Drug Crimes

Published on: June 15, 2016

HOLMDEL POLICE ARREST TWO, SEIZE MARIJUANA, PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Officials from the Holmdel Police Department recently arrested two men who are now facing charges for numerous drug crimes after a search at a local residence revealed marijuana, prescription drugs, and drug paraphernalia.

According to a statement released by the Holmdel Police Department, police executed a search warrant at a residence located on Dogwood Court in Holmdel on June 3rd. During the search, investigators seized marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and prescription drugs, at which time they arrested Jonathan Diaz and Tyrone Spann.

Diaz is now facing charges for possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS), possession of prescription drugs, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS), possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was being held at the Monmouth County jail in lieu of bail set at $50,000.

Continue reading →

Published on: November 12, 2013

Conditional Discharge For First Time Drug Offenders

By Tara Breslow-Testa, Esq.

If you have been charged in the State of New Jersey with any of the following offenses, you may be eligible for a Conditional Discharge pursuant to NJSA 2C:36-A-1: NJSA 2C:35-10(c), failure to turn over CDS to an officer “failure to turn over;” NJSA 2C:35-10(a)(4), possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana; NJSA 2C:35-10(b), under the influence of CDS; NJSA 2C:36-2, possession of drug paraphernalia. These matters are heard in Municipal Court.

What is a Conditional Discharge? If you are eligible for a Conditional Discharge, it does not automatically mean that you will enter into the Program. Pursuant to NJSA 2C:36A-1, an attorney can make a Motion to suspend further court proceedings and place their client on a special type of supervised probation. Since this is an optional program, it is important that the defense attorney prepare evidence showing that their client is a good candidate for a conditional discharge. It is helpful to collect letters of recommendation, proof of employment, drug treatment, and any other information that helps prove that the defendant will benefit from such program.

An experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney can advise you if entrance into a Conditional Discharge is something you should consider. For example, the State needs to meet their burden by providing all discoverable materials, including but not limited to a lab report, if applicable. If the State does not provide the proper materials, it is possible by way of a motion that the matter can be dismissed. Also, if you enter into a conditional discharge, after completion of the program you still need to expunge the matter if you want the arrest off your record. It is important to be aware that by entering into a conditional discharge you will not be eligible for other diversionary programs in the future such as Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI). Thus, it is imperative to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side to help guide you through the Municipal Court system.

Continue reading →

Published on: October 7, 2013

Random Drug Testing in New Jersey Schools

By Tara Breslow-Testa, Esq.

This New York Times article discusses the debate over random drug testing in high schools in New Jersey. I will be interesting to see if this goes through, and what the legal ramifications are for those who test positive.

See link below for article:

Published on: July 10, 2013

Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer in Holmdel New Jersey

By Tara Breslow-Testa, Esq.

PNC Arts Center is located in Monmouth County, New Jersey in the town of Holmdel. It is one of two major outdoor arenas located in the New York Metropolitan area. The venue has been the center of several controversies, including an incident during a Phish concert in 2000 where over 70 people were arrested, and the band was not invited back to the venue before their hiatus in 2004.

In recent years, there has been an increase in police presence at the Arts Center, and this has resulted with an increase in arrests for those attending concerts at the venue. Unfortunately, a night of fun and relaxation can result with an arrest that can jeopardize your future.

If you have been arrested on a felony charge in Holmdel, New Jersey, the matter will be transferred to the Superior Court located in Freehold. If you have been charged with a third or fourth degree Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) or any other felony charge, it is imperative that you hire an experienced Monmouth County criminal defense attorney to handle the matter. It is possible that the matter could be remanded back to municipal court. Or if this is your first offense you could be eligible for Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI), avoiding a criminal record.

Continue reading →

Published on: June 14, 2013

Arrested in Long Beach Island (LBI)? You need an Experienced Criminal Lawyer!

By Tara Breslow-Testa, Esq.

As the warm weather air rolls in and July 4th is around the corner, beach-lovers head to Long Beach Island (LBI). Inevitably, when there is a sudden increase in population in a shore town, the local police department increase their police presence as well. This increase in police presence in the summer months is evident in the towns of Beach Haven, Ship Bottom, Long Beach Township, Surf City, Barnegat Light and Harvey Cedars.

If you have visited LBI, you know it is a beautiful place, however many juveniles and adults are arrested while on vacation in LBI over the summer months. An arrest can have significant long term negative effect on your life . Whether the arrest be for a borough ordinance violation, Possession of Marijuana less than 50 grams, Drug Paraphernalia, Criminal Mischief or Simple Assault, all these matters require court appearances. A Disorderly Person offense holds a maximum of 6 months in jail, a probation term and up to $1000 in court fines. It is imperative that you have an experienced criminal defense attorney fighting on your side in these local municipalities of Beach Haven, Long Beach Township (which includes Brant Beach, Holgate, Brighton Beach, Beach Haven Crest, Beach Haven Terrace, Beach Haven Gardens, Haven Beach, The Dunes, Spray Beach and North Beach Haven), Surf City, Barnegat Light, Harvey Cedars and Ship Bottom.

If the matter is classified as an indictable offense, whether is it be 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th degree the matter will be transferred to the Superior Court located in Toms River, New Jersey. Again, it is important to have an attorney with experience on your side.

Published on: May 23, 2013

Red Bank Arrest- Municipal Court

By Tara Breslow-Testa, Esq.

Red Bank Municipal Court is located on 90 Monument Street in Red Bank, New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been arrested in any municipality, including but not limited to: Red Bank, Middletown, Fair Haven, Rumson, Little Silver, Eatontown, Deal, Ocean or West Long Branch it is important to find a local attorney who is familiar with the local municipal court. Ms. Breslow has appeared in all of these courts and has experience throughout the county.

