Passaic New Jersey Marijuana LawyersPassaic NJ police recently arrested four people accused of distributing marijuana at a public housing complex.

Passaic County law enforcement received a report of illegal drug activity at the Chestnut Gardens public housing complex in Passaic, New Jersey. Police then began an investigation that lasted five months.

Investigators eventually obtained enough evidence to secure a search warrant for an apartment at the housing complex. When police conducted a raid, they found four alleged gang members inside the apartment. All four suspects were placed under arrest.

Passaic police officers reportedly seized at least one ounce of marijuana, as well as $110K in cash.

If the suspects are convicted on the most serious drug charges, they face severe penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5, distributing more than one ounce of marijuana can be classified as a third degree felony. A conviction for third degree possession with intent to distribute marijuana could lead to a sentence of 3-5 years in New Jersey State Prison.

Three of the suspects are minors, so they were taken to the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center. Two of those suspects were later released to the custody of their parents. Meanwhile, the adult suspect was transported to the Passaic County Jail; he is being held on $150,000 bail.

Additionally, the mother of one of the suspects is expected to be evicted from her apartment as part of the federal government’s “One Strike and You’re Out” policy.

For more information about this case, view the NorthJersey.com article entitled “Passaic Police Arrest Four, Seize Drugs, $110K Cash in Apartment Raid.”

Bergenfield NJ Criminal Sexual Contact ChargesA Bergenfield NJ doctor faces new sex crime charges after being accused of offensively touching several women at his office.

The 54-year-old doctor, who lives in Dumont New Jersey, was initially arrested on August 25 following an investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office into sex offense allegations made by a patient and several employees.

Now the suspect has been accused of committing additional sex crimes against three more of his female employees. Bergen County prosecutors filed the new charges on September 23.

Three more women came forward and alleged that they were also victims of groping and unwanted sexual contact by the doctor.

The suspect has been charged with multiple counts of criminal sexual contact in the case.

If the suspect is convicted on the sex crime charges, he would be subject to significant penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3(b), criminal sexual contact involves the use of force or coercion into any type of sexual touching. The crime is classified as a fourth degree felony and carries a punishment of up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison.

After being placed under arrest and processed for a second time, the suspect secured his release from police custody by posting $50,000 bail. A condition of the suspect’s release on bail is that he must avoid all contact with the alleged victims in the case.

The suspect is set to appear in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack NJ to address the new charges.

For additional information about this case, check out the NorthJersey.com article entitled “Bergenfield Doctor Again Charged with Criminal Sexual Contact.”

Irvington NJ Murder SuspectA woman accused of murder in Irvington NJ will not be allowed to use a religious cult exemption as a defense to the charges.

The 34-year-old suspect allegedly killed her daughter in 2011. The victim’s body was discovered on May 22, 2011. At the time, the victim was suffering from severe malnourishment and had a broken leg.

The suspect’s attorney had appeared in Essex County Superior Court in Newark NJ and argued that the suspect was under a spell from her pastor at the time of the homicide.

The superior court judge rejected the defense attorney’s argument. The judge said that a person “who is capable of making knowing and intelligent decisions would have understood the gravity of the situation.”

The judge also ruled that an expert will be allowed to testify at the trial with regard to the suspect’s mental health.

If the suspect is convicted, she faces severe penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3, murder is the most serious criminal offense in the NJ Criminal Code. A conviction on first degree murder charges could lead to a sentence of life imprisonment in New Jersey State Prison, with a minimum sentence of 30 years. Additionally, anyone convicted of killing a juvenile under the age of 14 is ineligible for release on parole.

To learn more about this case, read the NJ.com article entitled “Mom Accused of Killing Daughter, 8, Was Under Pastor’s ‘Delusional Spells,’ Attorney Says.”

Jersey City NJ Sexual Assault ConvictionA Jersey City NJ music teacher was recently found guilty on aggravated sexual assault charges for sexually abusing an 8-year-old girl.

The victim, who is now 11 years old, was a student of the suspect at the 676 School of Violin and Fine Arts. The 63-year-old suspect taught music classes out of his home on 676 Bergen Avenue in Jersey City, New Jersey.

The victim attended the suspect’s school and took piano lessons for two years. During that time, the suspect sexually assaulted her on several occasions.

The victim testified in court that the suspect threatened to kill her if she ever told anyone about the sexual abuse.

The suspect is now subject to significant penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2(a), aggravated sexual assault is a first degree crime. The suspect now faces a possible sentence of 10-20 years in New Jersey State Prison.

