Paterson NJ Aggravated Assault ChargesA Paterson NJ man has been sentenced to 18 months in NJ State Prison for shooting another man on a street in Paterson.

According to law enforcement, the 27-year-old suspect used a handgun to shoot the victim multiple times on 12th Avenue in Paterson New Jersey on April 1, 2014.

The suspect initially faced charges for attempted murder. However, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office later offered the suspect a deal that allowed him to plead guilty to a lesser charge of aggravated assault.

The suspect caught a break when the victim refused to testify on behalf of Passaic County prosecutors.

Now the suspect has been formally sentenced to a term of incarceration of 18 months in NJ State Prison. The sentence was handed down by a Passaic County Superior Court judge, who told the suspect that he would not have received such a light sentence if the victim had chosen to testify.

In fact, if the suspect had gone to trial and been convicted of third degree aggravated assault, he could have faced a sentence of 3-5 years in state prison.

The suspect is actually set to be released from prison in a few months because he served 471 days in prison while his charges were pending.

For additional information about this case, see the NorthJersey.com article entitled “Woman Gets 18-Month Sentence for Paterson Shooting.”

Englewood NJ Burglary SuspectsSix people recently entered not guilty pleas to burglary charges in Bergen County Superior Court.

The six suspects, including five men and one woman, are accused of burglarizing approximately 30 homes throughout New Jersey, including Englewood and Closter, NJ. According to authorities, the suspects would work together in teams of three or four people when committing the break-ins, which occurred between July 2014 and November 2014.

The suspects allegedly targeted high-end residences. During a burglary in Boonton Township, the suspects reportedly got away with $500K in jewelry and other expensive items.

Police officers in several departments conducted an investigation that lasted nine months. Investigators eventually gathered enough evidence to arrest the suspects and charge them with a number of crimes, including burglary, theft of movable property, and money laundering.

Three of the suspects were able to secure their releases from police custody by posting bail. The other three suspects remain in police custody.

Now the suspects are fighting the burglary charges. They recently made appearances in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack NJ and said that they were innocent of the alleged crimes.

If the suspects are ultimately convicted on the charges of burglary, they face severe penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2, burglary is typically classified as a third degree felony. A conviction on third degree burglary charges could lead to a sentence of 3-5 years in NJ State Prison for each of the suspects.

To learn more about this case, go to the NorthJersey.com article entitled “Six Plead Not Guilty in N.J. Burglary Spree That Included Homes in Englewood, Closter.”

Lodi Teacher Charged with DWIA Lodi NJ high school teacher is attempting to get evidence withheld in his DWI case.

The suspect, a math teacher at Lodi High School, was arrested last year for allegedly drinking and driving on Route 46 in Lodi, New Jersey. The car accident occurred in April 2014.

According to law enforcement, the suspect was driving a 2012 Ford Fusion on the highway when he slammed into a Bergen County police cruiser. At the time of the crash, the suspect allegedly had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .219 percent.

The victim, a Bergen County police officer, was critically injured as a result of the car accident. He reportedly sustained significant head injuries, including a skull fracture and internal bleeding. He also suffered broken ribs and a collapsed lung.

Meanwhile, the suspect was chased down by a Lodi police officer and arrested. He was then charged with a number of crimes, including second degree aggravated assault, assault by auto, and leaving the scene of an accident. He was also charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI).

Sometime after the charges were filed against the suspect, he was suspended from his teaching job at Lodi High School.

The suspect was later indicted on the criminal charges. If the suspect is convicted on the most serious charges of aggravated assault, he faces severe penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(b), aggravated assault that involves a high indifference to the value of human life can be classified as a second degree felony and result in a sentence of 5-10 years in NJ State Prison.

The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office has offered the suspect a plea deal that would require him to serve 7 years in New Jersey State Prison. However, the suspect’s attorney indicated that his client will not be accepting a plea offer in the case.

With a trial looming, the suspect’s defense attorney has also indicated that he wants the DWI evidence to be ruled inadmissible at trial. The evidence reportedly includes statements made by the suspect after the car crash, as well as blood and urine samples.

