As you know, a criminal defendant has the right against self-incrimination under the Fifth Amendment, and therefore is not required to take the stand. In some cases, this is very important for a defendant. But other cases actually benefit from the defendant taking the stand and giving his version of the facts. If, after discussing [...]
When you hear the word trial, you probably get a certain image in your mind. Perhaps you picture a jury box with 12 random citizens; an intimidating-looking judge in a black robe; and an attorney jumping up and shouting, “I object!” An objection is made when an attorney believes that a rule of criminal procedure [...]
Hollywood often times portrays criminal defense lawyers as loud-mouthed, immoral villains just out to make money at the expense of their clients, the victims, and the criminal justice system. Don’t believe everything you see in the movies. Legal counsel for defendants play many very important roles in the justice system. When looking to hire a [...]
In recent years, a unique form of harassment has begun occurring over the Internet and has come to be known as cyberbullying. If you or your child has been charged with a cyberbullying crime, it is very important that you retain a New Jersey cyberbullying attorney right away. There are many benefits to hiring a [...]
As a criminal defense lawyer in Mount Holly, Mark Catanzaro takes seriously his role of protecting the life, liberty, and justice of his many clients. The criminal justice system is required to presume the innocence of all defendants until they are proven guilty. That is why the burden of proof is so high for the [...]
In most states, there are “diversionary programs” offered to first-time offenders of certain crimes. In New Jersey, there are three such programs. They include: Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) Program Conditional Discharge Conditional Dismissal Program Having these programs is very important for New Jersey defendants because it allows them to avoid prosecution and instead focus on rehabilitation. If [...]
One of the greatest privileges afforded in criminal law is the attorney-client privilege. This concept has been around for many years and is very important to the administration of justice by encouraging openness and honesty between a client and his or her attorney. If the privilege is asserted, a Mount Holly criminal defense attorney cannot [...]
As a defendant, you have a constitutional right against self-incrimination. Put simply, this means that a defendant is not obligated to testify. This is where the commonly heard phrase “I plead the Fifth” comes from. Only your Trenton criminal defense lawyer can recommend whether it is in your best interest to take the stand or not. [...]
As any criminal defense attorney in New Jersey knows, the strategy behind the defense presented in court is very important in each case. While a defense strategy should be unique to the particular facts and circumstances of each client’s case, there are many overarching defenses often used in criminal cases. Some popular defenses include: Insanity defense [...]
The argument that it was someone else's fault for persuading you to commit a crime will not hold up in court. But in limited circumstances, you just might be able to get your charges dismissed if you can prove that you were coaxed into committing a crime by an official agent of the law. This concept is [...]