New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney Blog

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%).

Howell Police and New Jersey State Police make a good amount of arrests for marijuana and drug paraphernalia in Howell Township. If you have been charged with any criminal offense in Howell Township, whether its marijuana possession, harassment, shoplifting or any other disorderly persons offense, call now to speak with a defense attorney familiar with the court.

Most Marijuana possession arrests in Howell Township occur after the defendant's vehicle is stopped for a traffic violation such as speeding, tailgating and passing a school bus. Many of these stops take place on Route 9, 33 and I-195. Howell also lies on the corridor leading to Lakewood, which has a more serious gang and drug problem.

On occasion, it turns out that the individual who was stopped was driving on the revoked list with a suspended New Jersey driver's license. This person may be arrested, and then searched incidental to the arrest. Any drugs or paraphernalia found will lead to new possession charges. Even if the person is not arrested for some other infraction, if the officer who stops the vehicle had a legitimate reason to do so, and then smells marijuana, the officer can ask for consent to search the vehicle. While you have the right to refuse, the officer can apply for a telephonic warrant. This often leads the suspect feeling he or she has no real choice. More often than not consent is given to the requesting officer.

Anyone charged with Possession of Marijuana or drug paraphernalia in Howell will be scheduled for a first appearance in the Howell Township Municipal Court. You should speak with an attorney before appearing to discuss your rights and legal options. Anyone convicted of possessing marijuana or paraphernalia in New Jersey is subject to a $1,000 fine, up to 6 months in jail, a minimum 6 month driver's license suspension and other penalties.

Howell drug charges are made against both adults and juveniles in the township. Call now to speak with a NJ drug charge lawyer.

Old Bridge Municipal Court

Call Now For Legal Help in Old Bridge Court!

Location: 1 Old Bridge Plaza
Old Bridge, NJ 08857

Phone: (732) 721-5600 x2605
Fax: (732) 607-7946

The Judge in Old Bridge Court is the Honorable James Weber. The Prosecutor is Lane Miller, Esq. This is an extremely busy court, that has a unique way of operation. Typically, all defendants scheduled for court at the session will be herded into the court room. Then, the prosecutor will call out your name to see how you intend to plea and schedule the case for a trial. Do yourself a favor and contact an attorney before you go to Old Bridge court, if only for a free consultation. The court can be overwhelming and intimidating. Old Bridge Police issue a ton of traffic tickets, mostly for speeding, along Rtes. 9, 18, 34 and 516. A large amount of DWI and minor criminal arrests for disorderly persons offenses including harassment, assault and drug possession are also made in Old Bridge.

Old Bridge was originally known as "Madison Twp" after breaking away from South Amboy in 1869. The name was changed in 1975 to Old Bridge. In 2005 and 2007, Money magazine recognized Old Bridge as a great place to live. Over 60,000 people call Old Bridge home.

Wall Township Municipal Court

Location: 2700 Allaire Rd
Wall, NJ 07719

Phone: (732) 449-4666
Fax: (732) 449-8992

Court Sessions: Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.

Wall Township police issue a ton of speeding and other tickets along Rt 34, Rt 35 and the other highways that cross the town. A lot of DWI and minor criminal arrests, including drug possession, are also made in Wall Township. The judge is the Honorable E. Thomas Brennan, Jr. The prosecutor is John Lane, Esq. The court administrator is Gail W. Connors.

Lakewood Township Municipal Court

Location: Municipal Building
231 Third Street
Lakewood, NJ 08701
Phone: (732) 364-2500
Fax: (732) 901-3647

The judge in Lakewood court is the Honorable Scott Basen, J.M.C. The prosecutors are Bob Rothstein and Valter Must. Leib Klein, Esq. is the public defender. Lakewood sees a lot of DWI and minor criminal arrests as well as traffic and speeding tickets.

Lakewood is a town steeped in history. Once a get-away for the rich, including several presidents. Now, the new city is an eclectic, diverse place with a thriving Hasidic community. Not boasts not only an exciting downtown, but also a picturesque lakefront.

