July 2011 Archives

July 31, 2011

Avon by the Sea Court Lawyer

AVON-BY-THE-SEA CRIMINAL AND TRAFFIC CHARGES

Most of the traffic tickets, Avon DWI charges and drug arrests occur near Ocean Avenue and after traffic stops on Route 71. The volume of arrests and criminal charges spikes dramatically in Avon-by-the-Sea in the summer months. If Avon police have arrested you, know that you have rights and there are probably defenses to the charges. Call now for a free consultation with a defense attorney about your Avon charges.

AVON MUNICIPAL COURT

Avon-by-the-Sea does not have its own municipal court. Instead, Avon traffic tickets, DWI arrests and disorderly persons charges are heard in the Neptune City Municipal Court. The Neptune City Court is located at 106 West Sylvania Avenue, Neptune City, N.J. 07753.

Avon does have its own police force. The Avon by the Sea Police Department is located at 301 Main Street, Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ 07717.

AVON BY THE SEA - NEW JERSEY

Avon-by-the-Sea is a small borough in Monmouth County by the ocean with a population of 1,901 people as of the 2010 Census. Although many vacationers as well as the local people pronounce the name as Avon, the correct pronunciation is "Ah-von." Avon's long boardwalk and beaches are heavily populated during the summer months.
Avon was incorporated as a borough by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 23, 1900. It has a total area of 0.6 square miles, of which 0.4 square miles is land and 0.1 square miles is water.

The Census from the year 2000 showed that 36.5% of Avon's residents were of Irish ancestry, the 3rd highest percentage of any municipality in the U.S. and the 2nd highest in New Jersey, where more than 1000 residents identified their ancestry. The median income for a household is approximately $60,192.

Avon-by-the-Sea has been governed since 1919 by a three-member commission including its mayor, all of whom serve four-year terms. As of 2011, the current Mayor is Robert Mahon. Avon is in the 6th Congressional district and although it was part of New Jersey's 11th state legislative district, it was recently relocated to the 30th state legislative district based on the 2010 Census.

Students in Kindergarten through eighth grade attend Avon Elementary School. Those students attending grades nine through twelve attend Manasquan High School in Manasquan. Some high school students do get a chance to attend the Academy Charter High School in Lake Como if they are accepted on a lottery basis.

July 29, 2011

Attorney for a Keyport DWI - Drug Charges

Keyport Criminal Defense

Keyport police make arrests on a regular basis for CDS possession, DWI and criminal charges. Small pieces of Route 35 and Route 36 go through Keyport. These roads bring in most of the traffic tickets, drug charges and DUI arrests in Keyport. Call to speak with a Monmouth County defense attorney before appearing in Keyport Court.

Keyport Municipal Court

The Keyport Municipal Court is charged with hearing all traffic tickets, DWI and minor criminal charges in the borough. The court is located at 70 W Front Street in Keyport. The mailing address is: Keyport Municipal Court, PO Box 70, Keyport, NJ 07735. The phone number is (732)739-5155.

Keyport, New Jersey

Keyport, mostly known for its thriving oyster industry, is a borough in Monmouth County. One of Keyport's nicknames is "the Perl of the Bayshore". It was originally created as a town in 1870 from portions of Raritan Township. The replacement of Town by Borough took place in 1908. The total area of the borough of 1.4 square miles is mostly composed of land, with only 0.70% of water.

According to the data of the U.S. 2000 Census, the population was 7,586. In 2003 the estimated population had barely changed to 7,504. This decrease in population has continued and in July 2009, the reported figure was 7,482.

The gross racial composition of Keyport Borough at the time of the last census was 85.2% White, 11.09% Hispanic or Latino of any race and 7.0% African American. The principal ancestry groups reported by Keyport residents include 22% Irish, 17% Italian, 13% German, 8% Polish and 7% Black or African American.

According to the 2000 census, the population was divided into 3,264 households. More than a third of all households were made up of individuals and a fifth had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The median age of the population stands at 38.70 vs. 37.40 for the state and 35.60 for the nation. The senior population (age 65 and over) of Keyport Borough represents 15.67% of the whole.

Both the estimated median household income and the estimated median value for a house or condo have gone up since 2000. Median income in 2000 was $43,869, rising to $54,479 in 2009. The increase in the median value for house or condo has been more significant since the estimated $140,800 in 2000 more than doubled by 2009 to reach $309,001.

During the period 2005-2009, the most common industries in Keyport Borough, aside from the oyster industry, were: construction (15%), retail trade (11%) and manufacturing (10%). The female population during the same time span was dedicated largely to retail trade (18%), health care and social assistance (14%) and educational services (13%).

Non-official figures for 2010 rate the total crime risk index at 67 vs. 73 for the state. The only risk indexes higher than state figures are larceny (98 s. 62), assault (68 vs. 62) and burglary (65 s. 66). The index for robbery risk is significantly lower than the state's, at 19 vs. 108. Also lower are the murder risk (63 vs. 84), rape risk (28 vs. 39) and motor vehicle theft risk (51. vs. 76)

Regarding educational level attained by the population of Keyport Borough age 25 and older, the percentage of those who did not complete high school is par for state and national figures. Percentages of individuals who completed high school, some college or associate degree are only about 3-4% above the state. The figures for those who completed bachelor's or graduate degrees fall short by almost half of the state's percentages.

July 29, 2011

Lawyer for Lake Como DWI - Drug Charges

Lake Como Criminal Lawyer

A significant number of DUI and criminal charges are filed by Lake Como Police. This is despite the small size of the town. A DUI is not a criminal offense in New Jersey, it is a traffic violation. However, the consequences of a DWI are severe. There is no "work" or "hardship" license in New Jersey. If Lake Como police have charged you for a drug charge or DWI in Lake Como, call to speak with a criminal lawyer.

Lake Como, New Jersey

Lake Como, apparently named after the location of the sane name in Italy, is a Borough in Monmouth County. It is situated on Lake Como and the Atlantic Ocean. It is a small, interior municipality, which in the early days was known as Three Cornered Pond. This borough was originally formed as the borough of South Belmar in 1924 from portions of Wall Township.

This name was changed to Lake Como after a referendum held in 2004 and became effective in January 2005. The total area of Lake Como is 0.3 square miles, of which more than 96% is made up of land. The estimated population of Lake Como was 1,795 in 2003. According the U.S. Census Bureau, the borough population stood at 1,806 at the time of the last census in 2000. This represents a 21.9% growth from 1990, when the total population was 1,482.

Major ancestry groups reported by the residents of Lake Como include 27% Irish, 13% Italian, 13% German, 8% Black or African American, 7% English, 6% Mexican and 5% Polish. In the year 2000 the racial composition of the borough was 82.17% White, 7.75% African American and 10.13% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

As of the census of 2000, there were 824 households and 391 families residing in Lake Como. More than 20% of the households had children less than 18 years of age living with them. Households made up of individuals account for 41.1% while 12.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age of older.

The median age of the population of this borough was 36 years. The highest percentages according to age brackets correspond in order of importance to those from 25 to 44, the ones under 18 and individuals from 45 to 64. A significant 13.0% were 65 years of age or older.

At the time of the 2000 census, the per capita income in Lake Como was $27,111, compared with $21,587 nationally. The median income for a household in the borough was $47,566, and the median income for a family was $56,538. The percentage of families and population below the poverty line stood at approximately 4.3% and 7.5%, respectively. This includes residents under the age of 18 and those aged 65 or older.

According to data from the 2000 Census, the median rent in Lake Como was $708 and monthly costs for homeowners with mortgages were $1,245. A quarter% of Lake Como residents age 25 and older have a bachelor's or advanced college degree.

The violent crime rate recorded by the FBI in 2003 was 3.0 per 1,000 people. The number of violent crimes reported by this agency in the same year was seven, with no murders or homicides.

Lake Como Traffic Court

The Lake Como Municipal Court is located at 601 Main Street. The court's mailing address is PO Box 569. Belmar, NJ 07719. The court can be reached by phone at 732-681-8864. The fax number is 732-681-4728.

Lake Como does not have its own municipal court. Rather, the town shares a court with nearby Belmar Borough. Before appearing in the Belmar Municipal Court, speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney.

July 29, 2011

Lawyer for Little Silver DWI - Drug Charge

Little Silver DWI - Criminal Lawyer

Little Silver Municipal Court has jurisdiction over traffic tickets, Little Silver DUI charge, and disorderly persons arrests. Any Little Silver juvenile case or felony charge will be send to the Monmouth County Superior Court. If you are facing Little Silver criminal charges or a DWI - traffic ticket in Little Silver, call now to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Little Silver Municipal Court

The court is located at 480 Prospect Avenue, Little Silver, NJ 07739. Their phone number is 732-842-3881. The court's fax number is 732-842-9271. The presiding judge is the Hon. James E. Berube Jr., J.M.C. The Court Administrator is Janice Swaggerty.


Little Silver, New Jersey

Little Silver is a borough in Monmouth County, which dates its establishment at 1663 and settlement at 1667. Little Silver separated from the Township of Shrewsbury and was incorporated as a borough from portions of the latter. It is located on the Shrewsbury River. The total area of this borough is 3.4 square miles, of which almost 80% is land.

