arrest of a nonviolent offender

New Jersey General Assembly Votes to Eliminate Mandatory Sentences for Nonviolent Offenders

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…

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judge at a criminal trial

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…

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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…

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