Lakewood offers many business opportunities to entrepreneurs due to its consistent history of growth and development. Lakewood is located within close proximity to several major roads, including Rt. 9, Rt. 66, I195 and the Garden State Parkway. It is within two hours drive to New York City, Philadelphia, and Atlantic City. Beaches and several state parks are within 30 minutes drive.

The town contains the second largest industrial park in the state. Several important business call Lakewood home. These include Blinds-to-Go, S.S. White Burs, Watchung Spring Water, and others. Gaming Labs International has moved its world headquarters in the Park. The Chamber of Commerce is an important institution in Lakewood and is comprised of more than 400 members. Lakewood has been designated a UEZ (Urban Enterprise Zone), which means that Lakewood can offer a 3.5% sales tax, which provides significant business incentives and shopping advantages.

Its advantageous geographic location and highway service have attracted a lot of outside investment. In April 2001, the Lakewood Blueclaws built a $22 million baseball stadium giving the town a "Single A" Minor League affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies club. In April 2003, the team became the fastest team in New Jersey and South Atlantic League history to attract 1,000,000 fans to its field, FirstEnergy Park.

The historic Strand Theater, originally designed by famous theater architect Thomas Lamb in 1922 is listed on the NJ and National Register of Historic Places. The theatre recently underwent a significant upgrade. It is now air-conditioned and offers entertainment throughout the year.

Plans were recently approved for Hilton to build a twelve million dollar hotel. The hotel will feature a convention center, outdoor pool, restaurant and business center. The Cedarbridge Development Corporation is also planning to build an extensive business campus on a sprawling property near the Blueclaws stadium.

The almost 100-year-old Kimball Medical Center is a 350-bed fully accredited facility. Kimball has recently completed a $27 million upgrade of its Emergency Department. The hospital will now welcome from 42,000 to more than 60,000 people. Kimball is proud to offer a state-of-the-art 16 multi-slice CT scan, which less than 200 other hospitals in the world offers.

Lakewood contains three Monmouth County parks, a golf course and several playgrounds and town squares. Parking is typically free on city streets.

The Ocean County Park used to be the 323-acre estate of John D. Rockefeller. The park has three lakes, one for swimming and one reserved exclusively for fishing. Lake Carasaljo is surrounded by many recreational activities. These include a 4.5 mile walking, running, and bike path and fishing and picnicking opportunites. Rowboats and paddle boats are rented on the lake through Labor Day. The All Wars Memorial Amphitheater at Lake Carasaljo holds fun concerts and other events during the summer.

Education in Lakewood is stellar. Lakewood High School offers course from Latin to that in the most current technology. Graduates from the Lakewood public school system have have gone on to Ivy League schools such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Columbia and other top colleges and universities. Lakewood hosts the Beth Medrash Govoha an internationally renowned school for rabbinical and Talmudic studies. Georgian Court University is a national historic landmark.

Mercer County Superior Court
Mailing Address:
PO Box 8068
Trenton, NJ 08608
Street Address:
209 S Broad Street
Trenton, NJ 08608

East Windsor Municipal Court
Mailing Address:
80 One Mile Road, East
Windsor, NJ 08520
Phone Number: (609) 448-3228

Ewing Township Municipal Court
Mailing Address:
2 Jake Garzio Drive
Ewing, NJ
Phone Number: (609) 883-2900

Hamilton Township
Municipal Court
Mailing Address:
1270 Whitehorse Ave Cn00150
Hamilton, NJ
Phone Number: (609) 581-4071

Hightstown Municipal Court
Mailing Address:
148 N Main Street
Hightstown, NJ
Phone Number: (609) 490-5105

Hopewell Borough Municipal Court
Mailing Address:
PO Box 343
Hopewell, NJ
Phone Number: (609) 466-0968

Hopewell Township Municipal Court
Mailing Address:
201 Washington Crossing
Pennington Road Titusville, NJ
Phone Number: (609) 737-1035

Lawrence Township Municipal Court
Mailing Address:
Municipal Square P.O. Box 6006 Lawrenceville, NJ
Phone Number: (609) 844-7159