As of the U.S. 2000 Census, the borough's population was 6,170. This number has diminished steadily to 6,141 in 2008 and 5,696 in 2010. This population was divided into 2,232 households and 1,810 families.

There were 2,288 housing units (2,232 in 2010). Out of the latter figure, 37.9% had children under 18 years old living with them. Almost three fourths of the households were married couples living together. Approximately a fifth of all households were made up of individuals.

In 2000, the median value of a house or condo was $301,100, a figure that almost doubled in 2009 reaching $591,431. In 2010, home valued at more than $1,000,000 represented 6.58% (vs. 1.63% and 1.84% for the state and nation). The racial makeup of Little Silver, according to the 2000 census, was 97.15% White, 1.51% Asian and 1.31% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

African Americans represented a mere 0.31% of the total population. By 2010, the racial composition had changed slightly to 95.76% White and 2.66 Hispanic or Latino, with almost the same percentage of Black or African Americans at 0.32%. The principal ancestry groups reported by Little Silver residents include: 24% Irish, 20% Italian, 15% German and 10% English.

The median age of Little Silver's residents was 41 years in 2000 and 43 years in 2010, which is higher than the state median of 27.40 and the nation's of 35.60. Those 65 years of age or older accounted for 15.7%.

According to the data of the 2000 census, the median household income was $94,094. The figures for 2009 and 2010 record estimates of $146,995 and $122.751, respectively, which are well above those of the state and the nation. Males had a median income of $90,941 versus $45,938 for females. More than half of the residents of Little Silver own two vehicles. Less than one percent of families and of the population were below the poverty line, including those 65 years old and over and none for those under 18.

Crime rate indexes for 2010 place Little Silver far below the state (29 vs. 73). The lowest risk indexes are represented by murder, robbery and assault compared to the state at 7 vs. 84, 4 vs. 108 and 4 vs. 62, respectively. Motor vehicle theft risk is also low at 11 vs. 76. The only index at the same level as the state is rape.

As to the educational level of the population age 25 and over, only 2.20% have not completed high school (vs. 14.15% for the state). Percentages of those who completed bachelor or graduate degrees are significantly above state and national figures, by more than double.

July 29, 2011

Keansburg DWI - Drug Charge Lawyer

Keansburg Criminal Attorney

Police in Keansburg actively patrol the town, making arrests for DUI, CDS possession and other criminal charges on a regular basis. Many of the disorderly persons offenses in Keansburg including possession of marijuana NJSA 2C:35-10(a)4 and assault NJSA 2C:12-1a occur after traffic ticket stops and near the boardwalk area. If you are facing drug charges or a DWI in Keansburg, call now to speak with a Monmouth County criminal defense attorney.

Keansburg Court

The Keansburg Municipal Court hears DWI cases, traffic tickets, disorderly persons and petty disorderly persons offenses. The judge is the Honorable Michael D. Pugliese, J.S.C.

Court Location:
Keansburg Municipal Court
29 Church Street
Keansburg, NJ 07734

Keansburg, New Jersey

Keansburg, a borough located in Monmouth County, was formed as such in 1917 from segments of both Middletown and Raritan Townships. The community was named for U.S. Sen. John Kean, who helped establish a post office here. Former and merged names include Granville and Waycake

According to the U.S. Census bureau, Keansburg has a total area of 16.8 square miles, most of which is made up of water (93.58%). The 2000 census indicates a population of 10,732 people in 2000, which barely grew to 10,746 in 2003. By July 2009, according to unofficial data, the population had decreased to 10,536 and then to 9,683 in 2010

Out of the 3,872 households counted in the 2000 census, 35.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them. More than a quarter of the households made up of one individual and 10.1% were individuals 75 years of age or older lived alone. The median age was 34 years with 11.2% who were 65 years of age or older.

The number of violent crimes registered by the FBI in 2003 was 63, with no murders or homicides. The violent crime rate for Keansburg was low, at 5.8 per 1,000 people. By 2010 the total crime risk index stood at 80 (vs. 73 for the state). The assault risk index doubled the national figure and more than tripled the state's.

The murder and burglary risk indexes were par for the state, at 84 and 63, respectively. The rape risk index surpasses by far the state figure (142 vs. 39). Only the indexes for robbery and motor vehicle theft risk are lower than the state's, at 19 and 23 vs. 108 and 76, respectively.

The major ancestry groups reported by Keansburg residents include: 28% Irish, 19% Italian, 14% German, 5% Polish and 4% Puerto Rican. As of the 2000 census, the racial composition borough was 93.31% White, with Hispanics or Latinos of any race representing 7.95% of the population.

The median income for a household in Keansburg borough was $36,383 according to the 2000 Census, which increased to $44,511 in 2009 and $48.631 in 2010 (unofficial data). Approximately 15.5% of the families and 17.7% of the population of this borough were below the poverty line. This figure includes 23.5% of those under age 18 and 18.4% of those aged 65 or over.

In 2009, estimated median house or condo value stood at $209,663, doubling the 2000 value of $101,300. In 2010, almost a fifth of the population owned no vehicles, approximately 40% owned just one and 11.90% had three vehicles. By January 2011 the cost of living index in Keansburg stood at 120.6, which is high compared to the national average of 100.

Regarding the highest education level attained by the population age 25 and over in Keansburg, with the exception of almost half who completed high school, the percentages are below state and national figures for those who completed associate, bachelor's or graduate degrees. There is a high percentage of inhabitants who did not complete high school (24.69%)

July 28, 2011

Howell Court Lawyer

Howell Arrests and Traffic Tickets

Howell Township police are very active in issuing traffic tickets, DWI and criminal charges in the Township. The New Jersey State Police have jurisdiction over the stretch of I-195 that runs through Howell Township. If you have been arrested in Howell or issued a traffic ticket, call to speak with a local defense lawyer.

A lot of DWI - NJSA 39:4-50 - arrests are made in Howell Township. The majority of these occur on Route 9 and 33. Traffic tickets for speeding NJSA 39:4-98 and suspended license NJSA 39:3-40. My office also handles Howell Expungements and gun permit appeals.

Police in Howell regularly make criminal arrests for a wide variety of charges. Most of these are drug charges in Howell, especially possession of marijuana and other CDS. Arrests for harassment, assault and other disorderly persons offenses are common as well.

Howell Municipal Court

The Howell Township Municipal Court has jurisdiction over all motor vehicle and disorderly persons offenses in the town. Any Howell juvenile case or felony charge will be sent to the Monmouth County Superior Court.

The Howell Court is located at 300 Old Tavern Road, Howell, NJ 07731. The Court Administrator can be reached at (732) 938-4848. The prosecutor in Howell Court is Sean T. Kean, Esq. The judge is the Hon. Allan Kaplan, J.M.C.

Howell Township, New Jersey

Howell Township was formed from territory taken from Shrewsbury Township in 1801. At that time it included, in addition to its present area, all of what now are the Townships of Wall, Lakewood and Brick as well as all the boroughs along the Atlantic Ocean, from Barnegat Inlet of the Shark River Inlet at Belmar. Portions of Howell were taken to form Farmingdale in 1903. The community was named after Governor Richard Howell.

The total area of the township is 61.0 square miles, of which practically all is land, with only 0.15% water. As of the 2000 Census, the township of Howell was 48,903 people in 16,063 households.

The major ancestry groups reported by Howell residents include 24% Italian, 19% Irish, 13% German and 8% Polish. At present, the most common places of birth of foreign-born residents are: India (11%), Canada (8%), Iran (6%).and Mexico (6%). At the time of the last census, the racial makeup of the township was 89.99% White, Hispanic or Latino of any race 5.34%, African American 3.56% and Asian 3.58%

The median household income has been increasing steadily since 1999, when it was $59,858; by the time of the 2000 census it was $68,069 and estimates for 2008 place it at $76,391. The estimated median house or condo value in 2000 was $130,300, which more than doubled by 2008 when it reached $281,367
The median age of this township's population according to the U.S. Census Bureau was 36 years as of the last census.

The highest percentages of this figure correspond to people between 25 and 44 years old (32.8%) and those under the age of 18 (30.9%). The smallest percentage (1.6%) belongs to people age 45 to 64.

The principal industries in which males engage are: Construction (22%), Machinery (18%), Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (17%) and Electrical and electronic goods merchant wholesalers (10%). Females are mostly found in the following industries: Finance and insurance (21%), Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (12%) and Computer and electronic products (12%).

The above statistics are reflected in the occupations to which males of this township are dedicated: Metal workers and plastic workers (18%), Farmers and farm managers (10%), Sales representatives, services, wholesale and manufacturing (10%) and Driver/sales workers and truck drivers (10%). Female inhabitants of Howell work mostly in the following occupations: Child care workers (16%), other management occupations except farmers and farm managers (12%) and other financial specialists (11%).

In 2003, the FBI reported 68 violent crimes in Howell without murders or homicides. The violent crime rate was 1.4 per 1,000 people.

According to the 2000 census data, the educational attainment of the school population 25 and older is distributed quite evenly between high school graduates (30.0%), those with some college or associate0s degree (29.3%) and with a bachelor's degree (20.2%). These percentages are comparable with state and national ones. Only the percentage of individuals with master's, professional or doctorate degree falls below the state level (8.7% vs. 11.0%).


