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In addition to the criminal exposure set forth above, on the civil side, there are pitfalls and exposure for those who throw private parties under New Jersey statute 2A: 15-5.6. This law, commonly known as the “social host liability law” is related to the service of alcoholic beverages to persons who have attained the legal age to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages.

At this time of year, when parents and their teenage children are enjoying the summer with parties and celebrations, issues often arise from the liability of serving alcohol to minors.

In January 2003, two people, Minitee and Bland robbed a spa in Fort Lee, New Jersey. When the officers arrived at the scene, individuals in the area pointed out a red SUV blocked by traffic at a light and indicated that the occupants were armed and had just robbed the spa. Mr. Bland, holding a gun, jumped from the SUV and ran from the scene (considering he is now a defendant, it should be clear—he got caught).

The other day, after we published my blog post about the New Jersey Supreme Court’s “Animal House” decision, I received some emails about police searches in general. So, in response, I thought the below primer may be helpful to understand what the police can and cannot do to you, your car, and your home. I should note that search and seizure issues are among the most fact-sensitive aspects of a criminal case.