New Jersey’s General Assembly recently approved a measure to eliminate mandatory minimum sentences for certain nonviolent offenders. It is unclear, however, whether New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy will sign it. Although Murphy has long advocated for the elimination of mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent property and drug crimes, he has previously stated that he would…
Continue reading…New Jersey Governor Signs Bill to Officially Legalize Recreational Marijuana
In November of last year, New Jersey voters overwhelmingly approved an amendment to the state constitution to allow the possession and use of marijuana for individuals age 21 and older. The amendment also permits the cultivation, processing, and sale of the substance. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed the bill in February 2021, officially legalizing…
Continue reading…Legal Association Disapproves of New Jersey’s Plan to Restart Criminal Trials
New Jersey recently announced plans to restart criminal trials using a combination of in-person and remote proceedings, including jury selection. However, a prominent legal association of criminal defense attorneys has spoken out against the state’s plan to resume trials for the first time in approximately four months. According to state officials, approximately 5,000 defendants are…
Continue reading…Violent Rap Lyrics Penned by Defendant Unduly Prejudicial, NJ Supreme Court Finds
Supreme Court of New Jersey – In State v. Skinner, A-57/58-12 (N.J. Aug. 4, 2014) the Supreme Court of New Jersey affirmed the Appellate Division’s reversal of a defendant’s conviction for first-degree attempted murder and related charges. Facts — Vonte Skinner was charged with shooting Lamont Peterson seven times. The State contended that Skinner shot Peterson because Peterson owed money…
Continue reading…Robing Room Jury Instruction Found to be Reversible Error
New York Court of Appeals – In People v. Rivera, No. 117 (June 10, 2014), the Court of Appeals determined that a brief colloquy in the robing room between the trial judge and a juror should not have taken place outside the presence of the defendant, even with the consent of counsel. Because it did, the Court of…
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