The Bergen County Superior Court judge said that a hearing will be held in late November or early December to decide on the evidence admissibility issue.

While the criminal charges are pending, the suspect is free on $150,000 bail.

For additional information about this case, read the GarfieldDailyVoice.com article entitled “DWI Lodi Teacher Seeks to Block Evidence in Cop Crash.”

Newark Federal Credit Card Fraud ChargesTwo men were recently indicted in Newark federal court on charges that they committed credit card fraud.

According to authorities, the suspects illegally obtained several credit cards and then used them to finance expensive shopping sprees. The suspects allegedly made more than $350,000 in purchases on the credit cards during the crime spree, which is said to have occurred between March 2014 and April 2014. The purchases were reportedly made at high-end retail stores throughout North Jersey.

The suspects allegedly acquired the credit cards by obtaining birthdates and Social Security numbers belonging to other individuals. In total, the suspects allegedly defrauded 70 different people

The suspects, a 37-year-old man from Newark NJ and a 38-year-old man from East Orange NJ, were identified in September 2014 and charged with multiple crimes, including eight counts of wire fraud, one count of identity theft, and one count of conspiracy to commit fraud.

Now the suspects have been indicted by a federal grand jury.

If the suspects are ultimately convicted on the most serious charges, they could be sentenced to as many as 30 years in federal prison and fined up to $1 million.

One of the suspects is currently in police custody. The other suspect still remains at large.

For more information about this case, see the NJ.com article entitled “Essex County Men Indicted for Allegedly Running $350K Credit Card Scheme.”

Ridgewood NJ Gun Possession SuspectTwo men were recently indicted in connection with shootings at a church located in Ridgewood, New Jersey.

The shooting incident occurred late last year. According to Bergen County prosecutors, the two suspects fired more than 40 bullets into the Old Paramus Reformed Church in Ridgewood, NJ.

The suspects, a 22-year-old male and a 23-year-old male, allegedly used a high-powered rifle to shoot into the church.

The gunshots reportedly caused significant damage to the historic church windows that dated back to 1875.

Thankfully, no one was present inside the church when the shootings occurred.

The suspects were eventually linked to the shootings and placed under arrest. One of the men is from Somerville, NJ; the other man is from Ridgewood, New Jersey.

The two suspects have been charged with a number of crimes, including criminal mischief, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a sawed-off shotgun.

Bergen County NJ prosecutors are expected to offer the suspects plea deals that call for each man to serve a minimum mandatory sentence of more than 3 years in NJ State Prison.

If the suspects go to trial, they would face even stiffer penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5, unlawful possession of a weapon such as a shotgun is a third degree felony and carries a potential sentence of 5 years in state prison.

While the criminal charges are pending, one of the suspects is free on $105,000 bail; the other suspect is currently being held at the Bergen County Jail in Hackensack NJ in lieu of $100,000 bail.

To learn more about this case, read the NorthJersey.com article entitled “Cousins Plead Not Guilty in Connection with Ridgewood Church Shooting.”

Hackensack New Jersey Murder ChargesHackensack NJ police recently arrested a man accused of murdering his girlfriend and her four-year-old son in Jersey City, New Jersey.

According to law enforcement, the suspect strangled the 25-year-old victim and then smothered her young son on October 7 at a Lincoln Street residence in Jersey City, NJ.

After the killing, the suspect reportedly fled from Jersey City. Hudson County authorities tried to find the suspect but could not locate him.

Hackensack police later found the suspect hiding in an apartment located on Clay Street and placed him under arrest.

Prior to being arrested, the suspect allegedly grabbed a large knife and charged at one of the officers. Police responded by shooting the suspect in the abdomen. The suspect suffered a gunshot wound to the stomach as a result of the shooting.

After the police shooting incident, Hackensack police officers arrested two women at the Hackensack residence for allegedly hindering the police investigation by telling authorities that the suspect was not at the apartment. Police reportedly showed a photo of the suspect to the women prior to entering the home.

