Monmouth County Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog

Published on: September 28, 2016

SEABRIGHT MAN INDICTED ON CHARGES FOR AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, ATTEMPTED MURDER

A jury in Monmouth County Superior Court recently indicted a 25-year-old Sea Bright man who is accused of stabbing a retired police officer outside of a Long Branch bar. The defendant is facing several serious criminal charges, including first-degree attempted murder, second-degree aggravated assault, and various weapons offenses.

The aforementioned case began at approximately 11:45 p.m. on April 9th at the Arena Bar in Long Branch. The defendant, 25-year-old Sea Bright resident Michael Carter, was allegedly involved in an altercation before being removed from the bar by security personnel, as well as Joseph Walker, a retired member of the Long Branch Police Department, and one of Walker’s friends.

After the incident inside the bar, Walker was stabbed 4 times in the face and stomach and his friend was stabbed once in the back. Fortunately, both received medical treatment and are currently recovering. Carter and another man, 26-year-old Eatontown resident Emmanuel Bylander, reportedly attempted to flee but were arrested shortly therafter.

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Published on: September 8, 2016

MEGAN’S LAW REMOVAL IN NEW JERSEY

By Tara Breslow-Testa, Esq.

The tragic rape and murder of 7-year-old Megan Kanka sparked outrage among New Jersey residents and prompted legislative action among New Jersey lawmakers. Megan’s killer was a convicted sex offender who lived in her neighborhood, unbeknownst to her parents. The circumstances of the case compelled New Jersey legislators to pass Megan’s Law on October 31, 1994. This landmark legislation, also referred to as the New Jersey Sex Offenders Act, requires those convicted of certain sex crimes to register with the state, provide certain personal information, and undergo long-term parole supervision. However, if the individual meets specific criteria, he or she can apply for removal from Megan’s Law after 15 years. Attorney Tara Breslow has successfully filed motions and argued for removal from Megan’s Law on behalf of countless clients across the state of New Jersey. Contact her today to discuss your case and receive a free consultation. You can also read on to learn more about New Jersey’s Megan’s Law removal policy.

Are You Eligible for Removal from Megan’s Law?

There are several circumstances under which you may be allowed to file a motion for Megan’s Law removal in New Jersey. First and foremost, you must not have been convicted of any of the sex crimes considered most serious under the New Jersey Criminal Code. Specifically, those convicted of aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault involving physical force or coercion, or those convicted of more than one sexual offense, are ineligible for Megan’s Law removal.

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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: August 3, 2016

WALL TWP. POLICE ALLEGEDLY ASSAULTED BY MAN CHARGED WITH DWI, DRUG POSSESSION

By Tara Breslow-Testa, Esq.

Authorities from the Wall Township Police Department recently charged a man with driving while intoxicated (DWI) and drug possession after a motor vehicle stop. The man is now facing additional charges for aggravated assault, among other offenses, as police say he attempted to stab an officer with a pen while being processed at police headquarters.

The motor vehicle stop in question was conducted just after 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 31, at which time a Wall Township Patrolman stopped a driver near the northbound Garden State Parkway exit ramp on Highway 138. The driver, 28-year-old Staten Island resident Vincent Russo, was charged with DWI shortly thereafter.

When police conducted a search of Russo’s vehicle, they reportedly discovered marijuana and the prescription drug Xanax, after which Russo was also charged with possession of marijuana under 50 grams and unlawful possession of prescription drugs (he did not have a valid prescription).

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Published on: July 21, 2016

OCEAN COUNTY MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT

By Tara Breslow-Testa, Esq.

A Lakewood man pleaded guilty to sex crimes against a 9-year-old girl in Ocean County Superior Court recently.

The defendant in this case, 27-year-old Lakewood resident Agustin Salvidar-Delvalle, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated sexual assault before Ocean County Superior Court Judge James M. Blaney on Wednesday, July 20th.

The charges arose out of a coordinated investigation among members of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office’s Special Victims Unit, the Lakewood Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Department. Investigators believed that Salvidar-Delvalle sexually assault the 9-year-old girl during two separate incidents between August and December of 2015.

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Published on: July 7, 2016

HOLMDEL HOUSE PARTY RESULTS IN 27 ARRESTS, ALLEGED UNDERAGE DRINKING, CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

By Tara Breslow-Testa, Esq.

After police received two reports of burglary and suspicious behavior at a Holmdel Township residence, they discovered a large party in progress and arrested 27 individuals. Those arrested included adults and juveniles, many of whom are facing charges including underage drinking and providing alcohol to minors.

According to Holmdel Police Sergeant Vincent Imperato, authorities received the initial burglary report on Wednesday, June 29th. They arrived on the scene at approximately 9:30 p.m. to find a vacant home with evidence indicating that a large party may have occurred recently. Investigators reportedly discovered empty alcohol containers, garbage, missing items, and damage to the property.

The following night, Holmdel police responded to another call reporting suspicious persons. This time, when they arrived at the property at approximately 1:30 a.m., they found a large party in progress. Ultimately, police arrested 27 individuals, including 21 adults and 6 juveniles, all of whom were under the legal age to consume alcohol.

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Published on: June 15, 2016

HOLMDEL POLICE ARREST TWO, SEIZE MARIJUANA, PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

By Tara Breslow-Testa, Esq.

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.

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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: May 17, 2016

OCEAN TWP. AUTHORITIES SEEK TO IDENTIFY BURGLARY SUSPECT

By Tara Breslow-Testa, Esq.

Authorities in Ocean Township have requested the public’s assistance identifying a suspect who was captured on surveillance video while burglarizing a local residence recently.

The burglary occurred just prior to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 19th, at which time a male suspect, who remains unidentified, knocked on the front door of an Ocean Township home before entering through an unlocked window. Inside the residence, surveillance video documents the man as he appears to steal two laptop computers, wipe the doorknob with his shirt, and flee the scene through the window in which he entered.

Ocean Township police have requested that any and all information regarding the suspect identity and his whereabouts be forwarded to them immediately by phone at 732-531-1800 or 732-531-1428, or via email at CrimeTips@oceantwp.org. The anonymous tip line can also be reached at 732-531-3323.

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Published on: May 17, 2016

WELCOME TO OUR NEW WEBSITE!

By Tara Breslow-Testa, Esq.

Monmouth County NJ Criminal Defense Lawyer: Your Resource for All Things Criminal Justice

Welcome to our new website, your resource for all things criminal justice in New Jersey. Criminal defense attorney Tara Breslow has dedicated the last ten years to defending adults and juveniles charged with crimes ranging from simple assault and possession of marijuana to robbery and homicide. This website will serve as an extension of her professional philosophy: to provide clients with the information and guidance they need to make confident decisions that serve their best interests.

Ms. Breslow has achieved countless successes on behalf of criminal defendants across Monmouth County, from Freehold to Middletown and Holmdel to Asbury Park. With this website, her knowledge and experience is now at your fingertips. Be sure to check back periodically, as the site will be a dynamic repository of information, continuously updated to reflect the ever-evolving nature of New Jersey criminal law.

If you find yourself with additional questions regarding a criminal case against you or someone you love, feel free to contact Tara’s offices anytime for a cost-free consultation.