July 28, 2011

Interlaken DWI - Drug Charge Lawyer

Interlaken Criminal and DUI Charges

Interlaken DWI and drug charges are relatively rare. However, this does not lessen the severity of the experience if you are the one facing the charge of course. The Hazlet police, led by chief Stephen R. Carasia, actively patrol the small borough. If you are facing a DUI in Interlaken or have received a summons to appear in Interlaken Court, call to speak with a local defense attorney.

Interlaken, New Jersey

Interlaken was formed as a borough in 1922 from portions of Ocean Township. The community was named after the city in Switzerland. It is bordered on the north and south by arms of Deal Lake. It is a quiet, small, purely residential community of single family homes, without commercial or business districts. Its total area is barely 0.4 square miles, of which 90% is land.

According to data from the U.S. 2000 Census, the borough population was 900. By 2010, the population had dwindled to 740 people, showing the following changes: since 1990 -37.66% (vs. 12.99% at state level) and since 2000 -17.78% (vs. 3.79% for the state). The forecasted population change by 2014 is -6.76%.

The median age of the population of Interlaken at the time of the 2000 census was 48 years. Unofficial statistics for 2010 establish the median age at 50, significantly older than the state (37.40) and national (35.60) figures. Likewise, the percentage of individuals age 85 and over was 2.84%, also higher than state and nation (1.92% and 1.75%, respectively).

The median income for a household in the borough was $82,842 in 2000, which went up to $112.019 in 2010. The latter figure compares very favorably with the state and national medians ($72.512 and $55.970, respectively). Almost a quarter of the population of Interlaken had a median household income of $200,000 and over in 2010. The median value of owner households, at $412.121 almost doubles the state equivalent of $250.242. More than half the households (53.27%) own two vehicles (vs. approximately 38% for both state and nation).

The principal ancestry groups reported by Interlaken residents include 23% Irish, 22% Italian, 12% German and 10% English. As of the 2000 Census, the racial distribution of the borough was 98.67% White and 1.11% Hispanic or Latino of any race. These percentages have varied very little as of 2010, showing 97.84% White and 2.43% Hispanic. There are no African Americans, American Indians or Alaska Natives.

Unofficial statistics for 2010 show a total crime risk index of 26 vs. 73 for the state. The highest indexes are represented by burglary at 73 vs. 66 for the state and rape at 31 vs. 39. All the other categories (assault, murder, robbery, larceny and motor vehicle theft) are well below the state figures.

A third of Interlaken's population has completed a bachelor's degree (vs. 20.65% and 17.52% at state and national levels). The second largest group is represented by those who have completed a graduate degree, representing almost a quarter of the population age 25 and over (compared to 12.05% and 9.84% at state and national levels). A mere 1.72% has not completed high school (vs. 14.15% and 15.35% for state and national figures).

This high level of education attained is reflected in the occupations in which Interlaken's resident engage: finance. Insurance, real estate and rental and leasing 17.11%; professional, scientific, management, administrative, etc. 15.79%; educational, health and social services 26.32%. A significant percentage is occupied in public administration (5.53%).

July 26, 2011

Holmdel Court Lawyer

Holmdel Criminal Defense

Holmdel police make a substantial amount or arrests, mostly for DWI and drug possession. Often, these charges go hand in hand. Simple traffic tickets in Holmdel can easily escalate into to a DWI arrest or drug charge if a police officer smells marijuana or alcohol on you or from inside your car. If you are facing a DWI or drug arrest in Holmdel, call to speak with a local defense attorney.

The most common criminal charges in Holmdel are for possession of marijuana (NJSA 2C:35-10(a)4) and domestic violence - assault (NJSA 2C:12-1). Domestic violence cases can often be much more complicated than they initially seem. Moreover, even cases that are not even provable are sometimes vigorously pursued by prosecutors in certain cases, especially domestic violence.

In general, if you are arrested for a crime, an outstanding warrant, or DWI, you should remain calm and cooperative with police. "Being cooperative" does not mean make a statement! Before speaking with police, always speak first with an experienced defense attorney. I represent both adults and juveniles accused of crimes in Holmdel.

Holmdel DWI

DWI cases are difficult to defend. This is due to both politics and practical reasons. No judge, prosecutor or politician wants to appear being "soft" on drunk driving. Partly because of this, NJ DWI law seems to become more and more strict and even draconian every year.

On the practical side, most DWI defendants are factually guilty. The very nature of the charge results in credibility and other issues at trial. That said, there are many defenses to a Howell DUI if your attorney knows where to look for them in your case and how to exploit them in court.

Holmdel, New Jersey


Holmdel Township, named for the Holmes family of landowners, was formed in 1857 from portions of Raritan Township, now called Hazlet. It is a suburb of New York City, located roughly 35 miles south of Manhattan and 15 miles west of the Jersey shore. Former and merged names include Baptisttown and Brays Meeting House.

Holmdel has a long and rich history of association with technological and communications corporations, high rankings in income level and quality of schools. Several research facilities are located in this township.

The civilian employment by industry is mostly represented by those in the professional, scientific and technical services at 14.0% vs. for state and national (8.1 and 5.9, respectively).

According to the last census in 2000, the township has a total area of 18.1 square miles comprised mostly of land (97.7%). The population has grown steadily since 1990 from 11,532 to 15,781 in 2000 and 16.773 in 2010. A bare 9.9% of the population is included in the age group of 16 to 24 and the average age of the residents is 38.12.

The most common first ancestries reported in Holmdel Township are Italian 29.0%, Irish 12.6%, German 6.7% and Polish 4.0%. . The racial composition as of 2000 was 80.20% White, 17.45% Asian and less than 1% each from other races or ethnicities. Out of the percentage of residents of Asian origin, 21% were born in Taiwan and 13% in China (excluding Hong Kong and Taiwan).Hispanic or Latinos represent only 2.5% of the township's residents.

Just the percentage of residents who identify themselves as of Chinese ancestry represent the highest percentage in any other place in New Jersey with 1,000 or more residents. The other most common places of birth for foreign-born residents are India (10%), Korea (6%), Italy (5%), Turkey (4%) and Pakistan (3%).

In 2003 the FBI recorded ten violent crimes with no murders or homicides. The total violent crime rate was 0.6 per 1,000 people.

Estimated median household income in 2008 was $144,057 up from the median of $112,879 in 1999. According to figures from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median income for a household in the township in 2000 was $112,879 vs. $41,994 for the nation. The average family income of $159,000 per annum in 2009 made it one of the highest in the country.

The estimated median value of a house or condo stood at $112,879 in 2008, more than twice the value of 2000 ($397,300). According to the last census, owner-occupied housing units accounted for 92.0% of the total units.

The high quality of this township's education is the responsibility of four public schools and two Catholic institutions that serve students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Holmdel High School ranked prominently in 2010 among high schools in the state as well as nationally in 2011.

Very high percentages of Holmdel's residents have a Bachelor's degree (26.7% vs. 18.8 for state) and Master's, professional or doctorate degrees (28.1% vs. 11.0%).

Holmdel Court

Address:

Holmdel Municipal Court
4 Crawfords Corner Rd, PO Box 410
Holmdel, NJ 07733

Phone: (732) 946-4713

The Holmdel traffic court has jurisdiction over traffic violations, disorderly persons offenses, and local ordinance violations.

July 26, 2011

Arrested in Highlands?

Highlands NJ Criminal Defense

Highlands criminal charges and alcohol seem to go hand in hand a lot. Though a small town, a lot of arrests are made for Highlands DWI and Highlands drug charges. If you have been arrested in Highlands, call to speak with a defense attorney before appearing in court.

Atlantic Highlands and Highlands are not the same town, and they do not have the same municipal court. This is a common source of confusion for out-of-towners. The most common criminal offenses in Highlands are for possession of marijuana and alcohol related offenses for harassment, assault, and domestic violence.

Highlands, New Jersey


Highlands, a borough in Monmouth County, was incorporated in 1900 from segments of Middletown Township. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the total area of 1.3 square miles is made up by 57.58% land and 42.42% water. The town is located on the Shrewsbury River and Sandy Hook Bay, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on the eastern part of the town.

According to the Census Bureau, the borough population in 2000 was 5,097. Non-official estimates for 2003 place it at 5,367. The main ancestry groups indicated by Highlands residents include: Irish 17%, Italian 16%, German 14% and Polish 7%. Present racial composition of the population is 92.7% White, with very low percentages of Black or African Americans and Hispanics (1.61% and 6.13%, respectively) that contrast with the state percentages of 13.27% and 16.98%.

For 2003, the number of violent crimes registered by the FBI was 16 with no murders or homicides. Independent statistics for 2010 report a total crime risk index of 46 vs. 73 for the state. Out of the categories that comprise the total crime risk, only the burglary risk index is higher than the state's at 84 vs. 66. Robbery, murder and motor vehicle theft risks are significantly lower than the state figures (15 vs. 108, 13 vs. 84 and 29. vs. 76, respectively).