Immediately after the shooting, the suspect was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center so that he could be treated for his injuries. He was later transported to the Hudson County Jail, where he will be held in lieu of bail.

The suspect has been charged with two counts of murder in the case. If he is ultimately convicted of first degree murder, he faces severe penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3, a murder conviction could result in life imprisonment, with a minimum sentence of 30 years in New Jersey State Prison.

For more information about this case, check out the NorthJersey.com article entitled “Fevered Search, then a Single Gunshot as Hackensack Cops Tracked Murder Suspect.”

Paterson New Jersey Marijuana LawyersA Paterson NJ man was arrested after police allegedly found him in possession of marijuana during a traffic stop in Fair Lawn, New Jersey.

According to authorities, Fair Lawn patrol officers stopped the suspect’s vehicle on Broadway and Tunbridge Road in Fair Lawn, NJ. The traffic stop was made a short time before 12:00 p.m.

At some point, during the stop, the police officers reportedly discovered 45 grams of marijuana in a Tupperware container inside the car. The container was allegedly concealed in a knapsack.

Police subsequently arrested the vehicle driver, a 20-year-old male from Paterson, New Jersey. When police ran a background search on the driver, they reportedly learned that he had an arrest warrant out of Elmwood Park, NJ.

Police officers also learned that the car passenger, a 22-year-old male from Paterson, reportedly had arrest warrants out of Passaic County and Morris County.

The driver of the car has been charged with multiple drug crimes, including possession with intent to distribute marijuana, simple possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Meanwhile, the vehicle passenger was transferred to the custody of Passaic County sheriff’s officers because of the outstanding warrants for his arrest.

If the driver is convicted on the most serious marijuana distribution charges, he faces severe penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5, possession with intent to distribute marijuana in an amount greater than one ounce can be classified as a third degree felony and carries a penalty of 3-5 years in New Jersey State Prison.

After being arrested and processed, the driver was taken to the Bergen County Jail in Hackensack, NJ. He was being held at the jail in lieu of $15,000 bail.

For additional information about this case, see the NorthJersey.com article entitled “Fair Lawn Police Say They Seized 45 Grams of Marijuana from Paterson Man.”

Newark NJ Aggravated Assault SuspectA Newark NJ man was arrested after allegedly destroying the East Orange Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and assaulting police officers.

According to law enforcement, the 33-year-old suspect became agitated when the East Orange DMV closed early for the day. The suspect allegedly got into a scuffle with two Essex County sheriff’s officers at the scene.

Authorities indicated that the suspect punched one officer and tried to gouge another officer’s eye.

The police officers had approached the suspect in an attempt to calm him down. However, the suspect reportedly “pushed the officers away and assumed a combative fighting stance.”

The suspect was eventually subdued when several other police officers arrived at the scene and offered assistance.

The suspect was subsequently arrested and charged with a number of criminal offenses, including aggravated assault, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct.

If the suspect is convicted of aggravated assault, he faces severe penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(b), aggravated assault against a police officer can be classified as a second degree crime. A conviction for second degree aggravated assault could lead to a sentence of 5-10 years in New Jersey State Prison.

After being placed under arrest and processed, the suspect was taken to nearby University Hospital in Newark for a mental evaluation. Sometime later, the suspect was transported to the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark, NJ. The suspect was being held at the jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.

To learn more about this case, access the NJ.com article entitled “Newark Man Accused of Trashing East Orange DMV, Attacking Cops.”

Clifton NJ Kidnapping SuspectA Clifton NJ man has been charged with several crimes after allegedly kidnapping and robbing multiple people.

According to officials, the 27-year-old suspect used a knife to force men and women into his car on multiple occasions. He then allegedly kidnapped them and demanded that they withdraw money from their bank accounts.

The first kidnapping incident allegedly occurred in February. Police said that the suspect approached a woman in the parking lot of Blink Fitness at the Bergen Town Center. The suspect allegedly forced his way into her motor vehicle and made her drive to an ATM to withdraw cash.

