Blog
- The 48-Hour Clock: Navigating NJ Detention Hearings in 2026
Jan 16, 2026
When a loved one is The first 48 hours after an arrest that results in commitment to the county jail are the most critical. This is the window where the court makes a pretrial release decision at a first appearance, unless the prosecutor moves for detention, and it can determine whether you return home or remain in jail while your case proceeds. At Mark H. Jaffe Attorney at Law, we have seen how quickly...Read More - Accidental Shoplifting in the Age of Self-Checkout: When Mistakes Become Crimes
Dec 23, 2025
We have all been there. You are in a rush at the grocery store, juggling a heavy cart and perhaps a ringing cell phone. You head to the self-checkout kiosk to save time, scanning items as quickly as possible. You pay, grab your bags, and head for the exit, only to be stopped by a loss prevention officer. They point to a pack of bottled water left on the bottom of the cart or a...Read More - Fake ID Charges Over Winter Break: What NJ College Students Should Expect In Court
Dec 12, 2025
Fake ID charges spike over winter break, because college students go home, meet up with friends, and hit bars, house parties, and concerts. However, New Jersey takes fake IDs seriously, even when you meant no harm and when nobody got hurt. A single stop at the door can lead to a municipal court summons, fines, license consequences, and a record that follows you into internships, grad school, or professional licensing. If you or your child...Read More - CDL DUI in New Jersey: Why Commercial Drivers Face Harsher Consequences Than Other Motorists
Nov 14, 2025
If you drive for a living in New Jersey, a In this guide, we walk through how a CDL DUI vs. Regular DUI in New Jersey Most drivers in New Jersey are familiar with the standard legal limit. For non-commercial drivers 21 and older, New Jersey’s per se DUI statute makes it illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher. CDL holders face a tougher standard. When you are operating...Read More - Average DUI / DWI Sentence in Central New Jersey and What to Expect
Oct 10, 2025
Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense, and in Central New Jersey, the consequences are severe. If you are arrested for DUI or DWI here, you risk more than a fine. You may face jail time, loss of driving privileges, mandatory treatment programs, ignition interlock device (IID) requirements, long-term insurance increases, and damage to your personal and professional record. At Mark H. Jaffe Attorney at Law, our goal...Read More - What Happens If You Miss a Court Date in New Jersey? Consequences and How to Respond
Sep 19, 2025
You were summoned to court and now realize you missed the date. Fear, uncertainty, or confusion often follow. Is there a bench warrant out for you? Will your license be suspended? What about extra fines or other penalties? At Mark H. Jaffe Attorney at Law, we see this happen often in In this article, we walk you through what the law requires, what may happen if you miss court, and what steps you can...Read More - Arrested for DUI in NJ? How to Decide Between Hiring a Lawyer or Representing Yourself
Aug 15, 2025
If you’ve been At Mark H. Jaffe Attorney at Law, we regularly help clients across Central Jersey navigate DUI charges and protect their rights. Many people who call our office start with the same question you might be asking right now: Understanding DUI Charges in New Jersey Under In New Jersey, some penalties are imposed directly by the Categories of DUI in New Jersey The law recognizes several types of ...Read More - The Consequences of Ignoring a Municipal Court Summons in New Jersey
Jul 11, 2025
Ignoring a municipal court summons in New Jersey can lead to serious consequences—including arrest warrants, license suspension, or additional charges. Here’s what to do if you’ve missed a court date or received a summons. Receiving a summons for At In this article, we’ll walk you through: What a municipal court summons actually means What can happen if you don’t respond or appear in court What steps to take if you’ve already missed your...Read More - Arrested in New Jersey? What Happens Next and When to Call a Lawyer
Jun 18, 2025
If you've been arrested in New Jersey, understanding what comes next—and when to call a lawyer—can make all the difference. Being placed under arrest can be one of the most overwhelming and disorienting moments of your life. Whether it happens during a What are my rights? Should I talk to the police? Will I be released or held? Do I need a lawyer yet? This guide walks you through what typically happens after an...Read More - Pulled Over in New Jersey? What You Should (and Shouldn’t) Say
May 16, 2025
Being pulled over by the police in New Jersey can be stressful and confusing, even for careful drivers. In those tense moments, what you say – and what you choose not to say – can make a major difference in the outcome of your At Knowing your rights and staying calm can prevent a simple stop from turning into a bigger legal issue. Here’s a practical breakdown of what to say, what not...Read More