Pennington Borough Municipal Court
Mailing Address:
30 North Main Street
Pennington, NJ
Phone Number: (609) 737-1016

Princeton Borough Municipal Court
Mailing Address:
PO Box 390 1 Monument Dr
Princeton, NJ
Phone Number: (609) 497-7600

Princeton Township Municipal Court
Mailing Address:
400 Witherspoon St.
Princeton Township, NJ
Phone Number: (609) 924-5042

Trenton Municipal Court
Mailing Address:
225 N Clinton Ave
PO Box 1360 Trenton, NJ
Phone Number: (609) 989-3700

Washington Township Municipal Court
Mailing Address:
1117 Route 130
Robbinsville, NJ
Phone Number: (609) 259-7085

West Windsor Municipal Court
Mailing Address:
20 Municipal Drive PO Box 38 Princeton Junction, NJ
Phone Number: (609) 799-0915

It was held in State v. Brennan, 229 N.J. Super. 342 (App. Div. 1988) that when a police officer neglects to sign a summons and complaint within the statute of limitations period, that failure constitutes a fatal defect to the ability of the State to proceed. However, Brennan was overruled by State v. Fisher, 180 N.J. 462 (2004) which held that an officer may correct a technically invalid ticket by signing it even after the limitations period. Therefore, an unsigned ticket generally does not mean that your ticket will be automatically dismissed.

As most people know, the "Statute of Limitations" in a criminal or traffic matter is the time frame within which the police may charge you with an offense. In most traffic offenses, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 39:5-3, the Statute of Limitations is 30 days. However there are exceptions, including:

N.J.S.A. 39:3-40: Driving while suspended or on revoked list has a 90 days Statute of Limitations.
N.J.S.A. 39:4-50: DUI-DWI (driving while intoxicated) has a 90 days Statute of Limitations.
N.J.S.A. 39:4-129 Leaving the scene of accident has a 1 year Statute of Limitations.
N.J.S.A. 39:3-12 Illegally obtaining a Driver's License has a 1 year Statute of Limitations.
N.J.S.A. 39:3-34 Applying for a Driver's License while suspended has a 1 year Statute of Limitations.
N.J.S.A. 39:3-37 False App. on a Driver's License or allowing an unlicensed driver to operate vehicle or lending license to another has a 1 year Statute of Limitations.
N.J.S.A. 39:10-24 Misrepresentation on title has a 1 year Statute of Limitations.
N.J.S.A. 39:6B-2 Driving with No Insurance has a 6 months Statute of Limitations
39: 5-31 DMV Director of Magistrate can revoke license for willful
violations even if Statute of Limitations has passed
The applicable limitations period for the issuance of a DWI complaint is 90 days. N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.

Under N.J.S.A. 39:3-37.1, it is unlawful to: a) lend your driver's license or allow anther person to use your license, or; b) allow another person to use your vehicle if that person is unlicensed or does not have a valid license. The penalty if you are convicted of this offense is a fine between $200 and $500 and/or jail for up to fifteen days. If you have been charged with offense it is vital to obtain an attorney to either 1) secure a favorable plea agreement in order to avoid the high fine and jail; and/or 2) take your case to trial and obtain a possible not-guilty verdict.

New Jersey drivers lose their licenses for a variety of reasons. The most common are if you were convicted of a New Jersey DWI (DUI), have failed to pay a fine or surcharge, or were found to be a persistent violator of New Jersey's motor vehicle and traffic laws.

If your license to drive in New Jersey has been suspended, you should obviously not operate a motor vehicle under any circumstances. However, life in the garden state can be nearly impossible to manage without a driver's license. As such, many individuals take the risk of driving while their licenses are suspended. Unfortunately, the consequences for doing so are severe.

N.J.S.A. 39:3-40 is the controlling statute for driving while on the revoked list. For a first offense, there is a fine of $500 and a further suspension of driving privileges for 6 months. For a second offense, the fine is $750 in addition to the 6 month suspension. For a third or subsequent offense, the fine is $1,000 in addition to the suspension.

Continue reading "Driving While License Suspended in New Jersey" »