The nightmare incident reportedly concluded when the suspect ordered the victim to drive to a Pathmark grocery store in Elmwood Park and buy him $70 worth of Red Bull drinks.

The suspect allegedly committed another violent crime in August at the Westfield Garden State Plaza parking garage. The suspect reportedly walked up to a man in the underground parking garage and forced his way into the victim’s car. The victim drove to Paterson NJ, where the suspect allegedly stole the victim’s phone and wallet.

Yet another kidnapping reportedly occurred in September at the Garden State Plaza parking lot. The suspect allegedly got into the victim’s car and pulled a knife on the driver. The suspect allegedly made the victim drive to multiple ATMs and withdraw cash.

Clifton police officers investigated the most recent kidnapping incident and eventually located the suspect in Botany Village. The suspect was placed under arrest and charged with three counts of kidnapping and robbery, in addition to weapons offenses.

If the suspect is convicted on the most serious charges of kidnapping, he would be subject to significant penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1, kidnapping can be classified as a first degree felony. A conviction on kidnapping charges carries a potential penalty of 15-30 years in NJ State Prison.

After being arrested and processed, the suspect was taken to the Bergen County Jail in Hackensack, New Jersey. He was being held at the jail in lieu of a massive $500,000 bail amount.

For additional information about this case, see the NorthJersey.com article entitled “Police: Clifton Man Kidnapped Victims from Paramus Malls for Money and Red Bull.”

Far Hills Races in NJNew Jersey police expect to make a number of arrests this Saturday at the 95th annual Far Hills Race, to be held at the 230-acre Moorland Farm in Far Hills, NJ.

The Far Hills Race, which is known by many as “The Hunt,” features races involving several of the world’s best thoroughbred horses. Race organizers said that up to 70 horses will race at this year’s event.

The Far Hills Race provides entertainment for those attending and a lot of needed funding for the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Somerville, New Jersey.

More than 31,000 people showed up for last year’s event. Many of those in attendance traveled using the New Jersey Transit system. Guy Torsilieri, chairman of the Far Hills Race Meeting Association, stated that the Moorland Farm is “in close proximity to such major area roads as Route 287, 206, 202, and Liberty Corner Road, as well as being easily accessible by NJ Transit.”

Before the start of 2014 event, the Far Hills Race was known by some for attracting individuals who consumed too much alcohol and then became very disruptive. This resulted in many complaints about alleged criminal activity, disruptive behavior, and underage drinking at the races.

Far Hills New Jersey officials responded by implementing measures to prevent the criminal activity. The 2014 race saw an increase in the presence of police officers and security guards, the use of metal detectors at gates and other entryways, and a ban on anyone bringing their own alcohol to the event.

At the 2014 event, security was provided by 100 NJ state troopers, a number of private security guards, and numerous county and local police officers.

Additionally, the New Jersey Transit instituted a ban on the possession of alcohol on trains traveling to Far Hill on the day of the races. Police officers also began to carefully monitor the “party buses” parked at the Moorland Farm parking field.

The additional security measures were expected to significantly reduce criminal activity; however, police still had to arrest several people at the 2014 race event. A total of 44 people were arrested last year for various criminal offenses, including disorderly conduct, public nuisance, public urination, underage possession of alcohol, trespassing, destruction of property, simple possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Race event organizers said that several hundred police officers work the Far Hills Races this upcoming Saturday. Since more than 30,000 people are expected to be at the event, police will probably have to make a number of arrests this year.

The Tormey Law Firm has handled numerous criminal cases from the Far Hills Races in the past. We have successfully represented clients charged with disorderly conduct, urinating in public, and possession of an open container of alcohol, as well as other criminal offenses and municipal violations. If you have been charged with a crime while attending the Far Hills Race, it is imperative that you speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney who can make sure you don’t end up with a criminal charge on your record. Call the Tormey Law Firm now to discuss your case or schedule a free consultation at one of our conveniently located offices in New Jersey.