In The News

Newark officials are expected to clear several old warrants over a 4 day period this week in a program that is both fair and effective. Fugitive Safe Surrender is costing the state $100,000 but saving much more than that as it allows people to bring themselves in rather than waiting for law enforcement to come find them.

The program has set up shop in the Bethel Baptist Church on Market Street where people are encouraged to turn themselves in, in exchange for leniency on nonviolent charges.

According to the New York Times, 1,000 people had taken advantage of the program in the first two days. In Camden, where the original round up occurred last year, 2,245 turned themselves in over a two day period. That drive cleared 7,000 warrants from the books.

Fugitives, which seems such a harsh word for people accused of traffic violations, enter the church where their warrant is looked up on a computer. Then, they head next door where makeshift courtrooms are set up in order to work out a deal with the judge.

The Times article details several examples of people going in there with suspended licenses and walking out with accommodations. One man, who owed $1,500 for several non violent charges, got his fine reduced to $15 and the warrant cleared.

Another, owing back child support but unable to work due to the warrant, was granted relief from the warrant on a promise to appear for future court dates, allowing him to get started on making the money that he owes.

The stressful feeling of having a warrant out for your arrest can be horrible. It’s like a constant shadow over your shoulder. This fear can make it difficult to know what to do. While the Fugitive Safe Surrender program is only a 4 day event, the right defense attorney can assist you with working out a plea deal when you have charges or a warrant out for your arrest. Old warrants can be cleared by other legal means, sometimes without you needing to come to court.

If you failed to report for court and a warrant was issued, you must eventually answer to those charges. Call me today to discuss the best way to handle your situation.

Beginning about a month ago, white vans filled with volunteers and community officials took to the street in the late night and early morning hours. These “caravans” are intended to prevent crime by making their concern for safer neighborhoods known.

Community Caravan Night Patrols are made up of volunteers, city officials, and off dut police officers. They pile into vans and patrol the neighborhoods, neighborhoods known for their violent tendencies.

The citizens are not allowed to leave the vehicle and instead drive around, witnessing and being aware. Although the vans are flanked by off duty officers who can stop and investigate a situation if needed, the caravans have their critics.

According to this article from The Star Ledger a professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice points out that the volunteer’s time would be far better spent actually out in the communities getting a feel for what can be done to improve the situation.

Although sightseeing from a van doesn’t sound like effective crime prevention, the report states that while the patrols are going on, no murders have occurred in these high crime areas. However, there have been some just before and immediately following the evening caravans.

Police presence has long been considered a deterrent to crime and it’s not clear if volunteer presence has the same effect. However, the program is not costing taxpayers anything and it is expected to continue.

High crime neighborhoods are often wrought with poverty. For many, criminal behavior is something they are raised around and accustomed to. For others, it may be seen as the easiest way to get an income during these tough economical times.

While I understand some of the reasons for criminal behavior, these excuses can’t often be used as a defense in a court of law.

When you are facing criminal charges you need someone who is understanding of your situation but also aggressive in defending your rights. You want a defense lawyer who will listen and then turn around and make something happen.

If you are facing theft, assault, or drug charges and need assistance with your case, I can help. Contact me immediately to discuss the details of your case and for some free legal advice.

Sixty three year old Roy Campbell has been a common feature of the affluent Glen Ridge area for the past five years. In those five years Campbell has given many rides to the residents and visitors here without charging a penny.

An employee of Glen Ridge, as a jitney driver, Campbell has many fans in the community, fans that came to his court date in a show of support and in disbelief that the man they know as a helpful friend could be guilty of the harassment he was charged with.

Campbell was charged with harassment in early March of this year when he was accused of touching a passenger inappropriately. This “inappropriate” touch involved Campbell putting his hands on the forearms of 53 year old female.

According to Campbell he got off the bus to thank the woman, who he knew, for a favor. Coincidentally a few days earlier Campbell had actually helped the alleged victim by getting a disabled vehicle towed from her home.

A police officer saw Campbell approach the woman and get what he thought was “too close” to her. The officer, a rookie names Michelle Provenzano, urged Campbell to “be on with his business” and move away from the woman. The woman reportedly thanked her.

Many in the community see this case as an overreaction and claim the situation stinks of racial discrimination. Campbell’s defense attorney is quoted in this Star-Ledger report as stating the situation is “more akin to something out of Birmingham, Ala., in the 1950s”. He goes on to allege that the end result would have not been criminal charges if Campbell was a weathy white man.

Regardless of the motivation, the harassment charges were dropped and Campbell’s supporters did not have to speak on his behalf, something that many were prepared to do.

However, in order for the charges to be dropped, Campbell was required to apologize for the misunderstanding and refrain from having contact with the woman in question.

Harassment is defined in several manners under New Jersey law. One of the possible definitions that were likely being used in the charges against Mr. Campbell was “acting in a manner to cause annoyance or alarm” or “subjecting another to offensive touching”.

The criminal offense of harassment is related to the disorderly persons crimes. If you are accused of either of these you need an aggressive defense attorney on your site representing your best interests.

When facing charges of this nature or any other New Jersey criminal charges, contact me immediately to discuss your case and the possible outcomes.