The median household income in 2000 was $45,692, which is slightly above the average national household income of $41,994. The estimated median household income in 2009 was $72,552, which descended to $63.158 in 2010. About a fifth of the borough's residents fall into the $50,000 to $74,999 income bracket. Unemployment rate as of 2010 stands at 5.7%. Approximately 11.5% of families and 12.3% of the population were below the poverty line in 2000. This figure includes 20.0% of residents below 18 years old and 11.7% of those age 65 or over.

The median age of Highlands' residents is 40.20, making them in average 3 to 4 years older than the state and nation's population. Out of the population 25 years old and above, only 8.92% have not completed high school. Approximately equal percentages have some college or have completed a bachelor's degree, accounting for 40.90% of this group of the population. Both percentages compare well with state and national figures. An important percentage (10.74%) has completed a graduate degree.

About half of the residents own at least one vehicle, a figure quite above the state level (48.45% vs. 34.21%) and more than a third own two vehicles. The estimated median value of a house or condo in 2009 was $294,260, more than twice the value in 2000 which was $127,200.

The most common industries represented in Highland are: retail trade (16%), professional, scientific and technical services 12%, construction 10% and finance and insurance 10%. The borough counts with a fairly large Police Department, which in 2009 had 18 full-time enforcement employees including 14 officers.

Highlands Traffic Court

Highlands Municipal Court Address:

Highlands Municipal Court
171 Bay Ave
Highlands, NJ 07732

Phone:732-872-0098

Speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney if you are facing a Highlands DUI, drug charge or criminal arrest.


July 23, 2011

Lawyer for Fair Haven DWI - Drug Charge - Arrest

Fair Haven Criminal Defense

The most serious charge commonly made in Fair Haven is DWI. Fair Haven lies just east of Red Bank and west of Rumson and Sea Bright. Some drivers make the mistake of drinking in Red Bank and Sea Bright and then driving through Fair Haven. If you facing a DWI, drug charge or criminal arrest in Fair Haven, call to speak with a Monmouth County defense attorney.

Criminal arrests are relatively uncommon in Fair Haven. However, arrests for marijuana possession and other CDS possession charges are not uncommon in Fair Haven. Most arrests and DWI charges are given to adults. However, juvenile are charged with offenses in Fair Haven occasionally.

Fair Haven, New Jersey

Fair Haven is a borough in Monmouth County, incorporated in 1912 from portions of Shrewsbury Township. In 1957, portions of the borough were exchanged with Red Bank. The first permanent settlement of this borough dates to a structure built in 1816 at the Navesink River.

As per the Census Bureau, Fair Haven has a total area of 1.7 square miles of which more than 90% is land. Total population as of 2007 was 5,920 inhabitants. For the same year, the racial make up was mostly White (93.87%), with 4.09% African American and 1.33 Hispanic or Latino.

By 2010, the percentage of Hispanics or Latinos had grown to 2.85%. The median age of Fair Haven's population is 37.90. Ancestry of most of Fair Haven's residents is represented by 31.2% Irish, 22.1% German, 16.6% Italian, 12.0% English and 7.5% Polish.

For the year 2010, non-official figures for crime rate indexes show a total crime risk index of 27 vs.73 for the state. The highest figures belong to larceny and burglary at 51 and 30, both below the state level. The murder risk index is significantly low at 1 vs. 84 for the sate. Rape, robbery and motor vehicle theft risk indexes at 7 points each are also noteworthy, particularly robbery compared to 108 for the state. These statistics, added to the culture index of 139 vs. 58 for the state, account for a quality of life index of 111 vs. 93 for the state.

The highest education level attained by almost two thirds of the population age 25 and over as of 2010 can be broken down into 36.47% who completed Bachelor's degree and 27.31% who completed a Graduate degree, both well above the state and national levels. The figures for population that did not complete high school (2.03%) or who completed Associate degree likewise compare favorably with state and national levels. Only 66.72% of the children age 3 and over are not enrolled in school vs. 72.67% and 71.64% at state and national level, respectively.

The median value of owned households is $465.434 (almost double the state value). Homes valued at more than $1,000,000 account for 4.97% of the total (more than twice state and national values). More than 25% of the residents have an income of $200,000 and over 26.86%, again significantly surpassing state (8.25%) and national (4.38%) percentages. Likewise, more households have 2 vehicles (55.57% vs. 37.64).

The estimated median household income in 2009 was $105,395 up from $97,220 in 2000. The same occurs with the estimated median house or condo value, which increased from was $309,100 in 2000 to $685,793 in 2009. Summarizing, compared to New Jersey state average, the median household income and median house value are significantly above state average.

The most common industries in Fair Haven are finance and insurance (21%) and professional, scientific and technical services (18%). In 2009, there were 13 full-time law enforcement employees represented by the same number of police officers.

Fair Haven Municipal Court

Address: Fair Haven Municipal Court
748 River Rd
Fair Haven, NJ 07704

Judge: The Hon. James M. Newman, J.M.C.

Court Administrator: Gale Connor

Phone: 732-747-0241 ext. 224


July 23, 2011

Farmingdale NJ Drug Charge - DWI Lawyer

Farmingdale CDS Possession

New Jersey State Police make almost all the drug arrests in Farmingdale. Most drug charges in Farmingdale are for marijuana possession, although state troopers make arrests for more serious charges from time to time. If you or a loved one has been accused of criminal charges in Farmindale, NJ, call to speak with a local criminal defense attorney.

Farmingdale, New Jersey does not have its own police force. The small town is located completely encircled by Howell Township. However, Howell police do not have jurisdiction in the town. Most of the arrests in Farmingdale are upon local young adults, juveniles, and Howell Township residents.

Farmingdale, New Jersey


Farmingdale is one of the boroughs into which Monmouth County is divided. It was incorporated in 1903 from portions of Howell Township. According to figures from the U.S. Census Bureau for 2000 the population stood at 1,587, which increased to 1,630 by 2010, all living in a total area of 0.5 square miles, all of which is land at an elevation of 79 feet above sea level.

Major ancestry groups reported by Farmingdale residents include: in equal (16%) percentage each, Italian, Irish and German, followed by 11% English and 7% Polish. Ninety of its present residents are foreign-born (2.0% Asia, 1.9% Latin America, 1.7% Europe). According to non-official 2010 statistics, the racial make-up of the population is: White 90.86%, Hispanic 6.13%, Black or African American 1.10%. There are no American Indians or Alaska Natives. The median age of the population is 34.60 with less than 5% aged 75 and over.

The estimated median household income of this borough in 2009 was $61,449, up from $48,889 in 2000. As of January 2011 the cost of living index in Farmingdale was 121.5, which is high compared to the U.S. average of 100.

Estimated median house or condo value in 2009 was $328,906, which almost doubles the figure for 2000 ($153,700).

Male householders with no wife present with children under 18 years old stands at 23.60%, more than twice the state average (11.38%) and almost double the national figure (14.10%).

As of January of this year, the education level of the population 25 years and over in Farmingdale was: High school or higher: 88.5%, Bachelor's degree or higher: 19.0%, Graduate or professional degree: 6.3%. The borough has one middle school and one elementary school plus two private schools. More than 71% of children age 3 and over are not enrolled in school.

The most common industries found in this borough are represented by construction (14%), manufacturing (13%), retail trade (11%) and educational services (10%). Gasoline Stations Store Sales account for 43.29% of all retail sales.

Crime rate indexes recorded for 2010 show that the highest risks are larceny, rape and assault at 69, 63 and 53 points vs. 62, 63 and 53 for state averages. The lowest marks are for motor vehicle theft, murder and robbery risk indexes compared to 76, 84 and 108, respectively, at state level. Overall, the total crime risk index is only 29 vs. 73 for the state.

Regarding the total quality of life index, at 109 is mostly represented by the amusement (119), religion (128) and restaurant (145) indexes. Almost 7% of the residents own 4 or more vehicles (a percentage higher than both the state and national percentages). Two groups of more than 35% each of the population own 1 and 2 vehicles each.

More than 25% of the homes of Farmingdale's owners are valued in the range of $175,000 to $199,999. None of these are valued above $500,000. The average household income at $72,603 is lower than both the state and national averages. Most households (44.53%) have an income of between $50,000 and $75,000 to $99,999.

Farmingdale Municipal Court

The Farmingdale Municipal Court is a very low-volume court. It only meets once a month, on Mondays at 5:00 p.m. The judge, the Hon. James M. Newman, J.M.C. was appointed earlier this year. Before Judge Newman, the Judge was the Hon. Debra Gelson, J.M.C. The prosecutor is Richard Kelly, Esq.

The Farmingdale Court is located at Farmingdale Municipal Court
11 Asbury Ave
Farmingdale, NJ 07727

Call to speak with an experienced lawyer before appearing in court.

July 23, 2011

New Jersey Possession of CDS - NJSA 2C:35-10

NJ CDS Possession Lawyer

There are ways to defend a New Jersey drug charge. Most defenses must be made before your trial or they are waived. These include defenses based on an illegal search, an improper stopping of your car, or a tip by a confidential informant. You need an attorney who understands these issues. Call now to speak with a NJ drug charge lawyer. I defend against both adult and juvenile drug charges throughout the State of New Jersey.