One factor in the suspect’s sentence could be his prior criminal record. According to officials, the suspect was previously convicted of endangering the welfare of a child and received a sentence of 18 months in NJ State Prison.

After being convicted on the most recent sexual assault charges, the suspect was taken to the Hudson County Jail in Kearny, NJ. Since the suspect’s bail has been revoked, he will be held at the jail until formal sentencing on December 18 in Hudson County Superior Court.

For more information about this case, check out the NJ.com article entitled “Jersey City Music Teacher Guilty of Aggravated Sexual Assault on 8-Year-Old Student.”

Garfield NJ Arson SuspectPolice in Garfield NJ are searching for a local man who allegedly tried to burn down his neighbor’s home.

The incident stemmed from a dispute over a noise complaint at a residence located on Palisades Avenue in Garfield, New Jersey. The neighbors reportedly spoke with the 18-year-old suspect and asked him to quiet down. The suspect refused the request and then allegedly attempted to set fire to the victims’ home.

According to authorities, the suspect fled the area after starting the fire. By the time police arrived at the scene, the suspect was long gone.

Garfield police officers smelled a heavy gasoline odor near the front door of the house.

Investigators later spoke with the occupants of the home, who said that they personally witnessed the suspect starting the blaze.

If and when the suspect is eventually apprehended, he will face a charge of aggravated arson.

As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1, aggravated arson involves purposefully starting a fire that places another person in danger of death or injury. The statute classifies aggravated arson as a second degree felony, which means that it carries a potential penalty of 5-10 years in NJ State Prison.

Law enforcement has asked for the public’s assistance in locating the suspect. Anyone who has information about the suspect’s whereabouts should contact Garfield police at 973-478-8500.

For additional information about this case, go to the NorthJersey.com article entitled “Garfield Cops Seek City Teen in Alleged Arson Attempt.”

Hackensack NJ Sexual Assault ChargesHackensack NJ police recently arrested three people who allegedly committed sexual assaults of a 10-year-old girl.

According to authorities, the victim was sexually assault three separate times. The offenders reportedly included a 54-year-old Moonachie NJ man, a 40-year-old Hackensack man, and a 15-year-old teenage boy.

The victim told her mother about the alleged sexual assaults. The mother then notified the Hackensack Police Department, which also contacted the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit.

Law enforcement investigated the allegations and eventually gathered enough evidence to get arrest warrants for the suspects.

Police apprehended the Moonachie man and the teenage suspect. The Hackensack NJ suspect remains at large.

The adult suspects are likely to be charged with a number of sex crimes, including aggravated sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, and endangering the welfare of a child.

If either of the adult suspects is eventually convicted on the aggravated sexual assault charges, they face significant penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2a, anyone who commits aggravated sexual assault of a minor can be charged with a first degree felony. A conviction for first degree aggravated assault could result in a sentence of 10-20 years in New Jersey State Prison.

Moreover, since the No Early Release Act (NERA) applies to violent felonies, the convicted offenders would be required to serve at least 85 percent of their sentences before becoming eligible for parole.

The adult suspect who was already captured is currently being held at the Bergen County Jail in Hackensack NJ on a $300,000 bail amount. Meanwhile, the teen suspect is being held at the Bergen County Juvenile Detention Center in Teterboro, New Jersey.

Anyone with information about the location of the third suspect in the sexual assaults is asked to contact Hackensack police at 201-646-7777.

For more information about this case, go to the CliffviewPilot.com article entitled “Moonachie, Hackensack Men, Boy Charges in Rapes of Girl, 10.”

Paterson New Jersey Heroin LawyersPolice recently arrested two people who were allegedly in possession of a large amount of heroin while driving through Paterson, New Jersey.

Narcotics detectives with the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office reportedly saw a Hummer H2 driving around in circles near Market Street and East 32nd Street in Paterson, NJ. Police then observed a 25-year-old man approach the Hummer and get into the passenger side when the vehicle came to a stop.

At that point, the suspect allegedly sold 25 glassine envelopes of heroin to the driver, a 36-year-old man from Boonton, NJ.

A short time later, police arrested both the driver and the passenger. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, detectives allegedly discovered the 25 glassine envelopes of heroin, as well as an additional 50 packets of heroin.

Both suspects were arrested and charged with possession of heroin and distribution of heroin.

According to authorities, the passenger already had an outstanding warrant that had been issued out of Bergen County for violating the requirements of drug court. Additionally, the driver was reportedly wanted on a contempt of court warrant out of Morris County, NJ.

If either of the suspects is eventually convicted on the heroin distribution charges, they would be subject to significant penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5, distribution of more than one-half ounce of heroin is a second degree felony. A conviction for second degree heroin distribution could result in a sentence of 5-10 years in New Jersey State Prison.