If you have been arrested for Possession of Less than 50 Grams of Marijuana, your matter will be heard in the municipal court. This drug charge is considered a disorderly persons which holds a maximum of 6 months in jail, loss of license as well as other fines and penalties. If you are a first time offender a lawyer could negotiate a deal with the Prosecutor where you would receive a conditional discharge. However, it is important to understand what the implications are of a conditional discharge prior to entering into it. For example, with a conditional discharge you will be disqualified from other diversionary programs, such as Pre-Trial Intervention. Thus, it is importance to understand your opinions before entering in any “deal.” Tara Breslow has experience in the municipal courts and could advise you on the best ways to proceed.

Published on: January 31, 2013

Juvenile Cases and Arrests in Monmouth County

By Tara Breslow-Testa, Esq.

If your child or loved one has been arrested and they are less than 18 years old, their matter will be heard within the Superior Court where the Juvenile resides. Even if the matter would have otherwise been heard in the local municipal court, juvenile matters are heard within the Family Division of the Superior Court. Depending on the severity of the arrest and whether there were co-defendants arrested at the same time, the case will either before a referee or a Superior Court Judge.

If this is the juvenile’s first time in the judicial system, then it is possible for an experienced criminal attorney to negotiate a deal for the juvenile where he or she gets their matter dismissed after a period of time. This type of resolution is referred to as a deferred disposition. If your child has been arrested for Possession of Marijuana less than 50 grams, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of CDS (Controlled Dangerous Substance, including heroin, zanax, and cocaine), Theft, Aggravated Assault or any other disorderly persons offense, fourth degree or third degree offense, then he or she could be eligible for this type of resolution. If there are drugs and/or alcohol involved the Judge might require mandatory drug testing and other conditions.

Often times, young people make a wrong decision and this should not ruin their bright future. It is important to have an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney on your side so that this minor mistake does effect the juvenile long term.

Published on: December 5, 2012

Christie Expands Drug Court in New Jersey

By Tara Breslow-Testa, Esq.

Drug Court has been a successful addition to the court system as it has treated non-violent offenders who suffer from drug additions throughout the state of New Jersey. The rates of recidivism for drug court graduates have proven to be minimal as compared to the rates for drug offenders. There is no doubt that drug court has changed many lives, but now it seems that Governor Christie is trying to expand this program in order to avoid increased incarceration for those who suffer from addition.

As part of drug court, a person has to complete the recommended drug treatment program, and then remain on probation for 5 years. The individual is highly monitored by the Drug Court Team including drug testing, proof of employment and weekly appearances in court. Even though Drug Court is a commitment and time consuming, often times it is a way to avoid incarceration. This year has been an exciting year as Governor Christie has showed tremendous dedication to expanding the program to many of those who otherwise could not get in prior.

In 2012, Governor Chris Christie has made monumental strides in trying to expand the Drug Court Program in New Jersey. This new program will provide for drug programs and treatment for those appropriate candidates, to be implemented over a five year time period.

Continue reading →

Published on: September 27, 2012

Juvenile arrests- how to get a clean record

By Tara Breslow-Testa, Esq.

Juvenile matters are heard in the Family Division within the Superior Court usually where the crime occurs, or it can also be the county where the juvenile resides. Often times, if it is the juveniles first “run in” with the law, the juvenile is be eligible for a deferred disposition. This means that the juvenile will not have to be finger printed or give a DNA sample, and if he or she remains arrest free and complies with the other conditions, the adjudication will not go on their record.

Often times if these charges are serious or involve a burglary or if there is excessive restitution, the Prosecutor might oppose such disposition. If that occurs, then an experience New Jersey criminal lawyer can make a persuasive argument to the judge, and the judge could give the juvenile this opportunity. Also, there is the option of doing a back-ended deferred disposition, which means that for the time period of probation the disposition will remain on their record, however, if they complete the time period without any arrest and follow all conditions, then the disposition will be removed from the juveniles record.

This law office has helped thousands of juveniles get this type of result, giving them a second chance.

Published on: September 18, 2012

How to get Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI)?

By Tara Breslow-Testa, Esq.

Often times, people who lead productive law abiding lives make a mistake in their adult life, that leads to an arrest. Of course, a criminal record can lead to loss of a job, embarrassment and other life changing events. If you are a first time offender, PTI may be a way that you can keep a “clean” record. If you or a loved one has been charged with a felony offense, it is important to understand how PTI (pre-trial intervention) works, so that your future in no tainted by one event in poor judgment.

Whether you live in Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex County or any other county in New Jersey, PTI supervisory programs are available in each county in the State of New Jersey. Usually, PTI is for 3rd and 4th degree offenders, however, an experienced criminal attorney could attempt to have the Prosecutor allow a 2nd degree offender apply to the program, and hopefully be accepted.

In order to be accepted, there is a two-phase application process, first you must be accepted by the probation department and then by the Prosecutor’s Office. Usually, PTI is for a 12 to 18 month time period. During the time period of PTI, you will need to report to a probation officer and follow all conditions imposed by the court. If there is an excessive amount of restitution to be paid back, then there might be a long time period for probation, but you can make an early release application. In addition, there is a community service component that one must complete which can range from 45 hours to 120 hours. All fines are to be paid through probation. It is important if you are accepted into PTI to comply with all conditions because you can be terminated and then face the original charges. After completion of PTI, you must wait 6 months to have the matter expunged.

Continue reading →