May 20, 2013 By

What to do when handed a traffic ticket

The Bloomfield Municipal Court in Bloomfield, New Jersey has identified various scenarios and guidelines when an individual is given a traffic ticket. For example, if you have received a summons that was issued by a Police Officer or State Trooper and wish to contest the allegations, it is best to contact the Violations Bureau by phone or in writing before the date that appears on the Summons. In this communication, it is prudent to address that you wish to contest the Summons and enter a plea of “not guilty.” The first appearance after a “not guilty” plea is then scheduled in which a conference will take place with the Township Prosecutor. The Police Officer or Trooper may not be notified to appear on that date, and if a resolution is not determined then the matter will be sent for trial by the Court.

Another example includes when an individual is not satisfied when found guilty or pleading guilty of a traffic offense or criminal offense. If a person is not satisfied with the court’s finding or the sentence imposed then that person can appeal to the Superior Court of New Jersey. This is known as a “Trial De Novo” before a Superior Court Judge.
The court will refer to the transcript of the hearing that took place. The individual will need to pay for the cost of the transcript and file the correct forms provided by the Municipal Violations Bureau within twenty (20) days of the date of your conviction and/or sentence.

If a person fails to appear to a court appearance, fails to notify the Court of a new address, fails to pay a fine, or even fail to follow what is directed in a Summons then a court can order a Bench Warrant for your arrest, suspend your driver’s license and registration privileges, as well as even impose additional sanctions for noncompliance.
See more information here.

Need help getting out of a traffic ticket?

Learn about your rights with the help of attorneys at Taylor & Boguski in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. For more information and help with fighting your traffic ticket, contact us for a free attorney consultation at 800-404-5299 or 856-234-2233, or visit our Practice Areas page for more information about Taylor & Boguski.

Filed Under: Municipal Court Defense Tagged With:
October 10, 2012 By

Shoplifting and Municipal Court Defense – Southern New Jersey

Recently, a 37-year-old woman was arrested for shoplifting $490 worth of baby formula at a Wegmans in Mount Laurel. She is now facing criminal charges in a New Jersey Municipal Court. Studies have shown that most adults do not shoplift out of personal need, but rather are acting out of pressures they are dealing with in their lives at the time of the crime.

New Jersey Law Prosecutes Those Accused of Shoplifting

For 1 in 11 people, shoplifting is an addiction, perhaps a coping mechanism. Was the woman arrested for stealing the baby formula at a Wegmans in Mount Laurel stealing out of need, or for some other reason? New Jersey law does not distinguish between a seasoned shoplifted and a person who acted with poor judgment just one time. If caught in the act and arrested, both individuals can be facing criminal shoplifting charges.

If you have been arrested for shoplifting charges in Mount Laurel or elsewhere in southern New Jersey, you will want to discuss your situation with an attorney skilled in defending clients against shoplifting charges.

You can expect that you will initially go through an arraignment. This is the time when you enter a plea of guilty or not guilty before a judge. Generally, this arraignment will take place in a Municipal Court. However, if the theft valued at higher than $200, you may be charged in Superior Court.

Shoplifting Conviction Problems

In either case, however, if you are convicted, you will have a criminal record. Having a record that shows you have been convicted for stealing may make it difficult for you to get a job. If you are applying for U.S. citizenship, you may not be allowed to become a citizen.

There are no diversion programs for shoplifting charges. However, in some situations, your charge could be lowered to a municipal ordinance, in which case, you would not have a criminal record. This type of conviction can also be expunged after two years.

Case Dismissals in Municipal Court

In New Jersey municipal courts, shoplifting charges can be dismissed for many reasons, including if the security guards or employee witnesses do not show up for trial. There are times when a case is dismissed simply because the employees of the company do not show up at court on the day of trial.

If you were arrested and charged for shoplifting, whether a bottle of hand lotion or a large ticket item, take action now to protect your rights and your right to a good future. Discuss your case with a criminal defense lawyer who has extensive experience successfully defending clients’ rights in municipal courts throughout southern New Jersey.

Defense Against Shoplifting Charges in Municipal Court: 800-404-5299 or 856-234-2233

To schedule a confidential appointment with a shoplifting defense attorney at Taylor and Boguski, in Mount Laurel, NJ, please call 800-404-5299 or 856-234-2233 or contact us online.

Filed Under: Municipal Court Defense Tagged With: , , ,