Recent Blog Posts

Domestic Violence: Who Is A Household Member

Aiman Ibrahim — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:45:00 GMT

When most people think about the issue of domestic violence, they first think in terms of acts against a wife, a husband, a boyfriend or a girlfriend. People with a little more knowledge of this area of law will also know that it includes family members living with the perpetrator of the domestic violence. These blood-related family members include a mother, father, sister, brother, cousin and so on. So this second category includes relatives in a non-sexual and non-dating relationship.

Even broader, the household relationships that may be included in a domestic violence scenario also include non-blood relatives who are also not romantically involved. So for example, the brother-in-law who lives with his wife's family may be a victim or perpetrator of domestic violence. You may find yourself a victim of your live-in mother-in-law's aggression.

Even a non-relative can be a party in a domestic violence matter. Therefore, if a friend lives with you, that situation can qualify. The cast of "friends" living together, even when not romantically involved, can qualify. But it gets even broader.

Case law tells us that college roommates, living together in a dorm room, may qualify as parties in a domestic violence matter. That relationship lasts one year or less, but still satisfies the "household" requirement of domestic violence law. But a 2011 Appellate decision further expands the definition of "household member". In the case S.Z. v. M.C., the appellate court afforded protection against someone who was only a temporary guest in the victim's home and that temporary guest did not even reside in the victim's home at the time that the alleged conduct occurred.

It is clear that the definition of who precisely is a "household member" has been greatly expanded over the course of time. The serious implications as to the heightened behavioral caution that must be adhered to between people who even temporarily reside together cannot be ignored.

If you would like to speak with an experienced attorney, please contact the Ibrahim Law Group at (201) 781-7800 to arrange a free consultation. We defend individuals throughout NJ, including Passaic County, Hudson County, Union County, Essex County, Bergen County, Morris County and Jersey City.

AQOONSIKA KU MEEL GAADH KA AH EE DADKA SOOMAALIDA AH

Aiman Ibrahim — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:06:00 GMT

I. Dulmar Kooban

Mey 1, 2012, ka Xooghayaha Arrinaha Gudaha Janet Napolitano waxay u dheeraysay cayimidii jirtay waxayna dib oogu cayintay Soomaalida Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah ("TPS) ka dib markii la ogaaday in ay jiraan " xaalado wakhti go'an oon caadi ahayn Soomaaliya dhexdeeda in laga hortago dadka Soomaaliya dib u celin amaanka, iyo in loo oggolaado aqoonsiyada ajanabiga si ay u joogaan si ku meel gaadh ah Maraykanka dhexdiisa kamana soo hor jeedsanayaan rabitaanka qaranka Maraykanka."

Tan waxaa loola jeedaa in dadka Soomaalida ah ee jooga Maraykanka – oo ka mid yihiin kuwa xaadirkan loo cayimay Aqoonsiga Ku meel Gaadhka ah (TPS) iyo sidoo kale kuwa fiisooyinkoodu dhaceen ama kuwa haddii kale sharciyadu ka dhaceen – waxay codsan karaan Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS). Kuwa Soomaalida ah ee horay u haystay Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS) waxay codsan karaan in loogu daro aqoonsigooda laga bilaabo Mey 1, 2012 ilaa Juulay 2, 2012 (fadlan oggaw mudada dib u cayimidda waa 60 maalmood oo kali ah). Haddii lagu siiyo, waxaad ku joogi kartaa Maraykanka Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS) ilaa Maarso 17, 2014. Kuwa soomaalida ah ee waligood aan la siinin Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah waxay codsan karaan aqoonsiga laga bilaabo Mey 1, 2012 ilaa Oktobar 29, 2012. Haddii lagu siiyo, Aqoonsigaaga Ku Mell Gaadhka ah (TPS) waxuu dhaqan gali doonaa Sibtembar 18, 2012 waxaadna ku joogi kartaa Maraykanka Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS) ilaa Maarso 17, 2014. Mudada Aqoonsigan Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS) shakhsiyaadka helay Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS) waxaa loo oggolaan doonaa inay joogaan Maraykanka ayadoon lagu xidhaynin aqoonsiga fiisooyinkooda. Sidoo kale waxaad codsan kartaa oggolaansho shaqaaleysiin Marka la joogo Maraykanka barnaamijka Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS). Sidoo kale mudadaas, shakhsiyaadka helay Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS) waxaa loo ooggolaan doonaa inay codsadaan dheeraynta mudada fiisada ama aqoonsi kale kaasoo u oggolaanaya inay joogaan Maraykanka Maarso 17, 2014. Maarso 17, 2014, ka aqoonsigaagu waxuu dib oogu noqon karaa labo mid uun aqoonsigaagii hore eed heshay ee Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS), ama aqoonsiga aad heshay ood hagaagsatay mudadii aad ku jirtay Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS).

II. U qalmidda Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS)

Si loogu qalmo, codsadaha cayimaadda Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS) waa inuu muujiyaa in ay ku qanacsanyihiin dhamaan sharuuudaha loogu qalmayo Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS). Taas waxaa loola jeedaa waa inaad cadaysid in aad tahay dadka Soomaalida ah, iyo inaad "si joogta ah oo muuqata u joogtay" oo aad "si toos ah u daganeyd" Maraykanka ilaa Mey 1, 2012 ilaa iyo Sibtembar 18, 2012.

Sida Codsadaha Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS), waxaa lagugu sameeyn doonaa baadhis taareekheed oomana qalmi doontid Aqoosiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS) haddii lagugu xukumay danbi weyn ama danbiyo yaryar oo badan Maraykanka dhexdiisa. Dawladdu kama noqon karto caqabadan, laakiin waxay ka tanaasuli kartaa waxyaabaha kale ee sharci jabinta ah kuwaas oo ah dhaqamada aan laga gudbi karin in la helo fiiso ama oggolaanshaha galidda Maraykanka ee codsadayaasha Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS) ayadoo loo eegayo dacwad dacwad ee "bini aadnimada awgeed, si loo xaqiijiyo isku tagga qoyska, ama haddii kale marka ay jirto rabitaan dadweyne". Hase yeeshee, dukumiintiyo dheeri ah ayaa looga baahan kara codsadayaasha kuwaas oo raadinaya ka tanaasulaha u qalma waxyaabaha sharci jabinta ah.

