If you successfully completed a diversionary program for a marijuana offense, you remain ineligible for PTI

June 10, 2022

State of New Jersey v. Richard Gomes.  State of New Jersey v. Moataz M. Sheira State of New Jersey v. Jason Chiriboga State of New Jersey v. Maju D. Barry Decided June 9, 2022. Submitted by New Jersey Drug Crime Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark. In this case the defendants each had prior marijuana charges that were dismissed…

There Are Different Levels of Suspicion Necessary for Officers to Effectuate a Traffic Stop, Investigation, Request a Search Warrant, And Search and Seize Property

July 16, 2021

State v. Muhammad Appellate Docket No.: A-3017-18 Decided July 15, 2021 Submitted by New Jersey Drug Crime Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark. In a recent unpublished opinion, the Appellate Division of New Jersey reviewed whether a fifteen second delay was a violation of the knock and announce rule to search warrants before breaching entry. In State v. Muhammad,…

There Are Different Standards for An Officer to Effectuate a Traffic Stop, Investigation, Arrest or Search

July 15, 2021

State v. Alvarez-Mercedes Appellate Docket No.: A-1201-20 Decided July 13, 2021 Submitted by New Jersey Drug Crime Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark. In a recent unpublished opinion, the Appellate Division of New Jersey reversed a granting of a motion to suppress of heroin found in a towed vehicle after a confidential informant provided a tip that defendant would…

ATTORNEY GENERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT DIRECTIVE NO. 2021-1

February 24, 2021

Submitted by New Jersey Drug Crime Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark.

NEW JERSEY MARIJUANA IS NOW OFFICIALLY LEGAL – THREE BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW

February 23, 2021

Submitted by New Jersey Drug Crime Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark. On February 22, 2021, New Jersey Governor Murphy signed into law three bills legalizing marijuana possession and authorizes its sale by approved distributors. The bills and highlights are as follows: A21 – “The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act” Provides for details on…

Evidentiary and Discovery Rulings Can Make or Break A Defense to A Criminal Action

February 10, 2021

State v. Desir Appellate Docket No.: A-43-19 Decided February 9, 2021 Submitted by New Jersey Drug Crime Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark. In a recent opinion, the Supreme Court of New Jersey reviewed whether a defendant is entitled to discovery stemming from a purchase of narcotics by a confidential informant (CI) even though the defendant was not charged…

Evidentiary Rulings Can Make or Break A Defense to a Criminal Action

January 28, 2021

State v. Kane Appellate Docket No.: A-1996-18T4 Decided January 26, 2021 Submitted by New Jersey Drug Crime Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark. In a recent unpublished opinion, the Appellate Division of New Jersey reviewed a trial court’s denial of a motion to suppress in which detectives surveilled the defendant based on a confidential informant and prior knowledge…

NJ Marijuana Legalization Bill 12-14-2020

December 16, 2020

Submitted by New Jersey Drug Crime Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark

Is an Exchange of Money in A High Crime Area Enough for Probable Cause, Leading to Arrest and A Search and Seizure of Heroin?

December 3, 2020

State v. Rivas Appellate Docket No.: A-5409-17T1 Decided December 2, 2020 Submitted by New Jersey Drug Crime Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark In an unpublished opinion, the Appellate Division of New Jersey whether a hand to hand exchange of money in a high crime area was enough for probable cause leading to arrest and a search and seizure…

Drug Court – State of New Jersey Adult Drug Court Program-Participant Incentive and Sanction Charts

December 3, 2020

Submitted by New Jersey Drug Crime Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark