In this matter, neither party disputes that defense counsel played no role whatsoever in the genesis of Zay’s affidavit. The affidavit’s creation was allegedly the result of a kidnapping and witness intimidation plot for which defendant and two other individuals have...
The sought-after affidavit is physical evidence of the crimes of witness tampering and kidnapping for which defendant and others have been charged. It is therefore subject to reciprocal discovery under Rule 3:3-13(b)(2)(B) and (D). Rule 3:13-3 codifies New Jersey’s...
On March 5, 2024, the New Jersey Supreme Court decided the case of State v. Isaiah J. Knight. The principal issue concerned the circumstances under which the defense can be compelled to turn over reciprocal discovery to the prosecution. Justice Pierre-Louis, my...
Justice Kavanaugh concluded with the following in relevant part: Similarly, petitioners’ contention that Mathews v. Eldridge, 424 U. S. 319, should govern petitioners’ request for a preliminary hearing fails given that this Court decided $8,850 and Von Neumann after...
The Supreme Court majority continued in relevant part: The Court’s decisions in $8,850 and Von Neumann make crystal clear that due process does not require a separate preliminary hearing to determine whether seized personal property may be retained pending the...
On May 9, 2024, the United States Supreme Court decided the case of Culley v. Marshall. The principal issue related to N.J.S.A. 2C:64-1 was whether a preliminary retention hearing was required when the police seize property in furtherance of a civil forfeiture case....
The Court continued in relevant part: "Our courts have recognized that, in sexual assault cases, 'the well-being of victims demands heightened protection' because there is a 'likelihood of emotional trauma and mental distress.'" State v. Chambers (2023) (omission in...
On April 22, 2024, the New Jersey Supreme Court decided the case Gloucester County case of C.R. v. M.T. The principal issue under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-16 concerned the standard for issuance of a final protective order under the Sexual Assault Survivor Protection Act....
On April 8, 2024, a three-judge appellate panel decided the Somerset County case of State v. J.H.P. The principal issue under N.J.S.A. 2C:4-4 concerned whether the State could compel a defendant to take medication to restore their competency. Judge Rose wrote for the...
The unanimous New Jersey Supreme Court concluded with the following in relevant part: The State argues that the additional "conspiracy" language was merely superfluous and did not amplify the meaning of the charge or the jury instruction -- essentially "a stutter in...