III. Tilaabooyinka iyo Nidaamka ee Codsiga

Codsiyaasha iyo Ajuurada

Codsadaha Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS) waa inuu u soo diro dukumiintiyadan soo socda Canshuuraadka Maraykanka iyo Adeega Socdaalaka ("USCIS"): (1) Caodsiga Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah iyo ajuurada codsiga (ama ajuurada codsiga ka tanaasulaha haddii aadan awoodin inaad bixisid); (2) Codsiga Oggolaanshaha Shaqaaleysiinta (xataa haddii aadan codsanin oggolaanshaha shaqaaleysiinta) iyo ajuurada oggolaanshaha shaqaaleysiinta (waa haddii aad codsatay oggolaanshaha shaqaaleysiinta oo kali ah); iyo (3) Ajuurada Adeega Aqoonsiga (ama ajuurada codsashada dukumiintiga tanaasulidda haddii aadan awoodin inaad bixiso). Haddii aqoonsanaanta looga baahdo codsadaha, codsadaha waxaa loo soo diri doonaa oggaysiis loogu qabanayo ballanta qaadashada aqoonsiga.Waa inaad xaadirtid balantan, ama dib ballan u qabsatid sida laguugu sheegay oggaysiiska, ama haddii kale waxaa laguu diidi karaa Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS).

Dhamaan codsiyada waa in la buuxiyo la soona wada gudbiyo. Ku soo gudbi codsiyada iyo cadaymaha Ingiriis (ama ayagoo Ingiriis ku turjuman), kuna qor ciwaan boosto Maraykan ah. Wadarta qiimaha codsiga oo la xidhiidha dukumiintiyada loo baahan yahay way ku kala duwantahay da'da codsadaha, wadarta kharashka codsiyada waa da'da u dhaxeysa 14 iyo 65 waxay noqonaysaa $135 haddii aan la codsan oggolaanshaha shaqaaleysiinta, ama $515 haddii la codsado oggolaanshaha shaqaaleysiinta. Sida lagu xusay kor, ajuurada dukumiintiga tanaasulidda waa laguu heli karaa haddii aadan awoodin inaad bixiso.

B. Dukumiintiyada Taageeraya

Sidoo kale codsadaha Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah ( TPS) waa inuu soo gudbiyaa dukumiintiyada cadaynaya dhalashada iyo in asaga ama ayada si joogto ah u daganaayeen oo si joogta ah u jeegeen Maraykanka ilaa Mey 1, 2012 ilaa iyo Sibtembar 18, 2012. Dukumiintiyada soo socda waa cadaymo foomam ah oo muhiim ah in uu codsaduhu yahay qof u dhashay Soomaaliya: (1) koobiga baasaboorka; (2) waraaqo cadeyma ah oo dawladda Soomaaliya ay bixisay oo muu jinaya dhalashada (sida, kaarka aqoonsiga, waraaqaha rasmiga ah ee socdaalka ooy bixisay dawladda Soomaaliya); iyo (3) shahaadada dhalashada (oo Ingiriis ku turjuman) oo leh sawir. Sidoo kale Canshuuraadka Maraykanka iyo Adeega Socdaalaka (USCIS) waxay tix galin doontaa cadeymaha dugsiga sare oo taageeraya dhalashada Soomaalinimada, oo ka mid yihiin dukumiintiyeenta dhalashada (sida, shahaadada dhalasho siinta oo laheyn sawir ama faro), shahaadada diin galidda (haddii ay muujinayso dhalashada ama dhalashada waalidka), koobiyada dukumiintiyada laanta socdaalka oo muujinaya dhalashada iyo aqoonsiga, ama warqadda dhaarta oo ah saaxiib ama xubno qoyska ah kaasoo aqoon shakhsiyeed oo dhaw u leh taariikhda iyo goobta dhalashada codsadaha iyo dhalashada waalidka. Haddii codsaduhu uuna awoodin inoo keeno wax ka mid cadeymaha foomamka muhiimka ah, codsaduhu waa inuu soo gudbiyaa warqadda dhaarta oo muujinaysa cadeyn ah ku guul daraysashadiisa/teeda dadaaalada in la keeno dukumiintiyada oo xaqiijinaysa codsadaha inuu yahay qof u dhashay Soomaaliya. Codsade aan awoodin inuu keeno cadeymo aqoonsi am dhalasho waxaa sidoo kale looga baahan doonaa inuu wareysto sargaal laanta socdaalka ah. Dukumiintiyada cadeynta dhalasho waxaa dheer, codsaduhu waa inuu soo gudbiyaa labo sawirada cabirka sawirada baasaboorka oo kale ah oo laftirkiisa ah ama lafterkeeda ah.

Sidoo kale codsadaha waxaa looga baahanyahay inuu soo gudbiyo cadeynta taariikhda soo galidiisa/teeda iyo daganaansho joogta ah in la muujiyo in codsaduhu oo joogay Maraykanka ilaa Mey 1, 2012 ilaa iyo Sibtembar 18, 2012. Dukumiintiyo buuxa in lagu cadeeyo taariikhda soo galidda oo ka mid yihiin koobiga baasaboorka codsadaha, warqadda I-94 Diiwaanka Soo galidda/Tagidda, ama dukumiinti kasta oo buuxa in lagu cadeeyo in codsaduhu uu si joogta ah uu u daganaa Maraykanka.cadeymaha daganaanshaha joogtada ah waxaa ka mid ah waraaqaha shaqaaleynta, rasiidyada kirada, waraaqaha biilka, waraaqaha diiwaanka iskuulka ee codsadaha ama caruurta codsadaha, ama cisbitaalka ama waraaqaha caafimaadka. Sharcigu waxuu oggolaanayaa ka reebis sharuudaha joogidda iyo daganaanshaha tooska ah haddii aad qaadatay wax yar, aan ku tala gal ahayn, iska tagid Maraykanka. Marka codsanaysid Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS), waa inaad war galisaa Canshuuraadka Maraykanka iyo Adeega Socdaalaka (USCIS) dhamaan maqnaanshaha aad ka maqneyd Mareykanka ilaa Mey 1, 2012 ilaa iyo Sibtembar 18, 2012, Canshuuraadka Maraykanka iyo Adeega Socdaalaka ku (USCIS) waxay go'aansan doonaan in aad in yar maqneyd, qorsho la'aan, iska maqnaansho.

IV. Natiijooyinka Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS)

Inta lagu jiro mudada cayimidda Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS), helaha Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS) waxuu u qalmaa inuu ku sugnaado Maraykanka waxaana la siin karaa Dukumiintiga Oggolaansha Shaqada si uu shaqo u raadiyo Maraykanka dhexdiisa; hase yeeshee, cayimidda Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS) ooma dhiganto aqoonsiga rasmiga ah. Sidoo kale waxaa jiri kara xaalado tasoo qofka helaya Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS) la siiyo oggolaansho socdaal ka baxsan Maraykanka. Haddii aad haysatid Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS) ood rabtid inaad u socdaashid dibada, waa inaad ka codsatid oggolaansho Canshuuraadka Maraykanka iyo Adeega Socdaalaka (USCIS) waxaa intaa dheer soo gudbin codsashada Dokumiintiga Socdaalka.