For more information about this case, go to the NorthJersey.com article entitled “Sheriff: Two Loaded Guns Confiscated as Part of Paterson Narcotics Operation.”

Englewood Cliffs Carjacking SuspectA carjacking incident occurred a week ago when a woman stopped her vehicle after spotting a man lying in the street in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.

The woman was with her two children and on her way home from a friend’s house when she saw the suspect on the roadway. According to the woman, the suspect appeared to be choking.

The concerned woman got out of her vehicle and checked on the man. The man, a 22-year-old from Wallingford, Connecticut, then jumped up and chased the woman back to her car.

The woman got her children out of the car just before the suspect allegedly stole her vehicle and drove off.

Englewood Cliffs NJ police officers arrived at the scene a short time later. They chased after the suspect, locating him near Sylvan Avenue. That’s when the suspect allegedly rammed the stolen vehicle into both of the police cruisers.

The suspect reportedly got out of the car and confronted police officers who had arrived at the scene to lend assistance. The other police officers came from Alpine, Palisades Interstate Parkway, and Tenafly.

Remarkably, the suspect was able to get away from the officers and allegedly steal one of the police cruisers. The subsequent pursuit took police through several Bergen County towns, including Alpine, Bergenfield, Dumont, New Milford, Paramus, and River Edge.

The chase came to an end when the suspect collided with a New Milford patrol vehicle while attempting to enter Route 4 West from Hackensack Avenue.

A Leonia police officer then rammed the back of the stolen police cruiser and sent the vehicle onto the lawn of the Paramus Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealer.

The suspect exited the cruiser and tried to evade police officers, but they quickly apprehended him.

The suspect faces a number of criminal charges, including carjacking, aggravated assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, eluding police, and obstruction of justice.

For more information about this case, go to the CliffviewPilot.com article entitled “Route 4 Maneuver by Leonia Officer Ends Crash-Filled Chase of Carjacker in Stolen Englewood Cliffs Police Cruiser.”

Here is the dash cam video of the incident.

Paterson NJ Manslaughter Plea DealA Paterson New Jersey man has been sentenced to time in NJ State Prison for the stabbing death of his roommate’s boyfriend.

According to authorities, the 36-year-old suspect pleaded guilty to reckless manslaughter charges.

The suspect reportedly admitted to killing the 50-year-old victim during an argument at the suspect’s residence in July 2013. The argument began as a verbal altercation before things escalated and turned physical.

The victim died as a result of the stab wounds.

After the suspect allegedly stabbed the victim, he fled the scene. He evaded police for a long time before eventually turning himself in to authorities in March 2014.

The suspect later reached a plea deal with Passaic County prosecutors. Although the suspect pleaded guilty to reckless manslaughter, he was initially charged with aggravated manslaughter in the case. A conviction on aggravated manslaughter charges could have resulted in a sentence of up to 30 years in New Jersey State Prison

Now the suspect has been sentenced to 8 years in state prison. As part of the plea agreement, he will be required to serve nearly 7 years before he becomes eligible for release on parole.

For further information about this case, access the NorthJersey.com article entitled “Paterson Man Sentenced to 8-Year Term in Stabbing Death of Roommate’s Boyfriend.”

Paterson NJ Attempted Murder ChargesA Paterson NJ man accused of shooting a 17-year-old woman from Clifton New Jersey reportedly entered a “not guilty” plea in Passaic County Superior Court.

According to Passaic County prosecutors, the suspect has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly firing gunshots at the victim in Paterson, New Jersey. The suspect also faces charges for a number of weapons offenses, including unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

The shooting reportedly occurred during the early morning hours on May 30. The suspect allegedly fired gunshots at a van parked on Park Avenue in Paterson, NJ.

The victim suffered a gunshot wound to her back. She was rushed to the hospital after the shooting. Thankfully, doctors were able to provide her with life-saving medical treatment at the hospital.

The suspect was subsequently placed under arrest.

The suspect faces significant penalties if he is convicted on the most serious weapons charges. For example, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5(b) classifies illegal possession of a handgun as a second degree felony. A conviction on the unlawful possession of a weapon charge could result in a sentence of 5-10 years in New Jersey State Prison.

Additionally, since handgun charges are governed by the Graves Act, the suspect would be required to serve a fixed term before becoming eligible for release on parole.

The suspect is currently being held at the Passaic County Jail in Paterson NJ in lieu of $750,000 bail.

For more information about this case, read the NorthJersey.com article entitled “Man Accused of Shooting Clifton Girl, 17, Pleads Not Guilty.”