Theft

Published on: April 25, 2017

Have You Been Charged with Shoplifting at Jersey Gardens Outlet in Tinton Falls or Monmouth Mall in Eatontown?

Monmouth Mall is one of the most popular spots in Eatontown, not just for shoppers but for shoplifters. Jersey Outlets in Tinton Falls is an outdoor outlet that attracts shoppers from all over New Jersey, and many are arrested for shoplifting each year. Unfortunately for those who give in to the temptation of a “five-finger discount,” the mall and outlet do not have much forgiveness when it comes to prosecuting those who steal goods while pretending to be a customer.

If you have recently been arrested for shoplifting at Monmouth Mall in Eatontown or Jersey Gardens Outlet in Tinton Falls, there are several things you should know.

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Published on: August 15, 2016

HOLMDEL RESIDENTS ACCUSED OF CREDIT CARD THEFT, FRAUD

By Tara Breslow-Testa, Esq.

Authorities recently arrested three Holmdel residents who are accused of stealing thousands of dollars by fraudulently using a man’s credit cards and bank accounts.

According to a news release from the Holmdel Police Department, a man contacted them on June 11 after experiencing issues with his Bank of America credit card and checking account. Upon investigation, officials discovered that there was approximately $29,000 unaccounted for among both accounts.

Officers from the Holmdel Police Department proceeded to work with members of the Bank of America Fraud unit over the next two months to identify potential suspects. They reviewed security photos from the bank, which showed several incidents involving check deposits and the use of the man’s ATM card.

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Published on: June 3, 2016

SUMMER AT THE JERSEY SHORE BRINGS INCREASE IN CRIME, ARRESTS, AND POLICE ACTIVITY

By Tara Breslow-Testa, Esq.

Summertime at the Jersey Shore conjures images of sun and sand, parties and events–the moments that memories are made of. Every year, the summer months mean scores of visitors descending upon beach towns to enjoy the beautiful scenery and the many activities that the Jersey Shore offers. However, this time of year also entails a very different reality, as the increase in population brings an associated increase in crime, arrests, and law enforcement activities.

Consider this: the 22 coastal towns in New Jersey are home to approximately 440,000 residents. In the midst of summer, the population at the Jersey Shore can swell to over 900,000. With this dramatic increase in population, there is also an increase in crime, the majority of which involves relatively low-level criminal offenses and municipal ordinance violations, according to Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden.

As parties and people grow, arrests involving drugs, alcohol, and theft rise as well. In order to adequately patrol and enforce the law in Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic, and Cape May counties, police departments in these areas hire seasonal officers to accommodate the ramp-up in law enforcement activities. Generally, this results in frequent arrests for drug crimes such as marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia; alcohol-related crimes such as disorderly conduct, underage drinking, and DWI; and minor theft crimes such as petty theft and shoplifting.

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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: 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: April 25, 2013

Pre-Indictment Court in Superior Court

By Tara Breslow-Testa, Esq.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a felony offense, it will likely that your matter will be sent to the Superior Court in the county where you were arrested. For example, if you were arrested in Monmouth County, your matter will be transferred to the Superior Court located in Freehold. Once the matter is transferred it will undergo a screening process, and it is possible that prior to the matter being sent to the Grand Jury for Indictment, the matter will be sent to the Pre-Indictment Court, otherwise known as PIP court. Judge Kilgallen is the newly assigned Judge who presides over PIP court in Monmouth County.

It is not always beneficial to accept a plea deal in PIP court. However, sometimes it is the best deal that a defendant will ever be offered. It is important to know the risks as well as the benefits of accepting or rejecting a plea offer. An experienced criminal defense lawyer in New Jersey can help advise you whether this will be the best deal or if you can do better if you wait.

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.