Marka lagu cayimo Aqoonsiga Ku meel Gaadhka ah (TPS), shakhsigu waxuu codsan karaa dheereynta fiisada, magangalyo, ama sharciyo kale oo laanta socdaalka ah. Marka Xoghaynta Amaanka Arrimaha Gudaha ay ka joojiso cayimidda Soomaalida (Isla markaa waxaa balan laguu qaban Maarso 17, 2014), Dadka hela Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS) waxau dib oogu soo laaban laanta socdaalka aqoonsiga waxay hagaajiyeen Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS) ka hor, ama dadka hela Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS) waxay masuuliyaddeeda qaadi karaan aqoonsiga rasmiga ah ee laanta socdaalka ay heleen mudadii lagu jiray Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS).

Qoraalkan waxaa bixiyay Kooxda Sharciga ee Ibrahim iyo Qareenka Sharciga Mudane. Aiman I. Ibrahim, Esq., ujeedo warbixineed oo kali ah, loogumana tala galin in lagu bixiyo la talin dhanka sharcig ah ama abuurid xidhiidh macaamiil qareen ahaan. Faahfaahin dheeri ah, fadlan fiiri wabsaydka Kooxda Sharciga ee Ibrahim (http://www.ibrahimlegal.com/Other-Practice-Areas/Immigration.aspx)ama naga soo wac (201) 540-2500 caawinta codsashada Aqoonsiga Ku Meel Gaadhka ah (TPS) ama wax kasta oo arimahaaga sharciga ah iyo baahiyaha laanta socdaalka.

How to terminate a Domestic Violence Final Restraining Order (FRO

Aiman Ibrahim — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:25:00 GMT

Unlike some other jurisdictions (such as Florida), New Jersey does not have an automatic sundown provision in its Final Restraining Orders (FRO) entered pursuant to the Prevention of Domestic Violence Statute (PDVS). That is, there is no expiration date for the restraints and the Order can remain in effect in perpetuity so long as the need remains.

This can have a serious impact on individuals against whom restraints have been entered, as this information is shared between state and federal agency data systems. Often, as months, years and even decades pass, the defendant "moves on," yet still is subject to the limitations such an Order can have on their day to day life. By way of example, imagine a client who had a restraining order entered against him while he was in college. Ten years have passed since entry of that Order and he has gone on to become a medical doctor. Imagine further that he no longer lives in New Jersey (nor does the victim) and he travels for work. He becomes immensely embarrassed by the fact that that he is constantly being "red-flagged" at airports in front of colleagues and peers. He is forced to either awkwardly avoid an explanation or to divulge this very personal bit of history, which was ten years and a lifetime in his past – he and the plaintiff had no communication since before their court date and lived many states apart. He rightfully worries about the impact these events might have on his career. In a very real sense, the restraints had long since outlived their purpose.

New Jersey Courts have noted that the PDVS is to be used as a "shield" to protect the alleged victim and not as a "sword" to punitively oppress the offender. In the above example, the parties had had no contact for a decade and lived hundreds of miles apart. To the extent that the restraints served no current purpose, they were unfairly impacting on the client and were potentially jeopardizing his career.

In such instances, an application to dissolve the restraints may be made to the Court. The analysis will consider a multiple number of factors designed to ascertain whether the restraints remain necessary and the likelihood the defendant will recidivate. (See Grover v. Terlaje, 379 N.J. Super 400, 408 (App. Div. 2005); Carfagno v. Carfagno, 288 N.J. Super 424 (Ch. Div. 1995)). The real lesson, though, is to be mindful that, in New Jersey, Final Restraining Orders and the injunctions they impose can continue to affect an individual long after the relationship that instigated their entry has ended.

Domestic Violence: Rape, Assault, Stalking and Psychological/Mental Abuse

Aiman Ibrahim — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:53:00 GMT

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a survey of more than 16,500 adults that showed that more than one-third of women experienced physical violence, stalking or sexual assault by an intimate partner. This includes residents in New Jersey and is known as domestic violence.

Domestic violence can include physical or mental violence between family members, and spouses who are being abused may be well-advised to seek divorce.

The study also showed that one quarter of the men surveyed also experience violence. Of the one-third of women who experienced physical violence, one-third of those experienced multiple forms of violence, including rape, physical violence and stalking.

Of the males who suffered violence, 92 percent suffered from physical violence from a partner, but only 6 percent experienced both stalking and physical violence. Almost 50 percent of the women surveyed said that they experienced psychological aggression from their partner.

Several health issues can accompany domestic violence, including depression, suicide attempts, low self-esteem and anxiety. This could also lead to substance abuse, pregnancy complications, gastrointestinal disorders and sexually transmitted disease. According to the study, men and women reported that the effects of the violence made them fearful, and many showed symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

The CDC said that this report was the first one that provided national and state data, and the report was created to describe and monitor how much intimate partner violence, stalking and sexual violence affected those in the U.S. The data in the report is supposed to help with understanding what the burden of violence is and to draw attention to the health problems caused by violence. The data helps implement efforts to stop violence earlier in life.

What is domestic violence?

Aiman Ibrahim — Fri, 04 May 2012 12:47:00 GMT

Are you ever afraid of your partner?

Does your partner threaten to hurt you?

Does your partner control all the money?

Has your partner ever pushed you or shoved you, thrown things at you, or forced you to have sex?

Does your partner stalk you and show up uninvited at your job or when you're out with friends?

If these experiences are part of your life, you are not alone and help is available in your community. We understand how painful it is to live with abuse and how difficult it can be to talk about your situation. You might feel hopeless, desperate, confused, and alone. You may not want to tell people about your situation because you feel afraid, ashamed, or embarrassed. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence, sometimes called battering, relationship abuse, or intimate partner violence, is a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation, often including the threat or use of violence. Domestic violence is a crime that can include physical abuse, emotional abuse, economic abuse, and sexual abuse. Batterers use threats, intimidation, isolation, and other behaviors to maintain power over their victims. Domestic violence impacts everyone, regardless of income, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religion. Thirty percent of Americans say they know a woman who has been physically abused by her husband or boyfriend in the past year (Lieberman Research, Inc., Tracking Survey conducted for The Advertising Council and the Family Violence Prevention Fund, July-October 1996). Domestic violence also affects same-sex relationships and men as victims.

