License Suspension or Custodial Sentence May Be Imposed on Defendant Convicted of Careless Driving In the Appropriate Case.

The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled in State v. Palma that the municipal court may impose a license suspension and/or a jail term on a defendant convicted of careless driving pursuant to N.J.S.A. 39:4-96, but only if the judge identifies aggravating circumstances from evidentiary sources from the record.

The court held that the seven factors set forth in State v. Moran, a case dealing with reckless driving can be used in deciding whether to impose a jail term and/or license suspension for a conviction for careless driving.  The Moran factors are: (1) nature and circumstances of the defendant’s conduct; (2) defendant’s driving record; (3) whether the license suspension would impose a hardship on the defendant and his dependents; (4) need for personal deterrence; (5) driving cause property damage or personal injury, (6) any other factor the court determines to be relevant; (7) whether the character and attitude of the defendant indicate that he or she is likely or unlikely to commit another violation.

New Jersey Appellate Court Reverses Manslaughter Conviction Because of Prosecutorial Errors During Opening Statement

Prepared as a Public Service by the Law Office of Vincent J. Sanzone, Jr., Esq.

In State v. Land, the appellate division opinion written by Judge Fisher reversed a first degree aggravated manslaughter and possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose convictions when the prosecutor in its opening statement cited facts and testimony of a witness which the prosecutor had reason to believe would not be testifying in the case.

Nonetheless the prosecutor knowing this, recited facts during her opening statement that could only be testified to by the unavailable witness.  The appellate division did not buy the State’s argument that the prosecutor was not sure that the witness would not testify.  In fact, at the time of trial, although the witness was granted immunity, refused to testify at trial, and none of the facts which the prosecutor claimed would come in through this witness never came in.

The appellate division held that even if the comments during the opening were made in good faith, and coupled with the fact that their was less than overwhelming evidence of guilt, the court was constrained to reverse the conviction . 

This case stands for the proposition that criminal defense counsel must listen carefully to prosecutor’s opening statement and make the appropriate objects at trial, and if necessary, on appeal.

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Municipal Courts in New Jersey Must Provide Court Records, Files on All Municipal Court Cases

Prepared as a Public Service to the People by Attorney Vincent J. Sanzone, Jr., Esq.

New Jersey Court Rule 1:38 and Administrative Office of the Courts Directive No. 15-05 requires that the public have access to all municipal court records which include tape recordings of all court proceedings upon request by any party.

Many local municipal courts will hesitate to furnish these records and audio recordings but the law is clear, they must produce records of all court proceedings upon request. 

Interesting website on workings of local government can be found at www.njrandomgovt.blogspot.com.

Your decision in choosing a New Jersey criminal defense lawyer is important, make that choice wisely.  I invite you to look at the proven results of Attorney Sanzone. CriminalDefenseNJ.com

Law Office of Vincent J. Sanzone, Jr., Esq.

P.O. Box 261

277 North Broad Street

Elizabeth (Union County), New Jersey 07207

Tel: (908) 354-7006

YourCivilRights@gmail.com