Many people believe that police cannot stop a vehicle unless they personally observe the driver commit a traffic violation. While that is often true, it is not always the case under New Jersey DUI law. In certain circumstances, a reliable 911 or citizen report may provide police with the reasonable suspicion necessary to conduct an investigative motor vehicle stop—even if…

Overview of the New Jersey Supreme Court Decision The New Jersey Supreme Court issued an important decision in State v. Watson (2023) that significantly changes how eyewitness identifications and surveillance video testimony may be presented in criminal trials. The Court recognized that first-time in-court identifications can be extremely suggestive and unreliable, and it imposed new procedural safeguards to protect defendants’…

What Is a Conditional Discharge or Conditional Dismissal in New Jersey? If you have been charged with a disorderly persons offense or certain first-time drug offenses in New Jersey municipal court, you may qualify for a diversionary program that allows your charges to be dismissed and helps you avoid a criminal conviction. In municipal court, the two primary diversion programs…

State v. Bookman Case Summary: NJ Supreme Court Limits Hot Pursuit Home Entry Overview In State v. Bookman (2022), the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that police cannot use a minor traffic warrant as an excuse to chase a suspect into someone else’s home without a warrant. The Court held that the officers’ late-night entry violated the Fourth Amendment and…

State v. Locurto (1999): Credibility, Traffic Stops, and DUI Appeals in New Jersey Case Law Analysis Although decided in 1999, State v. Locurto, 157 N.J. 463, remains one of the most important New Jersey Supreme Court decisions governing DUI cases, traffic stops, and municipal court appeals. The case continues to shape how courts evaluate police credibility, reasonable suspicion, and appellate…

Getting arrested brings stress, fear, and a lot of uncertainty. You may wonder, what are my rights if I’m arrested in New Jersey? The answer matters more than you think. What you say and do right after the arrest can shape what happens next in your case. Many people don’t realize that rights kick in from the moment police stop…