If these experiences are happening to you, you might feel hopeless, desperate, confused, and alone. You may not want to tell people about your situation because you feel afraid, ashamed, or embarrassed.

You are not alone, and you can find help.

Somalia TPS (Temporary Protected Status for Somalian Nationals)

Aiman Ibrahim — Fri, 04 May 2012 09:53:00 GMT

TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS FOR SOMALIAN NATIONALS

I. Brief Overview

On May 1, 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Janet Napolitano extended the existing designation and redesignated Somalia for Temporary Protected Status ("TPS") after finding that there are "extraordinary and temporary conditions in Somalia that prevent Somalian nationals from returning in safety, and that permitting such aliens to remain temporarily in the United States would not be contrary to the national interest of the United States."

This means that Somalian nationals in the United States − including those who are currently designated TPS status as well as those whose visas have expired or who have otherwise fallen out of legal status − can apply for TPS. Those Somalians who already have TPS can apply for an extension of their status starting May 1, 2012 through July 2, 2012 (please note the redesigantion period is only for 60-days). If granted, you may remain in the U.S. on TPS status through March 17, 2014. Those Somalians who have never been granted Temporary Protected Status can apply for status starting May 1, 2012 through October 29, 2012. If granted, your TPS status will become effective on September 18, 2012 and you may remain in the U.S. on TPS status through March 17, 2014. During that TPS period, individuals who receive TPS will be allowed to stay in the U.S. regardless of their visa status. You may also request employment authorization while in the U.S. under TPS. Also during that time, individuals who receive TPS will be permitted to apply for visa extensions or other status that permits them to stay in the U.S. past March 17, 2014. On March 17, 2014, your status will revert to either your status before receiving TPS, or to the status you gained and maintained during the TPS period.

II. Eligibility for TPS

In order to be eligible, applicants for TPS designation must demonstrate that they satisfy all eligibility criteria for TPS. That means you must prove that you are a Somalian national, and that you have been "continuously physically present" and have "continuously resided" in the United States since May 1, 2012 through September 18, 2012.

As a TPS applicant, you will be subject to background checks and will be ineligible for TPS status if you have been convicted of one felony or multiple misdemeanors in the United States. The government may not waive this restriction, but may waive other violations that are traditional barriers to receiving a visa or admission to the United States for TPS applicants on a case-by-case basis for "humanitarian purposes, to assure family unity, or when it is otherwise in the public interest." However, additional documentation may be required for applicants who are seeking waiver of a qualifying violation.

III. Steps and Procedures for Application

A. Applications and Fees

An applicant for TPS must submit the following documents to the United States Customs and Immigration Service ("USCIS"): (1) Application for Temporary Protected Status and fee for application (or fee waiver request if you are unable to pay); (2) Application for Employment Authorization (even if you are not requesting employment authorization) and fee for employment authorization (only if you are requesting employment authorization); and (3) Biometric Services Fee (or fee waiver request if you are unable to pay). If biometrics are required for an applicant, the applicant will be mailed a notice scheduling an appointment for biometric collection. You must attend this appointment, or reschedule it as provided in the notice, or else you may be denied TPS.

All applications must be completed and submitted together. Provide applications and evidence in English (or with an English translation), and provide a U.S. mailing address. The total application cost associated with the required documents varies by an applicant's age, with the total cost for applicants between the ages of 14 and 65 being $135 if not applying for employment authorization, or $515 if applying for employment authorization. As noted above, fee waivers may be available if you are unable to pay.

B. Supporting Documents

An applicant for TPS must also submit documents proving nationality and that he or she has continuously resided and been continuously present in the United States since May 1, 2012 through September 18, 2012. The following documents are the preferred forms of evidence that an applicant is a national of Somalia: (1) copy of passport; (2) documentation issued by the Somalian government showing nationality (e.g., national identity card, official travel documentation issued by the Somalian government); and (3) birth certificate (with English translation) accompanied by photo identification. USCIS will also consider secondary evidence supporting Somalian nationality, including nationality documentation (i.e., naturalization certificate without photograph or fingerprint), baptismal certificate (if it indicates nationality or parent's nationality), copies of immigration documents showing nationality and identity, or affidavits from friends or family members who have close personal knowledge of the date and place of the applicant's birth and parents' nationality. If an applicant is unable to produce one of the preferred forms of evidence, the applicant must submit an affidavit showing proof of his or her unsuccessful efforts to obtain the documents and affirming the applicant is a national of Somalia. Applicants unable to produce proof of identity or nationality will also be required to interview with an immigration officer. In addition to the proof of nationality documentation, the applicant must submit two color passport-style photographs of himself or herself.

The applicant is also required to submit evidence of his/her date of entry and continuous residence to demonstrate that the applicant has been in the United States since May 1, 2012 through September 18, 2012. Documents sufficient to prove date of entry include a copy of the applicant's passport, the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, or any of the documents sufficient to prove that an applicant has been continuously residing in the United States. Continuously residing evidence includes employment records, rent receipts, utility bills, school records for the applicant or the applicant's children, or hospital or medical records. The law allows an exception to the continuous presence and residence requirements if you have taken a brief, casual, and innocent departure from the United States. When you apply for TPS, you must inform USCIS of all absences from the United States since May 1, 2012 through September 18, 2012, and USCIS will determine whether your absences were brief, casual, and innocent.

IV. Consequences of TPS Status

During the TPS designation period, TPS beneficiaries are eligible to remain in the United States and may obtain an Employment Authorization Document to seek employment in the United States; however, the TPS designation is not equivalent to permanent resident status. There may also be circumstances under which a TPS beneficiary is granted authorization for travel outside the United States. If you have TPS and wish to travel abroad, you must request permission from USCIS in advance by submitting an Application for Travel Document.

While under TPS designation, an individual may apply for visa extensions, asylum, or other legal immigration status. When the Secretary of Homeland Security terminates Somalian's designation (currently scheduled for March 17, 2014), TPS beneficiaries return to the immigration status they maintained before TPS, or the TPS beneficiaries may assume the lawful immigration status they received during the TPS period.

This article is being offered by the Ibrahim Law Group and Mr. Aiman I. Ibrahim, Esq. Attorney at Law, for informational purposes only, and it is not intended to provide legal advice or establish an attorney-client relationship. For more information, please see the Ibrahim Law Group website (http://www.ibrahimlegal.com/Other-Practice-Areas/Immigration.aspx) or call us at (201) 540-2500 for assistance with applying for TPS or any of your other legal and immigration needs.

