cause or recklessly create the risk of public inconvenience, 2C:33-2a(1); two counts of terroristic threats on a police officer, 2C:12-3a; possession of a weapon, 2C:39-5d; and possession of drug paraphernalia, 2C:36-2. Defendant pleaded guilty to simple assault whereby he was given no jail time, 12 months probation, and fines. Defendant entered into a conditional discharge program for the drug paraphernalia whereby the charges would be dismissed after 12 months and there would be no drug conviction on his criminal record. The remaining seven charges were dismissed.
Defendant arrested and charged with aggravated assault, 2C:12-1b, for an incident that took place in a local bar. Charges dismissed.
Defendant charged with CDS in a motor vehicle, 39:4-49.1; failure to exhibit documents, 39:3-29; and failure to wear seatbelt, 39:76.2f. If convicted of CDS in a motor vehicle, defendant’s driver’s license would be suspended for 2 years. Defendant pleaded guilty to failure to wear seat belt and the remaining charges were dismissed.
A Bergen County man was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, 2C:36-2. Charge dismissed.
A Bergen County man was charged with 3 counts of harassment, 2C:33-4, a disorderly persons offense, by three separate individuals. Each individual count subjected the defendant to up to 6 months in jail, fines and a criminal record. Charges dismissed.
Hudson County woman arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) within 1000 feet of school property or at school crossing, 39:4-50g. If convicted of the DWI, defendant was subject to imprisonment up to 60 days, 1 – 2 years loss of her driver’s license and fines. Defense counsel was able to have the Alcotest results excluded through pretrial motions. Thereafter, defense counsel had the probable cause for the defendant’s arrest suppressed and the charges were dismissed prior to trial. No conviction, case dismissed.
Defendant charged with driving while suspended, 39:3-40. Defendant was subjected to a suspension of his driver’s license for up to 6 months and a $500.00 fine. Defendant pleaded guilty to a lesser charge with no further suspension of his driver’s license and a $100.00 fine.
A New York Man was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) marijuana, 2C:35-10a(4), on a college campus, subjecting the defendant to up to 6 months in jail and fines. Defendant received a conditional discharge whereby the charges will be dismissed against him after a one year probationary term. The result will be no criminal conviction on his record.
A Hudson County man was charged with possession of a firearm (handgun), 2C:39-4A; possession of a handgun without obtaining a permit, 2C:39-5B; aggravated assault, 2C:12-1b(4); and terroristic threats, 2C12-3b. Defendant thereafter was subpoenaed to testify before the grand jury. On the advice of counsel, defendant refused to testify. As a result, the grand jury failed to indict the defendant on any of the charges and the case was dismissed.
Defendant charged with allowing a suspended driver to operate her vehicle, 39:3-40(h). Charge dismissed.
An Essex County man was charged with leaving the scene of an accident with injuries, 39:4-129a and driving while suspended, 30:3-40. If convicted, defendant would be subject to 180 days in jail or $2,500 – 5,000 in fines or both and 1 year suspension of his driver’s license. The driving while suspended offense was defendant’s 3rd or subsequent offense subjecting him to 45 to 180 days imprisonment, 6 months loss of his driver’s license and a $1,000 fine. Defendant pleaded guilty to reduced charges with no jail term imposed, no further suspension of his driver’s license and minimum fines.
Defendant was indicted for possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, 2C:35-5B(12), a crime of the fourth degree. Defendant faced up to 18 months in state prison if convicted. During a motor vehicle stop, police allegedly found defendant to be in possession of 22 bags of marijuana and 79 unused clear plastic baggies. Defendant admitted into Pretrial Intervention (PTI), whereby the charges will be dismissed after a two year probationary term and he will have no criminal record.
Defendant charged with criminal mischief, 2C:17-3a(1), a disorderly persons offense subjecting her to up to 6 months in jail, fines and a criminal conviction. Charge dismissed.
Defendant was cited for speeding on the New Jersey Turnpike by New Jersey State Police, 19:8-1.2. Defendant was alleged to be traveling 100 mph in a 65 mph zone. Defendant pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of operating a motor vehicle in unsafe manner, 39:4-97.2, whereby he received fines, zero points and no suspension of his driving privileges.
Defendant was arrested and charged with resisting arrest, 2C:29-2A, 3rd degree (3 – 5 years imprisonment); possession of a prescription drug without a valid prescription (Alprazolam), 2C:35-10.5E(2), 4th degree (up to 18 months imprisonment); serving alcohol to minors, 2C:33-17A, disorderly persons offense (up to 6 months imprisonment); and causing public inconvenience, annoyance and alarm, 2C:33-2.A(1), petti disorderly persons offense (up to 30 days imprisonment). Defendant pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of resisting arrest whereby he received fines, no probation and no imprisonment. The remaining 3 charges were dismissed or amended to borough ordinance violations.
Juvenile was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) marijuana, 2C:35-10a(4) and for being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS), 2C:35-10b, both disorderly persons offenses. The Juvenile Delinquency Complaint was brought forth in the Chancery Division, Family Part of the Superior Court. The case was held open for 6 months and the charges were dismissed.
Passaic County woman charged with driving with a suspended registration, 39:3-40. If convicted, defendant was subject to an additional 6 months suspension on her driver’s license and a $500 fine. Defendant pleaded guilty to a lesser charge with no further license suspension and minimum fines.
Defendant charged with driving while suspended, 39:3-40, unregistered motor vehicle, 39:3-4; and driving on safety island, 39:4-82.1 (4 points). The driving while suspended ticket subjected the driver to up to 6 months suspension of his driver’s license and a $500 fine. Defendant pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of being an unlicensed driver pursuant to 39:3-10a and having an unregistered motor vehicle. He was given a fine with no further license suspension. The 4 point moving violation was dismissed.