The majority CDS possession charges in New Jersey are governed by NJSA 2C:35-10. Possession, use or being under the influence, or failure to make lawful disposition. These charges are often accompanied by a complaint for possession of drug paraphernalia, contrary to NJSA 2C:36-2. This can be for possessing a pipe, bowl, stem, syringe and any other item used to ingest or inhale. I have represented individuals who have been charged with paraphernalia possession for items as seemingly benign as a pen, and even a tampon.

New Jersey CDS Charges

That statute reads:

a. It is unlawful for any person, knowingly or purposely, to obtain, or to possess, actually or constructively, a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog, unless the substance was obtained directly, or pursuant to a valid prescription or order form from a practitioner, while acting in the course of his professional practice, or except as otherwise authorized by P.L.1970, c.226 (C.24:21-1 et seq.). Any person who violates this section with respect to:

(1) A controlled dangerous substance, or its analog, classified in Schedule I, II, III or IV other than those specifically covered in this section, is guilty of a crime of the third degree except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to $ 35,000.00 may be imposed;

(2) Any controlled dangerous substance, or its analog, classified in Schedule V, is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to $ 15,000.00 may be imposed;

(3) Possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana, including any adulterants or dilutants, or more than five grams of hashish is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree, except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to $ 25,000.00 may be imposed; or

(4) Possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana, including any adulterants or dilutants, or five grams or less of hashish is a disorderly person.

Any person who commits any offense defined in this section while on any property used for school purposes which is owned by or leased to any elementary or secondary school or school board, or within 1,000 feet of any such school property or a school bus, or while on any school bus, and who is not sentenced to a term of imprisonment, shall, in addition to any other sentence which the court may impose, be required to perform not less than 100 hours of community service.

b. Any person who uses or who is under the influence of any controlled dangerous substance, or its analog, for a purpose other than the treatment of sickness or injury as lawfully prescribed or administered by a physician is a disorderly person.

In a prosecution under this subsection, it shall not be necessary for the State to prove that the accused did use or was under the influence of any specific drug, but it shall be sufficient for a conviction under this subsection for the State to prove that the accused did use or was under the influence of some controlled dangerous substance, counterfeit controlled dangerous substance, or controlled substance analog, by proving that the accused did manifest physical and physiological symptoms or reactions caused by the use of any controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog.

c. Any person who knowingly obtains or possesses a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog in violation of subsection a. of this section and who fails to voluntarily deliver the substance to the nearest law enforcement officer is guilty of a disorderly persons offense. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to preclude a prosecution or conviction for any other offense defined in this title or any other statute.

Typical CDS Possession Charges

1) Marijuana
2) Oxycontin
3) Cocaine
4) Heroin
5) Methamphetamine
6) Ecstasy
7) Prescription Pills and Painkillers
8) * Possession of CDS in a motor vehicle. This is not a criminal charge but a traffic violation. The applicable statute is NJSA 39:49.1

Ways to Defend a CDS Charge in New Jersey

An experienced criminal defense attorney will demand that police produce every piece of evidence they have against you. The state must also produce all evidence that is in their possession that may help your defense under Brady v. Maryland. After carefully reviewing all evidence in your case, we will devise your best strategy for defending against the charges. Some typical charges include:

1) Lack of probable cause to arrest
2) No reasonable suspicion to stop your car
3) No probable cause to ask for consent to search vehicle
4) No explanation of right to refuse consent
5) Consent to search not given voluntarily
6) No actual or constructive possession
7) Exoneration by co-defendant
8) Challenges to lab testing of CDS
9) No warrant to search
10) No "exigency" exception to warrant requirement

There are other challenges that can be made depending on the facts of the case. Diversionary programs may also exist for some first-time offenders. An experienced New Jersey CDS possession lawyer can help guide you through this process and make sure that your rights are protected.

July 22, 2011

Hazlet Drug Charge Lawyer

Hazlet Drug Arrest Lawyer

Being arrested for drug possession in Hazlet can be a life-changing event. New Jersey has harsh, even draconian penalties for CDS possession. Help is available. An experienced drug charge defense lawyer can go over all the evidence with you and make sure that all applicable challenges are made to the arrest and search. I defend against both adult and juvenile drug charges.

All CDS charges in Hazlet are punishable by the possibility of jail or imprisonment, significant fines and a mandatory driver's license suspension for at least 6 months. For felony (indictable) drug offenses prison is presumed for all but first-time offenders. For some offenders, programs exist that can result in the case being dismissed. If police in Hazlet have arrested or charged you with a CDS or drug possession case, call now to speak to a NJ drug charge lawyer.

Most arrests in Hazlet involving drugs are for marijuana possession in violation of NJSA 2C:35:10(a)4. Arrests for CDS possession, obtaining CDS by fraud, oxycontin and heroin are also made from time to time in Hazlet.

Hazlet Drug Charges

Hazlet is located in northern Monmouth County, New Jersey. Hazlet Township Police have jurisdiction over the town. The Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office also has concurrent jurisdiction over Hazlet and does some of its own investigatory work.

Possession of marijuana in Hazlet can be either a felony or misdemeanor. The difference as to if a marijuana charge is a felony (indictable) charge or a misdemeanor (disorderly persons offense) depends on the amount and intent involved. For example, Possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana in Hazlet is a disorderly persons offense. The statute that controls this charge is NJSA 2C:35-10(a)4.

If Hazlet police charge you with possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana, your case will be heard in the Hazlet Municipal Court. If you are accused of indictable offenses though, your case will be sent to the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office. After reviewing the complaints and evidence in your case, the prosecutor's office will decide whether or not they are going to keep the case.

All drug charges in New Jersey carry a mandatory 6-24 month driver's license suspension. This penalty can only be waived if the judge presiding over your case is convinced that suspending your license would be an undue hardship. The license suspension applies whether or not the offense took place in a motor vehicle. If you are caught with drugs in a motor vehicle, you will also be probably issued a traffic ticket for violating NJSA 39:4-49.1, CDS in a motor vehicle. This ticket carries a mandatory 2 year driver's license suspension.

Possession of 50 grams of marijuana or more is a crime of the 4th degree. A fourth degree crime in New Jersey is punishable by up to 18 months in prison. If your jail sentence is more than 364 days, you cannot serve it in the Monmouth County jail but must be sent to a New Jersey State Prison.

Possession of CDS, oxycontin or heroin in Hazlet are crimes of the third degree. Crimes of the 3rd degree in New Jersey are punishable by up to 5 years in prison. For all drug convictions in New Jersey, there is a minimum 6 month driver's license suspension. This applies for both adult and juvenile drug charges.

Hazlet Criminal Court

The Hazlet Municipal Court is located at:

Hazlet Municipal Court
255 Middle Rd
Hazlet, NJ 07730

July 21, 2011

NJSA 2C:35-13 Charge for Obtaining CDS by Fraud

Individuals caught in the grasp of drug addiction often attempt to obtain pills by fraud. This is illegal in New Jersey and violates NJSA 2C:35-13. This charge can carry 3-5 years in prison, probation and mandatory driver's license suspension. Call now to speak with a New Jersey drug charge lawyer.


2C:35-13. Obtaining by fraud


It shall be unlawful for any person to acquire or obtain possession of a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception or subterfuge. It shall be unlawful for any person to acquire or obtain possession of a forged or fraudulent certificate of destruction required pursuant to N.J.S.2C:35-21. A violation of this section shall be a crime of the third degree except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to $ 50,000.00 may be imposed. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to preclude or limit a prosecution for theft as defined in chapter 20 of this title.

July 20, 2011

Deal NJ Drug Charge - DWI Lawyer

Deal Court Lawyer

Few Deal drug charges and Deal DWI charges are filed by Deal Police. If you have been charged with possession of marijuana in Deal, or are facing a Deal DWI, call me for a consultation on your case. Your case will be handled in the Deal Municipal Court. Call now to speak with a NJ drug charge and DWI lawyer.

About Deal, New Jersey

Deal is a borough in Monmouth County, in the New York metro area. The community was named after a town in England. The latitude of Deal is 40.243N. The longitude is -74.001W. It is in the Eastern Standard time zone. Elevation is 26 feet.

The ancestry composition of Deal's population is mainly represented by Arab - 22%, Syrian - 16% and Italian - 12%. Presently, a significant portion of the population is represented by Orthodox Sephardic Jews. As of the 2000 Census, the borough population stood at 1,070 inhabitants. However, during the summer, Deal's population rises to over 6,000.

According to the Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 1.3 square miles (3.3 km2), of which 94% is land.

The Total Crime Risk Index stands at 94, with the highest indexes represented by larceny risk at 241 (which incidentally is higher than that of Asbury Park). The rape and motor vehicle theft risk indexes are below 50% and murder and robbery risk indexes are around 10%.

The components of the Quality of Life Index, at 104, show the highest marks for religion, and amusement, with low figures for culture and medical indexes.

The median age of Deal's residents is 44.90 with the highest percentage falling in the 55-64 years bracket. Ninety-one percent of the population is White, and the largest majority is represented by Hispanics (8.13%).