Expongement of First-Time Drug offenders in New Jersey

Aiman Ibrahim — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:55:00 GMT

Speaker Pro Tempore Jerry Green and Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman have introduced a new bill that would expunge certain drug convictions from a non-violent drug offender's record. According to a news report in NJ Today, A-2829 would automatically remove a drug conviction after the convicted offender completes a New Jersey drug court program. The bill is meant to help individuals who are attempting to get clean and move on with their life. It could potentially help individuals who are currently struggling professionally and financially because of the conviction they have on their record.

This particular bill is designed for non-violent offenders who have completed a drug program. To qualify, the individual must not have any prior convictions and he or she cannot have had a previous conviction expunged, as the goal is to prevent a single drug crime conviction from ruining someone's life.

As the law stands now, a single conviction can have a significant impact on someone's life. It is common for a conviction to affect someone's ability to apply for a job, a loan or an apartment. Additionally, a drug crime conviction in New Jersey could result in jail time, mandatory drug treatment programs, fines, fees, attorney costs, and even a driver's license suspension. Each case is different and there is a wide range of drug crime penalties in New Jersey. A skilled attorney can advise the defendant about whether it is in his or her best interest to fight the charges or if it is wise to negotiate for lesser penalties.

Harsher Sex Crime Penalties

Aiman Ibrahim — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:08:00 GMT

Lawmakers in New Jersey have introduced bills that, if passed, will make the already severe punishments for sex crimes in New Jersey even harsher. One proposal receiving consideration is commonly known as the "Jessica Lunsford Act."

This Act has been put forward in three different New Jersey bills - SB380, SB642 and AB2027 - and proposes an increase in the penalties for those who harbor sex offenders and those who perpetrate sex crimes against minors in New Jersey.

Specifically, all three bills propose a mandatory minimum 25-year sentence for anyone convicted of a sexual assault against a minor less than 13-years-old, with no possibility of parole until at least 25 years are served.

Expansion of New Jersey's Megan's Law

One of the above-referenced bills, SB380, also seeks to expand Megan's Law in New Jersey to further restrict sex offenders from residing in certain areas.

Specifically, the bill would make it a fourth degree crime for a sex offender required to register under New Jersey's Megan's Law to reside within 2,500 feet of an elementary or secondary school, playground or child care center. And, if an offender currently lives in this "zone," they would only be given 90 days to move before being in violation of the law.

Another bill has also been introduced in New Jersey that attempts to create this established zone, SB194. However, this bill is not nearly as harsh as SB380 in that it only proposes a residential zone limit of 500 feet instead of the nearly half-mile 2,500 feet.

Regardless of which bill receives the most support, if either passes it will create additional living restrictions for those required to register under New Jersey's Megan's Law. These restrictions are in addition to the various ones already required by registrants.

Police and cell phone tracking

Aiman Ibrahim — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:21:00 GMT

Although the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in January that police cannot use GPS locator systems to track suspects, it has not directly addressed the issue of cellphones as tracking devices in law enforcement. Many law enforcement agencies use cellphones, some of which have GPS systems, to follow individuals suspected of drug crimes and other criminal behavior. The degree to which this behavior violates a suspect's Fourth Amendment rights will almost certainly be the subject of future court decisions.

The American Civil Liberties Union has collected internal documents from at least 205 police departments across the United States that reveal the growing role that cell phones play in criminal investigations. In some states, police departments have been able to determine a cell phone user's proximity to a particular tower. In other states, police have been trained in strategies for having cell phone carriers to clone a phone and download text messages, even when the phone is turned off. Some department have their own technology so they can perform the tracking themselves rather than having to ask carriers to do it for them.

The ACLU report lists 49 police departments in New Jersey that have been tracking people's cell phones without seeking warrants that includes both larger communities such as Trenton and Jersey City and smaller places such as Toms River and Gloucester Township.

برنامج الحماية المؤقت للرعايا السوريين

Aiman Ibrahim — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 05:51:00 GMT

1- نظرة موجزة

في 29 مارس عام 2012، قامت وزيرة الأمن الداخلي الأمريكية جانيت نابوليتانو بوضع الجمهورية العربية السورية في برنامج الحماية المؤقت (TPS) وذلك بعد أن وجدت أنه توجد "ظروف استثنائية ومؤقتة في سوريا تمنع الرعايا السوريين من العودة بأمان إلى سوريا وبهذا فإن السماح لمثل هؤلاء الأجانب بالبقاء بشكل مؤقت في الولايات المتحدة لن يتعارض مع المصلحة القومية للولايات المتحدة".

وهذا يعني أن الرعايا السوريين في الولايات المتحدة - بما فيهم من انتهت تأشيراتهم أو غيرهم ممن قد خرجوا عن الوضع القانوني - يمكنهم الطلب بالتقدم للالتحاق ببرنامج الحماية المؤقت بدءًا من اليوم حتى 25 سبتمبر لعام 2012. إذا تم اعتماد طلب التقدم يمكنك البقاء في الولايات المتحدة بموجب برنامج الحماية المؤقت حتى 30 سبتمبر لعام 2013. خلال فترة برنامج الحماية المؤقت، يتم السماح للأفراد الحاصلين على برنامج الحماية المؤقت بالمكوث في الولايات المتحدة بغض النظر عن وضع تأشيراتهم. يمكنك أيضًا طلب تصريح العمل خلال إقامتك في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية تحت برنامج الحماية المؤقت، وخلال هذه الفترة أيضًا يُسمح للأفراد الحاصلين على برنامج الحماية المؤقت بالتقدم بطلب لتمديد التأشيرة أو أي وضع أخر يسمح لهم بالبقاء في الولايات المتحدة لما بعد 30 سبتمبر لعام 2013. في 30 سبتمبر لعام 2013 سوف يعود وضعك إلى إما وضعك قبل التمتع ببرنامج الحماية المؤقت أو إلى الوضع الذي اكتسبته وقمت بالحفاظ عليه أثناء فترة برنامج الحماية المؤقت.

2- أهلية الالتحاق ببرنامج الحماية المؤقت

حتى يكون مؤهلا يجب على المتقدم بطلب الالتحاق ببرنامج الحماية المؤقت أن يشرح أنه مستوفي لشروط الأهلية الخاصة ببرنامج الحماية المؤقت. مما يعني أنه عليك إثبات أنك واحدًا من الرعايا السوريين وأنك كنت "موجودًا وجودًا فعليًا بصفة مستمرة" وأقمت بصفة مستمرة" في الولايات المتحدة منذ 29 مارس لعام 2012.