A Hudson County woman was charged with shoplifting, 2C:20-11B(1), 4th degree. Defendant pleaded guilty to an amended city ordinance of Breach of Peace, a non-criminal violation, which resulted in minimum fines, no criminal conviction and no jail term.
Defendant was indicted for possession of a controlled dangerous substance CDS (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine/MDMA/extasy), 3rd degree. If convicted, defendant was subject to 3 – 5 years in prison. Defendant was admitted into Pre-Trial Intervention (P.T.I.) whereby the charges against him will be dismissed upon his successful completion of the program. Thereafter, he will have no criminal conviction for this crime.
Defendant was arrested and charged in Hudson County with possession of a controlled dangerous substance CDS (cocaine), 2C:35-10a; hindering apprehension, 2C:29-3b.1; possession of CDS in a motor vehicle, 39:4-49.1; driving while suspended, 39:3-40; and improper headlamps, 39:3-47. Defendant entered into a conditional discharge program whereby the possession charges would be dismissed after 12 months and there would be no drug conviction on his criminal record. Defendant also pleaded guilty to driving while suspended and was given a 6 month loss of license and a fine. The improper headlamps charge was dismissed. The hindering apprehension charge which carried a possible 6 month jail term was dismissed. Additionally, the possession of CDS in a motor vehicle which carries a mandatory 2 year loss of driver’s license was dismissed.
Defendant was charged with leaving the scene of an accident, 39:4-129d whereby he allegedly struck 4 parked vehicles, causing heavy damage, before fleeing the scene. If convicted, defendant faced up to 30 days imprisonment or up to a $400 fine or both and a 1 year loss of his driver’s license. Defendant pleaded guilty to failure to report an accident, 39:4-130, whereby he received a $100 fine, no jail term and no license suspension.
Defendant was arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), 39:4-50. Defendant’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was alleged to have been .18 %. If convicted, defendant would lose his license for 7 – 12 months, serve up to 30 days in jail, fines and mandatory IDRC. Defense counsel was able to show the police did not wait 20 minutes from the time they arrested defendant until the time he submitted his first breath sample. Therefore the alcotest results were not valid. Defendant pleaded guilty to DWI as an observation case and received 3 months loss of his driver’s license, 12 hours IDRC, mandatory fines and no jail term.
Defendant charged with simple assault, 2C:12-1A. This was a disorderly persons offense which exposed the defendant up 6 months imprisonment, fines and criminal record. Charges dismissed.
Defendant charged with Driving Under the Influence of a narcotic (DUI), 39:4-50 and careless driving, 39:4-97. If convicted for DUI, defendant would lose his driver’s license for 7 – 12 months, spend up to 30 days in jail, IDRC and fines. Defendants toxicology results came back positive for marijuana and a multitude of prescription medications. Additionally, a conviction for careless driving would result in 2 points on defendant’s license and fines. Defense counsel successfully argued that the officer used field sobriety tests (FST) for alcohol as the basis for the probable cause to arrest the defendant when he should have used a drug recognition expert (DRE). As a result, the toxicology report was not used and defendant pleaded guilty to DUI on an observation case only. Defendant lost his driver’s license for 3 months, received fines and the minimum penalties allowed under statute.
Defendant charged with providing a false report to police, 2C:28-4b, a fourth degree felony which subjected him to up to 18 months in state prison, as well as fines and a criminal record. Defendant also charged with providing a false report to police in a second jurisdiction stemming from the same incident, 2C:28-4a, and leaving the scene of an accident, 39:4-129. The second charge was a disorderly persons offense subjecting defendant to up to 6 months in jail, fines, and a criminal record. Leaving the scene of an accident subjected defendant to fines, up to 30 days in jail or both and 6 months suspension of his driver’s license. All criminal charges were amended to boro ordinances which resulted in small fines and no criminal conviction. Defendant also pleaded guilty to an amended charge of failure to report an accident, 39:4-130, which resulted in a $100 fine, no loss of license and no jail time.
Defendant charged in 3 different municipalities with driving while suspended, 39:3-40. If convicted, he was exposed to up to 10 days in county jail, up to $1000 in fines and 6 months suspension of his driver’s license per incident. Defendant pleaded guilty to amended charges in each jurisdiction which resulted in minimum fines, no further license suspension and no jail time.
Defendant arrested and charged with shoplifting, 2C:20-11b(2), a fourth degree felony, subjecting her to up to 18 months in prison, fines and a criminal record. The case was remanded back to the municipal court where the defendant pleaded guilty to a lesser petti disorderly person offense with fines and no jail time.
Defendant charged with CDS in a motor vehicle, 39:4-49.1; failure to exhibit documents, 39:3-29; and failure to wear seatbelt, 39:76.2f. If convicted of CDS in a motor vehicle, defendant’s driver’s license would be suspended for 2 years. Defendant pleaded guilty to failure to wear seat belt and the remaining charges were dismissed.
Defendant arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance (marijuana), 2C:35-5a(1) and 2C:35-5b(12); possession of a controlled dangerous substance (marijuana), 2C:35-10A(4), and possession of drug paraphernalia, 2C:36-2. The possession with intent charge was a fourth degree felony subjecting the defendant to up to 18 months in state prison. The remaining charges were disorderly persons offenses subjecting the defendant to up to 6 months in jail each. Defendant was admitted into Pre-Trial Intervention (P.T.I.) without pleading guilty. The charges against her will be dismissed upon her successful completion of the program. Thereafter, she will have no criminal conviction.