Monmouth County Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
The bar and nightclub scene in and around Red Bank and Monmouth County, New Jersey, is legendary – a place to see and be seen, dance the night away, or just enjoy the music in venues where the up-and-coming rub elbows with established performers who sometimes stop in for a set or two on a nostalgic whim. It can be a fun place.
Unfortunately, not every night of clubbing goes as planned. A little too much to drink, a bad decision or two, and a great night can turn into a bad morning after, sometimes with serious consequences.
Common Crimes Around the Red Bank Nightclub Scene
A cursory review of the local crime blotter reveals some of the more common crimes that take place in and around Red Bank – possession of marijuana, theft, defiant trespass, and possession of drug paraphernalia, just to name a few. Crimes like DWI, assault, and underage drinking are also very common around the many nightclubs, pubs, taverns, and bars around Red Bank.
Important Things to Know if You Are Arrested
If you or a friend is facing criminal charges after a night out, there are several things you should know. First, you have a constitutional right to remain silent after an arrest. As the familiar saying goes, “Anything you say can and will be held against you in a court of law.” Under the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, those who are facing criminal charges cannot be compelled to be a witness against themselves in a criminal case.
Likewise, a person who is suspected of having committed a crime does not have to consent to a search of his or her vehicle or home. Under the Fourth Amendment, police must obtain a search warrant in order to execute most searches, unless the defendant consents to the search. In order to obtain a warrant, a judge must determine that there is probable cause.
Steps Following After an Arrest
An arrest is just the first step in a lengthy and often complex process. The accused is entitled, under the Sixth Amendment, to legal representation at every important phase of the criminal process, from the arrest through the trial and even during an appeal. An attorney can advise the defendant of his or her legal rights, represent the defendant’s interests as the State goes about the process of trying to prove the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of the crime(s) with which he or she is charged, and help negotiate a favorable plea bargain agreement in many cases.
In a DWI case, for instance, an attorney can investigate the circumstances of the defendant’s arrest (including the officer’s training in field sobriety tests and the most recent calibration of the Breathalyzer machine used to obtain the offender’s blood alcohol content), explain each of the elements necessary for a conviction, and formulate an effective defense strategy that will minimize the penalty, if at all possible.
Talk to a Knowledgeable New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer
A criminal conviction can have far-reaching consequences for a defendant’s future employment, educational opportunities, and family life. Seasoned Monmouth and Ocean County criminal defense lawyer Tara Breslow has spent a decade representing the accused in New Jersey, including locations such as Freehold, Red Bank, Seaside Heights, and Long Beach Island, among other cities throughout the state. She welcomes the opportunity to serve your legal needs during this trying time. To schedule an appointment to discuss the details of your case, simply call (732) 784-2880. Our team is committed to providing quality service to each and every client who places their trust in us.
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