وكمتقدم لطلب الالتحاق ببرنامج الحماية المؤقت سوف تخضع لتحقق من شخصيتك وسيرتك وسوف تكون غير مؤهلًا للحصول على برنامج الحماية المؤقت إذا وُجِد أنك متهمًا في جناية واحدة أو عدة جُنح في الولايات المتحدة. لن تتنازل الحكومة عن هذا القيد ولكن يمكنها التنازل عن بعض الاختراقات الأخرى والتي تمثل عوائق تقليدية في طريق الحصول على التأشيرة أو الإذن بدخول الولايات المتحدة للمتقدمين لبرنامج الحماية المؤقت على أساس كل حالة على حدة لـ "لأغراض إنسانية أو لضمان وحدة العائلة أو عندما يكون ذلك في المصلحة العامة"؛ على الرغم من ذلك، يُمكن أن يتم طلب وثائق إضافية من المتقدمين الذين يسعون للإعفاء من أحد شروط الأهلية.

3- الخطوات والإجراءات التي يتبعها المتقدم

أ- الاستمارات والرسوم

يجب على المتقدم للحصول على برنامج الحماية المؤقت أن يُقدم الوثائق التالية إلى دائرة خدمات المواطنة الهجرة (USCIS): (1) استمارة طلب الحصول على برنامج الحماية المؤقت ودفع رسوم التقدم (أو ما يدل على الإعفاء من رسوم الطلب في حالة عدم القدرة على الدفع)؛ (2) استمارة طلب تصريح العمل (حتى إذا لم تكن تطلب التصريح بالعمل) ودفع رسوم طلب تصريح العمل (فقط في حالة طلب تصريح العمل)؛ و(3) دفع رسوم خدمات الإحصاءات الحيوية (أو ما يدل على الإعفاء من الرسوم إذا كنت غير قادرًا على الدفع). إذا كانت الإحصاءات الحيوية مطلوبة من المتقدم سوف يتم إرسال بريد إلكتروني للمتقدم يوضح موعد تجميع العينات للإحصاءات الحيوية، ويجب عليك حضور هذه الموعد أو أخذ موعد جديد وفق ما جاء في البريد الإلكتروني وإلا سيتم إلغاء برنامج الحماية المؤقت الخاص بك.

يجب استكمال وتقديم استمارات التقدم معًا. قدِّم الاستمارات والأدلة باللغة الإنجليزية (أو مع ترجمة باللغة الإنجليزية) واذكر عنوان بريدي في الولايات المتحدة. التكلفة الكُلية لطلب التقدم مع الوثائق المطلوبة تختلف تبعًا لعمر المتقدم، حيث تبلغ التكلفة الكلية للمتقدمين الذين تتراوح أعمارهم بين 14 و65 عامًا 135 دولار إذا لم يكن متقدمًا بطلب تصريح العمل أو 515 دولار إذا كان متقدمًا بطلب تصريح العمل؛ وكما هو موضح بالأعلى، يمكن الإعفاء من دفع الرسوم ا إذا لم تستطع الدفع.

ب - الوثائق الداعمة

يجب على المتقدم بطلب الحصول على برنامج الحماية المؤقت أيضًا أن يقدم الوثائق التي تثبت الجنسية وأنه كان مقيمًا بصفة مستمرة وكان موجودًا في الولايات المتحدة بصفة مستمرة منذ 29 مارس لعام 2012. الوثائق التالية هي النماذج المختارة لإثبات أن المتقدم هو واحدًا من الرعايا السوريين: (1) نسخة من جواز السفر؛ (2) الوثائق الصادرة من قِبل الحكومة السورية التي توضح الجنسية (مثل بطاقة الهوية ووثيقة السفر الرسمية الصادرة من قِبل الحكومة السورية)؛ و(3) شهادة الميلاد (مع ترجمة بالإنجليزية) مرفقة بطاقة هوية ذات صورة. سوف تطلب دائرة خدمات المواطنة والهجرة الأمريكية دلائل أخرى تدعم الجنسية السورية مما يشمل وثائق الجنسية (مثل شهادة التجنيس بدون صورة أو بصمة إصبع)، وشهادة التعميد (إذا كانت تحدد الجنسية أو جنسية الوالدين)، ونسخ من وثائق الهجرة تبين الجنسية والهوية أو إقرارات من الأصدقاء أو أفراد العائلة الذين لديهم معرفة شخصية قريبة الصلة بتاريخ ومكان ميلاد المتقدم أو جنسية والديه. وإذا لم يتمكن المتقدم من تقديم النماذج المختارة للإثبات فيجب عليه تقديم إقرار يبين دليل على جهوده غير الناجحة في الحصول على الوثائق وتأكيد أن المتقدم من الرعايا السوريين. المتقدمون الذين لم يتمكنوا من تقديم دليل على الهوية أو الجنسية سوف يُطلب منهم أيضًا إجراء مقابلة شخصية مع موظف الهجرة. بالإضافة إلى إثبات وثائق الجنسية يجب على المتقدم تقديم صورتين ملونتين له مثل صور جواز السفر.

على المتقدم أيضًا أن يقدم دليل على تاريخ دخوله والإقامة المستمرة لتوضيح أن المتقدم كان موجودًا في الولايات المتحدة منذ 26 مارس عام 2012. الوثائق الكافية لإثبات تاريخ الدخول تشمل نسخة من جواز سفر المتقدم أو سجل I-94 وصول / مغادرة أو أي وثائق كافية لإثبات أن المتقدم كان يقيم في الولايات المتحدة بصفة مستمرة. دليل الإقامة بصفة مستمرة يشمل سجلات التوظيف وإيصالات الإيجار وفواتير الخدمات وسجلات المدرسة الخاصة بالمتقدم أو أطفال المتقدم أو سجلات المستشفى أو السجلات الطبية. يسمح القانون بعمل استثناء للإقامة المستمرة ومتطلبات الإقامة إذا كانت مغادرة الولايات المتحدة موجزة وعارضة وليست جنائية. عندما تتقدم بطلب الحصول على برنامج الحماية المؤقت يتوجب عليك اطلاع دائرة خدمات المواطنة والهجرة الأمريكية على جميع فترات التغيب عن الولايات المتحدة منذ 29 مارس 2012 وستحدد دائرة خدمات المواطنة والهجرة ما إذا كان غيابك موجز وعارض وغير جنائي أم لا.