Most households (39.31%) are comprised of two persons. Regarding vehicle ownership, median number per household is equal to the national average (2.2). Most (40.11%) households have 2 vehicles and the percentage with 4 or more vehicles surpasses the national average (7.12% vs. 5.39%)

According to 2010 Housing Occupancy Statistics, as many as 44.75% out of 686 houses are vacant. Of the occupied units, 18.22% are rented. The median year the houses were built is 1940 and almost 24% were built between 1970 and 1979.

Homes in Deal valued between $400,000 and more than $1,000,000 account for a significant 87.80% of all homes, with the highest percentage represented by homes valued in the $500,000-$749,999 range

A very high percentage (26.80%) of the population age 25 and over have not completed high school, double the national average and three times as high as the state average. The population that has completed high school and some college show averages comparable to state and national figures. Percentages of individuals who have completed Bachelors degree and graduate degree are lower by approximately half the state and national averages. Nevertheless the percentage of children age 3 and over who is enrolled in school is slightly lower than the state and national figures.

Both the Median and Average Household Income ($71.011 and $134.138, respectively) are higher than the national average. A significant percentage of Deal's residents (13.98%) have an income of $200,000 and over, which is three times the national percentage (4.38%).

July 20, 2011

Avon by the Sea DWI / Drug Charge Lawyer

Avon by the sea (Avon) police make a substantial amount of arrests for Avon DWI charges. Most Avon DWI and drug charges are issued in the summer months. Most DUI arrests in Avon occur of Route 35 after stops for traffic violations. If you are facing a DWI charge or drug arrest in Avon, call now to speak with an experienced NJ DWI arrest.

Avon-By-The-Sea is an historic Victorian seaside community located on the Atlantic Ocean. Back in 1878, this town was known locally as New Branch or the Swanton Tract.

The total population of this city is 2,130, which has been decreasing since 1990 at the rate of -11.84% and since 2000 at the rate of -5.08%. The racial composition shows that 95.73% of the population is White and 4.27% Hispanic.

The median age of Avon-By-The-Sea's residents is 46.10, with an almost equal distribution of roughly 11 to 12% into each of the age groups of 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64 and 65-74, that represent 66% of the city's population.

Average and Median Household Sizes are both lower than New Jersey's and national figures, with 41.22% of the households with a single inhabitant. Almost half of the population owns at least one vehicle, and less than one percent owns more than four.

Average Household Income, at $121.936, is approximately 20% higher than the state's average but more than 60% greater than the national average.

Originally, Avon-By-The-Sea was intended for the new headquarters of a tobacco company, but instead the land was developed for residential use and grew to become a resort community.

Barely 60 miles from New York City and Philadelphia, Avon-By-The-Sea is a wonderful town for summer relaxation, with a variety of fine restaurants and shops. As many other towns in Monmouth County, it has many Victorian homes and a boardwalk.

This city is surrounded to the north by Sylvan Lake, home to swans, to the south by the Shark River inlet and to east by Atlantic Ocean. According to the Census Bureau, it has a total area of 0.6 square miles, of which more than half (0.4 square miles) is land.

As of the last census, 36.5% of the residents were of Irish ancestry, which represents the third-highest percentage of any municipality in the country and the second-highest in the state, among all localities with more than 1,000 residents who identify their ancestry.

The total Crime Risk Index almost doubles the state's index (139 vs. 73). This is broken down into: murder and assault risks, both 209; larceny risk 264 and burglary risk 147. The only two indexes that are lower than both state and national risks are represented by robbery at 63 and vehicle car theft at 47. In spite of these figures, the quality of life index is rated at 102.

Out of the population 25 years and older, only 5.39% have not completed high school, which is much lower than the state and national averages. The highest percentages fall into the categories of having completed bachelor's degree at 28.68% and completed graduate degree 22.61%.

July 19, 2011

Atlantic Highlands Drug Charge Lawyer

Most Atlantic Highlands drug arrests are for possession of marijuana (NJSA 2C:35-10(a)4). However, Atlantic Highlands police also commonly make arrests for CDS, oxycontin and other NJ drug charges. If you are facing criminal charges in Atlantic Highlands, call to speak with a NJ defense attorney. I have years of experience representing adults and juveniles on DWI and NJ drug charges.

Atlantic Highlands is a Borough in Monmouth County in the Bayshore Region. This borough has the highest point on the eastern seaboard. According to the 2010 United States Census, the population was 4,385, with a growth of -2.08% since 2000. The total area of the borough of 4.5 square miles is composed mostly (3.3 square miles) of water.

The municipal harbor built before 1940 is the largest on the East Coast, and is the home to more than 700 crafts. There is a high-speed ferry service to New York City that leaves from this pier.

This town has preserved and restored most of the Victorian homes in the borough's historic district, which adds to the charm of small-town living and accounts for the many specialty and gift shops, galleries and dining establishments, which give this borough a restaurant index of 122.

This borough boasts a total crime risk index of 36, with the highest risks represented by burglary and assault. The lowest figures correspond to murder (6) and robbery (2). These figures explain the high quality of life index of 104.

The level of education of the population 25 and older shows that more than a quarter of them have completed Bachelors Degree and a scant 7.02% have not completed high school. Of the population 3 years and older, 77.60% is not enrolled in school.

The racial composition is broken down roughly the following: White 91.84%, Hispanics of Latinos 5.62% and Black or African Americans 2.47%.

Most households (40.26%) own two vehicles and 37.49% only one.

There are seven churches of different denominations, some of which were established in the 1880's.

The median household income in this borough is $86.011, comparing favorably with the state and national incomes.

The town has two museums: the Strauss Mansion Museum, which is housed in a Queen Anne-style home, and the maritime museum. Maritime attractions offered in this borough range from a yacht club and marina to charter boats for fishing and touring.

The Atlantic Highlands Fire Department was created more than 120 years ago and is well-staffed with more than 40 members.

Atlantic Highlands Police Dept is a private company. Current estimates show this company employs a staff of approximately 10 to 19.

The median age of the borough's population is 41.70, above the state's (37.40) and national (35.60) averages. The bulk of the population is found in the range of between 35 and 64 years old.

Out of the total number of housing units in Atlantic Highlands, 95.8% are occupied. Of these 68.2% is owner-occupied and 31.8% renter-occupied. These figures correspond to the last census.

The number of Civilian Veterans in Atlantic Highlands was higher at 13.4 percent than the national average of 12.70%.

July 18, 2011

Allentown NJ DWI / Drug Charge Lawyer

Few Allentown DWI and Allentown Drug Charges are filed in the small borough. Allentown, New Jersey has a small police force. NJ State Police also patrol the town. If you are facing a criminal charge, drug arrest, DWI or traffic ticket in Allentown, call to speak with a NJ criminal defense attorney. I represent both adult and Allentown juvenile charges.

If you have already been convicted of an offense in Allentown court, we may still be able to help. Call to discuss the possibility of filing an appeal, PCR, or expungement.

Allentown is in the Eastern Standard time zone, located at latitude 40.177N and longitude -74.583W, at an elevation of 82 feet. According to the Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 0.6 square miles (1.6 km2), of which only 3.23% is represented by water. It is bordered by the Upper Freehold Township and Robbinsville Township, the former also in Monmouth County. By road, Allentown is approximately one hour southwest of Manhattan y about 50 minutes northeast of Philadelphia, having both Princeton and Trenton easily accessible.

Allentown shares this name with several towns in the United States: California, Georgia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania as well as neighborhoods in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington. Former and fused names include Allens Town and 18th-century mill town.

The borough population was 1,828 as of the year 2000, with 708 households and 526 families. The racial composition of this borough is approximately 90.65% White followed by 6.43% African Americans and 1.91% of Hispanic or Latino races. The ancestries of the residents of this borough is mainly Irish (25.5%), German (21.9%) and Italian (17.8%), followed by English and Polish, with only 8.3% American. The average age in years is 36.38% slightly higher than both the state and national averages, with the highest number belonging to the 5 to 44 years old group. Sixty three point three of residents were born in New Jersey.

The median household income compares very favorably with the national household income at $71,193 vs. $41,994. The January 2011 cost of living index in Allentown more than averages the U.S. average at 119.8.

The shopping district of the borough offers antique and specialty shops, having many historic homes and buildings within its limits.

Median year of structures built that are presently renter-occupied is post-World War II and these housing units account for roughly one fourth of all homes. On the other hand, owner-occupied housing units represent more than 76% and were in average built in the mid-50's to mid-60's. Most household owners moved to the borough between 1989 and 1991. The median value of these homes fluctuates between $111,800 and 167,900. Most residents (66.6%) have lived in the same house since 1995, vs. 59.8% at state level and 54.1% nationwide.

Its record of violent crimes, including murders and homicides was nil in 2003. The number of high school graduates is 92.5%, and college and master's degrees at 41.1% and 15.7%, respectively. Overall school enrollment is higher for grades 1-12, with 69.7% and lower for preschool and kindergarten children at only 14.1%
Hope Fire Company Nº 1 provides fire-fighting service to both Allentown and Upper Freehold. It has Ice Rescue equipment, additional motor vehicle extrication, Haz-mat and basic EMS equipment.

