Legal Question in Criminal Law in New Jersey

NJ burglary laws

Let's just start out by saying it was an unlucky day. My friend and I were working on his car and he asked me to go get a bite to eat. I put my tools in my pocket and we left, got something to eat. On the way back home we went to take a shortcut home and we were messing around and he threw my 20 oz soda out the window. I made him stop so I could retrieve it from under the wheel of a car. About 5 minutes after that we get pulled over by a cop who thinks we're trying to rob cars. I get charged with 2c:5-5a which is having burglary tools and 2c:5-1a which is attempted burglary. Which I didn't do. I'm a criminal justice major with 6 credits left ton his degree. I would not jeopardize my life for something so stupid. I myself know how cops twist and change stories. So I didn't give them a statement. I kept my mouth shut and didn't say anything other than what I told them before we were read our rights. Which was the truth about what happened. They kept calling me a liar. So after this point I knew it wasn't going to matter. What are the possible penalties for this crime? Any additional information on anything would be great.


Asked on 9/17/07, 1:29 pm

5 Answers from Attorneys

Barry Kozyra Kozyra & Hartz, LLC

Re: NJ burglary laws

This is a 4th degree or a disorderly persons offense (depending on how the charges read). Neither carries a presumptive prison sentence but there can be a fine and probation and other consequences could be serious to your career (who wants to hire a person with a record?) so you should both seek counsel immediately to eliminate or minimize the impact.

If interested, please give us a call.

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Answered on 9/17/07, 2:16 pm
Gary Moore Gary Moore Attorney At Law

Re: NJ burglary laws

You are in a lot of trouble and should hire an attorney to protect you from damage to your future employment prospects and career opportunities.

Call me if you like.

Gary Moore, Esquire

Hackensack, New Jersey

www.garymooreattorneyatlaw.com

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Answered on 9/17/07, 2:27 pm
Savyon Grant Law Office of Savy Grant

Re: NJ burglary laws

Bottomline if this is your first offense you would qualify for PTI. Which means you would do time on probation and the case will be dismissed. For a 3rd degree offense, you are looking at 3 to 5 years state prison. I recommend talking to a criminal attorney.

i can be reached at 201/646/9600.

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Answered on 9/17/07, 2:59 pm
Ronald Aronds Law Office of Ronald Aronds, LLC

Re: NJ burglary laws

This is a fairly serious charge that carries maximum penalties of 6 months in jail and over $1,000.00 in fines. If you are trying to get a college degree and a career in law enforcement in some manner I would strongly advise you to hire a lawyer to fight for you in this case. I am an attorney who has handled many cases similar to yours in various courts throughout New Jersey in the past. Please contact me to discuss your case in more detail. I never charge for simply talking to a person about their case. Thank you.

Sincerely yours, -Ronald Aronds, Esq.-

www.njworkerscompensationlaw.com

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Answered on 9/17/07, 5:25 pm
Jef Henninger, Esq Law Offices of Jef Henninger, Esq.

Re: NJ burglary laws

Well it seems like everyone else answered your question, but I figured I'd throw my two cents in. First, I suggest getting an attorney now if you are ever going to get one. Its a lot easier (and cheaper) to deal with the case now instead of waiting for when you are indicted. Second, I practice all across NJ, including south jersey, so if you'd like to discuss the case, feel free to give me a call.

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Answered on 9/17/07, 10:30 pm


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