4- النتائج المترتبة على الالتحاق ببرنامج الحماية المؤقت

أثناء فترة الالتحاق ببرنامج الحماية المؤقت، يتأهل المستفيدون من برنامج الحماية المؤقت للبقاء في الولايات المتحدة وربما يقومون بالحصول على وثيقة تصريح العمل للبحث عن وظيفة في الولايات المتحدة؛ على الرغم من أن الالتحاق ببرنامج الحماية المؤقت لا يعادل لوضع الإقامة الدائمة. وهناك أحوال بموجبها يتم منح المستفيد من برنامج الحماية المؤقت الإذن بالسفر خارج الولايات المتحدة. إذا كنت مشتركًا ببرنامج الحماية المؤقت وأردت السفر إلى الخارج يجب عليك طلب تصريح من دائرة خدمات المواطنة والهجرة الأمريكية سلفًا عن طريق تقديم استمارة طلب الحصول على وثيقة سفر.

عند الالتحاق ببرنامج الحماية المؤقت، يُمكن للفرد التقدم بطلب تمديد التأشيرة واللجوء السياسي أو أي وضع قانوني للهجرة. عندما تُنهي وزيرة الأمن الداخلي إدراج سوريا في البرنامج (المحدد حاليًا في 30 سبتمبر عام 2013)، يرجع المستفيدون من برنامج الحماية المؤقت إلى وضع الهجرة الذي حصلوا عليه قبل برنامج الحماية المؤقت أو يُمكنهم اكتساب وضع الهجرة القانوني الذي حصلوا عليه خلال فترة برنامج الحماية المؤقت.

تم تقديم هذه المقالة من قِبل مجموعة إبراهيم للمحاماة والسيد/ أيمن إسماعيل إبراهيم، وكيل قانوني، وهي للأغراض المعلوماتية فقط وليس مقصودًا بها توفير نصيحة قانونية أو إنشاء ارتباط بين محامي وموكله. لمزيد من المعلومات، من فضلك قم بزيارة الموقع الإلكتروني الخاص بمجموعة إبراهيم للمحاماة (.ibrahimlegal.comwww) أو اتصل بنا على (201) 781-7800لطلب المساعدة في التقدم للحصول على برنامج الحماية المؤقت أو أي متطلبات قانونية أخرى خاصة بالهجرة.

Syria TPS (Temporary Protected Status for Syrian Nationals)

Aiman Ibrahim — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 05:46:00 GMT

TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS FOR SYRIAN NATIONALS

I. Brief Overview

On March 29, 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Janet Napolitano designated the Syrian Arab Republic ("Syria") for Temporary Protected Status ("TPS") after finding that there are "extraordinary and temporary conditions in Syria that prevent Syrian nationals from returning in safety, and that permitting such aliens to remain temporarily in the United States would not be contrary to the national interest of the United States."

This means that Syrian nationals in the United States − including those whose visas have expired or who have otherwise fallen out of legal status − can apply for TPS starting today through September 25, 2012. If granted, you may remain in the U.S. on TPS status through September 30, 2013. During that TPS period, individuals who receive TPS will be allowed to stay in the U.S. regardless of their visa status. You may also request employment authorization while in the U.S. under TPS. Also during that time, individuals who receive TPS will be permitted to apply for visa extensions or other status that permits them to stay in the U.S. past September 30, 2013. On September 30, 2013, your status will revert to either your status before receiving TPS, or to the status you gained and maintained during the TPS period.

II. Eligibility for TPS

In order to be eligible, applicants for TPS designation must demonstrate that they satisfy all eligibility criteria for TPS. That means you must prove that you are a Syrian national, and that you have been "continuously physically present" and have "continuously resided" in the United States since March 29, 2012.

III. Steps and Procedures for Application

A. Applications and Fees

B. Supporting Documents

An applicant for TPS must also submit documents proving nationality and that he or she has continuously resided and been continuously present in the United States since March 29, 2012. The following documents are the preferred forms of evidence that an applicant is a national of Syria: (1) copy of passport; (2) documentation issued by the Syrian government showing nationality (e.g., national identity card, official travel documentation issued by the Syrian government); and (3) birth certificate (with English translation) accompanied by photo identification. USCIS will also consider secondary evidence supporting Syrian nationality, including nationality documentation (i.e., naturalization certificate without photograph or fingerprint), baptismal certificate (if it indicates nationality or parent's nationality), copies of immigration documents showing nationality and identity, or affidavits from friends or family members who have close personal knowledge of the date and place of the applicant's birth and parents' nationality. If an applicant is unable to produce one of the preferred forms of evidence, the applicant must submit an affidavit showing proof of his or her unsuccessful efforts to obtain the documents and affirming the applicant is a national of Syria. Applicants unable to produce proof of identity or nationality will also be required to interview with an immigration officer. In addition to the proof of nationality documentation, the applicant must submit two color passport-style photographs of himself or herself.

The applicant is also required to submit evidence of his/her date of entry and continuous residence to demonstrate that the applicant has been in the United States since March 29, 2012. Documents sufficient to prove date of entry include a copy of the applicant's passport, the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, or any of the documents sufficient to prove that an applicant has been continuously residing in the United States. Continuously residing evidence includes employment records, rent receipts, utility bills, school records for the applicant or the applicant's children, or hospital or medical records. The law allows an exception to the continuous presence and residence requirements if you have taken a brief, casual, and innocent departure from the United States. When you apply for TPS, you must inform USCIS of all absences from the United States since March 29, 2012, and USCIS will determine whether your absences were brief, casual, and innocent.

IV. Consequences of TPS Status

While under TPS designation, an individual may apply for visa extensions, asylum, or other legal immigration status. When the Secretary of Homeland Security terminates Syria's designation (currently scheduled for September 30, 2013), TPS beneficiaries return to the immigration status they maintained before TPS, or the TPS beneficiaries may assume the lawful immigration status they received during the TPS period.

This article is being offered by the Ibrahim Law Group and Mr. Aiman Ismail Ibrahim, Attorney at Law, for informational purposes only, and it is not intended to provide legal advice or establish an attorney-client relationship. For more information, please see the Ibrahim Law Group website (http://www.ibrahimlegal.com/Other-Practice-Areas/Immigration.aspx) or call us at (201) 540-2500 for assistance with applying for TPS or any of your other legal and immigration needs.

Disorderly Conduct and Public Intoxication in New Jersey

Aiman Ibrahim — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:59:00 GMT

A fun night out on the town can result in something much more serious if the situation gets out of hand and the authorities become involved. There are many different acts that can result in heavy fines and even jail time. If you are facing any type of disorderly conduct charges, do not make the mistake of taking your situation lightly.

N.J.S.A. 40:48-1 gives municipalities the power to "prevent vice, drunkenness, and immorality." This allows local authorities to determine how to prevent dangerous situations caused by intoxication. Additionally, there are many offenses that are commonly linked to alcohol consumption.