July 15, 2011

Aberdeen Drug Charge Lawyer - NJSA 2C:35-10

Most drug arrests in Aberdeen are made by local police. However, some Aberdeen drug charges are also made by New Jersey State Police, who patrol a sliver of the Garden State Parkway that passes through the township. If you are facing drug charges in Aberdeen, call to speak with a New Jersey drug charge lawyer.

Marijuana arrests in Aberdeen are the most common drug charges that are filed in the township. The strong smell that both raw and burnt marijuana gives off makes it easy to identify by police. The effects of the drug, including the tendency to make eyes bloodshot also helps police determine whether someone is under the influence of marijuana. Both adults and Aberdeen juvenile drug charges are commonly filed in the township. Adult charges will be heard either in the local Aberdeen Municipal Court or the Monmouth County Superior Court depending on the severity of the offense. However, all juvenile drug arrests in Aberdeen will be dealt with in the Monmouth County Juvenile Court in Freehold.

While relatively uncommon, NJ police can charge you with a DWI for driving under the influence of marijuana (NJSA 2C:35-10(a)4). Like all drug DWI charges, a first offense conviction for driving under the influence of marijuana carries a minimum driver's license suspension of 7 months. Simply being under the influence of marijuana is also a criminal offense in New Jersey. Simple possession, use, or being under the influence of marijuana is a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey.

Aberdeen Township has seen a spike in recent years of arrests for prescription pills such as oxycontin and other painkillers. Most of these are opiate base and have a chemical structure similar to heroin. Prescription painkillers are easy to hide, odorless, and scentless. This is one reason they are so popular with young adults. This also poses a challenge to police and makes it more difficult for them to conduct a lawful search. Prescription pills like roxycodone and oxycontin are also highly addictive.

The extremely addictive nature of these controlled dangerous substances (CDS in NJ) also commonly leads to the commission of other crimes. These include the charges of Attempting to Obtain CDS by fraud, in violation of NJSA 2C:35-13; the charge of Conspiracy, contrary to NJSA 2C:5-1; the charge of Uttering a Forged Instrument, which violates NJSA 2C:21-1a(3); and Forgery, contrary to NJSA 2C:21-1(a). This occurs as users attempt to obtain pills from pharmacists and doctors.

Some pharmacists and doctors find themselves on the wrong end of the law and are charged with filling scripts they know are fake and sometimes even selling pills without any script at all. If you have been charged with possession of CDS in Aberdeen, I can help.

We will ensure that you are properly represented, obtain all evidence and discovery, and try to show that the police search was illegal. While most police officers are highly trained and skilled, mistakes are often made. Sometimes police are anxious to make an arrest and hastily decide to search your car, house, or person without just cause. Call to speak with a Monmouth County drug charge lawyer to see how your Aberdeen drug arrest can be defended.

July 11, 2011

Lakewood Drug Charge Lawyer - NJSA 2C:35-10

Lakewood Police probably make more drug arrests that any other town in Ocean County, New Jersey. Most Lakewood arrests are for marijuana possession, heroin possession and possession of cocaine and other CDS. If you have been arrested in Lakewood for a drug charge, I can help. Call now to speak with a NJ drug charge lawyer.

While most drug arrests in Lakewood are made of adults, minors are also taken into custody for NJ juvenile drug charges. If you are caught with less than 50 grams of marijuana in Lakewood, or in possession of drug paraphernalia, your case will be heard in the Lakewood Municipal Court. For any indictable drug charge, like possession of CDS in Lakewood, your case will be sent to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office for review.

In the last few years, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office has been remanding a large number of simple possession cases. However, in cases where an intent to distribute is alleged, the prosecutor's office may be more inclined to keep the case. Cases that are remanded by the prosecutor's office will be sent for adjudication to the Lakewood Municipal Court.

If your case is kept by the prosecutor's office, this means that the charges against you are going to be prosecuted as felonies. In New Jersey, we do not use the term "felony". Rather, we refer to what other states call felonies as either "crimes" or "indictable" offenses. If the prosecutor's office keeps your case, they will either schedule the matter for a pre-indictment conference or send it for a Grand Jury Presentment.

Retaining an attorney at the earliest possible juncture is key. The sooner I can get involved in case, the sooner I can advise you and communicate with the police and prosecutors. On the most overlooked aspects of criminal defense is the ability to help clients before they are even charged or indicted. If you are facing a Lakewood drug charge, call to speak with a Lakewood drug charge lawyer.

July 9, 2011

Marlboro Drug Charge Lawyer - NJSA 2C:35-10

Marlboro Drug Arrest

Marlboro NJ Police make arrests of both adults and juveniles for drug possession on a regular basis. Technically speaking, juveniles are not "arrested' but rather "taken into custody." If you or your child has been questioned or charged by Marlboro Police for a drug (CDS) charge, I can help. Call to speak with a New Jersey drug charge lawyer.

In recent years, prescription pills such as oxycontin, roxycodone and xanax have seen a huge surge in abuse by young people. These pills are widely available as pharmacists and even some doctors engage in a little extra-curriculuar sales activity. They are odorless and small, making them hard to detect. Nevertheless, Marlboro Police have become adept at identifying users and the different ways the pills are hidden and trafficked.

Some heroin and cocaine arrests are also made in Marlboro. However, the overwhelming majority of drug arrests in Marlboro are for possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana. The specific statute that makes this illegal is NJSA 2C:35-10(a)4. This charge is frequently accompanied by the charge of possession of drug paraphernalia, in violation of NJSA 2C:36-2.

Both charges are disorderly persons offenses in New Jersey, not felonies. They are punishable by up to 6 months in jail, approximately $1,600 in total financial penalties, a minimum 6 month driver's license suspension and the possibility of probation.

Those who use marijuana are often betrayed by the drugs strong smell. Marlboro police are well-trained to detect the odor of both raw and and burnt marijuana. Many of the marijuana arrests in marlboro are of young adults and Marlboro juvenile charges.

Marlboro Drug Charge Defense

Defending against a drug charge in Marlboro usually comes down to whether police conducted a valid search. If the search of your person or car was illegal, it may be possible to get the drugs "suppressed." This is done through a motion to suppress evidence. This must be filed or any objection to the search will be waived. You can not argue this kind of issue at trial.

In fact, very few drug cases go to trial. Rather, most of the fighting is done in a drug case before trial in gathering evidence and filing motions. Typically, if the pre-trial motions are lost, there is very little to fight about at trial. There are also "diversionary" programs that may be available to you. These include the Conditional Discharge and PTI programs.

If you are charged with only a disorderly persons drug offense in Marlboro, your case will be heard in the Marlboro Municipal Court. The judge in the Marlboro Court is the Honorable James M. Newman, J.M.C. The prosecutor is Nicole Sonnenblick, Esq. The Court meets on Thursdays, but the court administrators office is open Monday through Friday.

Any indictable drug charge will be sent to the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office. If the prosecutor's office decides to keep the case, it will be heard in the Monmouth County Superior Court. I represent clients on a regular basis in both courts. If you are facing a Marlboro drug charge, call now to speak with a drug arrest lawyer.

July 8, 2011

Belmar Drug Charge Lawyer - NJSA 2C:35-10

Belmar Drug Arrest Lawyer

If you are facing a Belmar drug charge, help is available. While the penalties for being convicted of a drug offense are severe, defenses exist. Each kind of different drug charge in Belmar carries the possibility of jail time, probation, fines and a mandatory driver's license suspension. An experienced defense lawyer can give you the best chance to avoid these consequences.

New Jersey law distinguishes between disorderly persons offenses and indictable drug offenses. For indictable drug charges, the law calls for prison time depending on the specific charge and the defendant's record. If you have been charged with a drug offense in Belmar, call to speak with a Monmouth County drug charge lawyer.

By far, most drug arrests in Belmar are for simple possession of marijuana. In the summer months, a lot of arrests are made near the beach for marijuana possession. Other drug arrest, including those for cocaine, oxycontin and other pills are also common in Belmar. While most drug arrests in Belmar are of adults, there are also several juvenile drug charges filed each month.

Belmar Drug Charges

Belmar is a relatively small town in eastern Monmouth County. The town boasts a long stretch of beach that is very popular with both locals and out of town visitors. In the summer, the town's population swells with tourists. Police step up enforcement in these months as the town sees a huge uptick in crime. Belmar has a reputation as a party town in the summer. The crowd is usually on the younger side. Belmar police are put under a lot of pressure by residents to keep things under control.

A lot of marijuana arrests in Belmar result after traffic stops. The smell of marijuana is easily recognizable to police officers. If officers smell marijuana after pulling you over, they will almost certainly attempt to search the vehicle. Common tactics to search your vehicle include asking for consent or finding some kind of emergency. This emergency is known in criminal law as an "exigent" circumstance.

Whether a marijuana charge is a felony (indictable) charge or a misdemeanor (disorderly persons offense) hinges on the amount that was possessed and if their was an intent to distribute. For example, Possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana in New Jersey is a disorderly persons offense. Violating this law is contrary to NJSA 2C:35-10(a)4.

If you are caught with less than 50 grams of marijuana, your case will be heard in the Belmar Municipal Court. The judge in the Belmar court is the Honorable Dennis Lavender, J.M.C. The prosecutor is Stephen Schueler, Esq. However, if you are also charged with indictable offenses, your case will be sent to the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office for review.

