The state has a high standard of evidence to meet in a criminal case. If criminal charges go to trial, the prosecutor must have evidence to support their claims of intentional criminal activity. They must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant broke the...
Law enforcement officers are tasked with helping to ensure public safety by identifying and apprehending impaired drivers. However, implicit racial bias can play a role in how police interact with drivers during DWI stops. Implicit bias is unconscious attitudes or...
Criminal bail reform in the United States has been at the forefront of discussions about fairness and justice in the legal system for decades. Historically, a reliance on cash bail created disparities wherein wealthy defendants could secure release while lower-income...
Many people who insist they did not break the law find themselves facing criminal charges. They typically have to enter a plea either admitting that they broke the law or insisting that they didn't. The case may go to trial if they plead not guilty. Those facing a...
When it comes to contested child custody cases, parents often assume that the judge presiding over their case will automatically render a fair and impartial decision. However, this assumption can be both dangerous and misguided, potentially leading to unexpected and...
In New Jersey, the division of debt during a divorce is a critical issue that can result in long-term effects on both parties' financial health and credit scores. New Jersey follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning that debts accrued during the...
Some people get arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) because they cause crashes. Others fail a breath test during a traffic stop. Either of those circumstances can lead to someone's prosecution. Those convicted by a judge or jury, as well as those who plead...
As the problem of fatal drug overdoses worsened across the U.S., lawmakers and public health officials looked for ways to curb it. They found that too often, people die from overdoses because the people who are with them flee the scene out of fear rather than get...
Police officers in New Jersey perform a very challenging job. They need to deter and investigate crime whenever possible, while making every reasonable effort not to violate anyone's civil rights. Unfortunately, some officers let prior experiences or personal biases...
Social awareness of how addiction intersects with criminal activity has forced major changes in how the states handle certain criminal offenses. For example, the creation of New Jersey drug courts – also known as recovery courts – has introduced an invaluable...