Under N.J.S.A. 3-19.4, you can face charges for loitering or assembling on the streets while uttering "loud and offensive or indecent language." Offensive language at any quasi-public or private location can result in charges under 3:19.5. Lewd conduct or urinating in public can lead to charges under 3:19.6. If you become too loud and there are complaints, you may also face disturbing the peace charges under 3-19.7.

According to N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2: "A person is guilty of a petty disorderly persons offense, if with purpose to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof he (1) Engages in fighting or threatening, or in violent or tumultuous behavior; or (2) Creates a hazardous or physically dangerous condition by any act which serves no legitimate purpose of the actor."

Penalties for petty disorderly persons offenses such as disorderly conduct or public intoxication can result in a $500 fine, up to 30 days in jail, and mandatory community service and probation. It is important to have a skilled criminal defense attorney who has experience fighting these types of charges.

Miranda Rights

Aiman Ibrahim — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:54:00 GMT

In New Jersey, as in every other state in this country, everyone who interacts with the police has certain rights commonly referred to as "Miranda Rights." And by everyone I mean everyone, no matter your race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, or even your immigration status. But what are these rights really? And how can they be used to actually protect yourself? These questions and some others will be addressed here.

What are your Miranda Rights?

We've all seen either in movies or on TV, a situation where a police officer is told by his sergeant to "read him his rights and book him." We've all probably even heard the term "Miranda Rights." But where did they come from and what are they really?

In 1966 in a landmark case called Miranda v. Arizona the United States Supreme Court held that the police must give a formal warning to criminal suspects being questioned when they are in custody or in a custodial situation. The formal warning is a basic reminder of two very important Constitutional rights:

(1) your right to remain silent; and

(2) your right to an attorney.

This case did not provide these two rights because they had already been recognized as being provided under the Constitution. Rather, the Court's ruling required the police to advise suspects of these rights before interrogating or questioning them. It also held that if the police fail to provide this warning, any statements subsequently obtained cannot be used in any later prosecution.

Can my Miranda rights actually protect me?

Yes, but only if you use them! So the first step in using your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney is knowing you have them without having to be reminded. Unlike the impression we get from movies and TV, the police don't have to read you your rights whenever they speak to you. They don't even have to read them once they arrest you. The only time they are required to read them to you is when you are actually in custody and you are being questioned. And don't think that just because a police officer is asking you questions you are in custody because in all likelihood you are not.

In most instances the police are free to ask you questions when they first begin to investigate a call. In some instances being questioned inside a police station isn't even custodial interrogation and as such your rights may not necessarily be read to you.

Second, keeping in mind that you have the right not to say anything, don't then go and try and "talk your way out of it." So many cases have hinged on statements blurted out before the police even get out of their patrol cars. When things are tense and the police are present it is best to keep your emotions in check and resist the temptation to volunteer information. No matter how gifted you think you are at talking to people, more harm than good comes from talking to the police in most situations.

Third, if you are being investigated for a criminal offence and the police are asking you questions about something that happened, politely tell them that you wish to remain silent until you have had the opportunity to speak with your attorney. Now most police officers and detectives are consiencious and will leave it at that. But, unfortunately we know in reality some cops may persist in asking you questions, or make other small talk with you, trying to get you to talk to them. Be polite, but be persistent. You want to talk to an attorney before you say anything.

If I tell the police I want to speak with a lawyer before talking with them won't they think I'm guilty of something?

Maybe they will, but what they think isn't important. The only thing that matters is what they know. In many, many, many, many, many cases the only real evidence is the suspects own admissions. If they have enough to arrest you, they probably will. If they don't, then they won't arrest you.

Remember, even when you are innocent of any wrong doing, nothing can be gained by giving the police information that could be construed to link you to a crime. The best thing you can do is refuse to speak until you have spoken to an attorney.

What if the police tell me that I can only help myself out by talking to them and telling them the truth?

Straight up, they are lying to you! And they can get away with it every time. The courts have explicitly held that the police are allowed to employ certain tactics while interviewing suspects. They can lie to you. They can try and trick you. And they are very good at. The police have learned to play on people's emotions in stressful situations. In many cases they have even gotten false confessions after questioning suspects for hours, aggressively questioning them, and playing good cop/bad cop.

If they are asking you questions, the only thing that can actually help you is standing on your right to remain silent, and to speak with an attorney before speaking with the police.

Mandatory Prison Sentence, Weapons Charges, Graves Act

Aiman Ibrahim — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:48:00 GMT

If you have been criminally charged for a weapons violation, you may be concerned about the possibility of prison time. The Graves Act is a group of laws that allow the court to impose harsh sentences on those who have been charged with weapons crimes. The legislation is intended to deter continued firearm and gang-related crimes. Sentences can include a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment and ineligibility for parole until one-third to one-half, or three years, whichever is greater, or eighteen months in cases involving crimes of the fourth degree have been served. Specific weapons charges affected by the Graves Act are as follows:

· Unlawful possession of a machine gun, handgun, rifle or shotgun in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5a, b, or c. The offense of unlawful possession of a handgun, other than one in the nature of an air gun or spring gun, has also been upgraded to a second degree crime;

· Possession of a sawed-off shotgun in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3b;

· Possession of a defaced firearm in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3d;

· Possession of a firearm while committing a drug distribution or possession with intent to distribute offense in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4.1a;

· Possession of certain weapons by persons previously convicted of specified offenses, in violation of a violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7a or b(2);

· The manufacture, transport, or disposition of a machine gun, sawed-off shotgun, or assault firearm in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-9a, b, or g;

· The defacement of a firearm in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-9-e.

DNA Sampling for Minor Crimes in New Jersey

Aiman Ibrahim — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:34:00 GMT

A New Jersey lawmaker proposed this month to allow DNA sampling from all people convicted of even minor crimes. These crimes would include things like shoplifting of small items and trespassing.

Under a law like this, anyone who is convicted of a crime would have their DNA stored in a database, which could then be used to track their DNA back to other crimes. Some people are calling this a violation of a person's privacy.

Not only would this law apply to adults, but it would also apply to juveniles. Having DNA recorded by the government could unfairly lead to a conviction of another crime. If a person was at a store where a crime was committed and a hair was found, they might be linked back to that crime even if they didn't actually commit it. It is very possible for people who have committed minor crimes in the past to leave traces of their DNA in a public place, where a future crime might be committed.

Should someone who makes a mistake at a young age have their DNA recorded in a database for the rest of their life? This bill is in its early stages in the New Jersey legislature, but if it passes, many people who commit minor crimes might be linked unfairly to more serious crimes, and unfair convictions of those crimes.

If someone is accused of a crime they might want to make sure they understand their rights by speaking with an attorney before giving information to authorities.