After being sent to the prosecutor's office, the intake unit will decide whether the office will keep the case or remand it to the Belmar Municipal Court. If your case is remanded, the prosecutor's office will downgrade the indictable charges to disorderly persons offenses and send the case back to the municipal court for adjudication.

If you have been charged with a drug offense in Belmar, call me for an analysis of your case. I appear in both Belmar Municipal Court and the Monmouth County Superior Court.

July 7, 2011

Toms River Drug Charge Lawyer - NJSA 2C:35-10

Toms River Drug Arrest Lawyer

A Toms River drug conviction can have disastrous consequences. All drug charges in New Jersey carry the possibility of jail, fines and mandatory driver's license suspension. For indictable drug charges, the law calls for prison time depending on the crime and the individual's record. Defenses and diversionary programs exist for Toms River drug charges. If you are facing a drug charge in Toms River, call now to speak to a NJ drug charge lawyer.

The majority of drug arrests in Toms River are for marijuana possession. However, Toms River has seen a huge spike in heroin usage in the last 10 years. Lately, prescription painkillers such as oxycontin have resulted in a large proportion of Toms River drug arrests.

Toms River Drug Charges

Toms River is the judicial hub of Ocean County. Toms River itself is one of New Jersey's largest municipalities. The Superior Court for Ocean County is located in Toms River. The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office and the Ocean County Sheriff's Office are also located in Toms River.

The overwhelming bulk of drug arrests in Toms River are for marijuana possession. Whether the charge is a felony (indictable) charge or a misdemeanor (disorderly persons offense) depends on the type of case it is. For example, Possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana in New Jersey is a disorderly persons offense. The statute that controls this charge is NJSA 2C:35-10(a)4.

If you are arrested for possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana, your case will be heard in the Dover Township (Toms River) Municipal Court. However, if you are also charged with indictable offenses, your case will likely be heard in the Ocean County Superior Court.

The charge of possession of drug paraphernalia is governed by NJSA 2C:36-2. Marijuana is commonly smoked with hollowed out cigars, rolling papers, and various types of pipes. State Police laboratories sometimes fail to test these items for the presence of drugs when they are sent to the lab along with suspected CDS (controlled dangerous substance). Attorney's must be very careful to check the laboratory report carefully in all drug cases. Seems obvious, but is sometimes overlooked.

Both possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana are disorderly persons offenses. All disorderly persons convictions in New Jersey carry up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Additionally, possession of marijuana less than 50 grams carries a mandatory $500 DEDR penalty. Both these charges also carry a minimum 6 month driver's license suspension.

The license suspension can only be avoided if the judge is convinced that to suspend your license would constitute an undue hardship to you. The license suspension applies whether or not the offense took place in a motor vehicle. If you are caught with drugs in a motor vehicle, you will also be probably issued a traffic ticket for violating NJSA 39:4-49.1, CDS in a motor vehicle. This ticket carries a mandatory 2 year driver's license suspension.

Possession of 50 grams of marijuana or more is a crime of the 4th degree. A fourth degree crime in New Jersey is punishable by up to 18 months in prison. If your jail sentence is more than 364 days, you cannot serve it in the Ocean County jail but must be sent to a New Jersey State Prison.

Possession of prescription pills, cocaine or heroin in Toms River are crimes of the third degree. Crimes of the 3rd degree in New Jersey are punishable by up to 5 years in prison. For all drug convictions in New Jersey, there is a minimum 6 month driver's license suspension. This applies for both adult and juvenile drug charges.

Toms River Criminal Court

In addition to the drug arrests that are made in Toms River, the Superior Court for Ocean County is located in downtown Toms River. Therefore, all indictable drug charges that are filed by police in Ocean County are heard in Toms River. As mentioned, disorderly persons offenses are heard in the local Municipal Court in which they were charged. If your son or daughter has been charged with a Toms River juvenile criminal offense, like a juvenile drug charge, their case will be heard in the Ocean County Family Court.

If you are facing a Toms River drug charge, I can help. Call to speak with a New Jersey drug charge lawyer.

July 6, 2011

Wall Drug Charge Lawyer - NJSA 2C:35-10

A whole lot of drug arrests are made in Wall Township. Both Wall Police and New Jersey State Police issue plenty of Wall drug charges. I have represented many clients in Wall Township Court and in the Monmouth County Superior Court. If you have been charged with possession of CDS in Wall, call now to speak with a New Jersey drug charge lawyer.

The overwhelming majority of drug arrests in Wall Township are for marijuana possession. Possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana violates NJSA 2C:35-10(a)4. The charge of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia often accompanies the marijuana charge. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Wall violations NJSA 2C:36-2. Each of these charges carries up to 6 months in jail, a $1,000 fine, and a minimum 6 months license suspension. However, exceptions, defenses, and diversionary programs exist to these charges.

The primary reason for why so many drug charges are made in Wall is geography. Wall Township is situated at a crossroads of many important highway. These include Route I-195, Route 33, Route 34 and the Garden State Parkway. In the summer months, many out of town drivers come through Wall on there way to the shore. Wall is located close to Belmar, Manasquan, Brielle, and Point Pleasant. All of these towns have their own municipal courts.

These roads draw tons of traffic through Wall Township. With all this traffic, it is inevitable that a great deal of tickets will be issued. A lot of Wall Township traffic tickets are issued, especially in the summer months. Many of these traffic stops turn into drug arrests in Wall.

The way this usually occurs is after a police officer pulls over your vehicle and smells marijuana. If this occurs, the officer may believe he or she has probable cause and ask for consent to search the vehicle. It is said that over 90% of drivers who are asked to give consent do so. It oftentimes occurs that marijuana investigations lead to the finding of other CDS, such as oxycontin or other pills.

Both adult and juvenile drug charges are often made in Wall Township. An adult arrest for less that 50 grams of marijuana or paraphernalia will lead to your case being sent to the Wall Township Municipal Court. If you are charged with an indictable drug offense such as possession of CDS, your case will probably be heard at the Monmouth County Superior Court. All juvenile drug charges in Wall Township are heard in the Monmouth County Superior Court - Family Part.

All drug charges in New Jersey now carry a minimum 6 month driver's license suspension. The only exception is if your attorney can show that to suspend your license will cause you an undue hardship. In some courts, it can be difficult to meet this showing. An experienced defense attorney may be able to help you meet this burden.

The judge in the Wall Township Municipal Court is The Honorable Joseph Defino, J.M.C. The judge in the Monmouth County Juvenile Court is the Honorable Eugene Iadanza, J.S.C. If you have a court date in either court, call to speak with a Monmouth County drug charge lawyer.

July 5, 2011

Manalapan Drug Charge Lawyer - NJSA 2C:35-10

Manalapan Township sees a high amount of drug abuse. This may be surprising considering the high standard of living and picturesque scenery in much of Manalapan Township. However, it is the high economic standard that much of Manalapan enjoys that also leads to the ability to afford illegal drugs. Call now to speak with a NJ drug charge lawyer if you have been arrested in Manalapan.

Manalapan Police make a substantial amount of drug arrests in the township. There is very little New Jersey State Police or FBI activity in Manalapan. Most Manalapan drug arrests are made by police in their "patrol" function. These include after motor vehicle stops. Some Manalapan drug charges are made after investigation by Manalapan police detectives. Manalapan police commonly make both adult and juvenile arrests in Manalapan.

Most Manalapan drug arrests are for marijuana possession. Marijuana is an easy target for law enforcement officers due to its pungent and easily identifiable odor. Possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana (NJSA 2C:35-10a4) or drug paraphernalia (NJSA 2C:36-2) will send you to the Manalapan Municipal Court.

The Manalapan court has jurisdiction over these and all other disorderly persons offenses committed in the township. After being arrested and processed by Manalapan police, you will likely be released with copies of the complaints and a summons to appear in Manalapan Municipal Court for a first appearance.

This first appearance is called an arraignment. Do not panic if your first appearance is weeks or even just days after your arrest. This is normal. The first appearance is mostly scheduled for your protection. This gives the court the opportunity to ensure that you are aware of the charges and the penalties you face.

If you retain an attorney before your first appearance, your arraignment may be waived at the discretion of the court. Since your time is almost certainly better spent at work or school rather than in court, we always try to waive first appearance for clients.

The most commonly used tactic in defending against drug charges is to contest the search. Most drug charges in Manalapan are initiated after traffic stops, where police search your car or person. Some searches are made of homes in Manalapan as well. If the police do not have a warrant to search you, the search must fit into on of the exceptions to the warrant requirement.

If you are charged with an indictable drug offense such as possession of CDS such as cocaine, oxycontin, pain killer, or cocaine, your case will be sent to the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office for review. Any adult, indictable drug charge in Manalapan will ultimately be heard in the Monmouth County Superior Court - Law Division, Criminal Part. All juvenile drug charges in Manalapan, including for marijuana or paraphernalia, will be heard by the Superior Court - Family Part.

An experienced criminal defense lawyer can go over the evidence in your case to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the best possible defense. My main office is only minutes from the Manalapan Municipal Court in Freehold.