Covid-19

Here on the Edward M. Janzekovich law blog, we believe it is important to keep our readers and clients informed about what is going on within the legal system with regard to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic. To all our clients, colleagues, and friends – as always, we hope you are able to remain safe and healthy during this time.

Supreme Court of New Jersey SECOND Omnibus Order

This last week, the Supreme Court of New Jersey issued a second omnibus Order with the following renewed commitment to remote proceedings. The two most important take-aways for anyone charged with DUI/DWI or Refusal to Submit to a Breath test are as follows:

1. Most Court Operations Are Continuing Remotely

During the COVID-19 pandemic, most court operations have continued remotely in all levels of the court system. Since transitioning to virtual operations, the courts have conducted more than 12,000 remote court events involving more than 80,000 participants.

If you were charged before or during the quarantine/lock-down period, you cannot ignore the charges against you. If you do not take action on pending charges, you will face consequences.

2. More Court Matters Will Resume in the Coming Weeks, INCLUDING MUNICIPAL COURTS

The Court’s Order lifts the suspension of Municipal Court sessions. As of April 27, 2020, remote proceedings in the Municipal Courts have resumed for more proceedings.

Moreover, effective May 11, 2020, with appropriate notice to the parties, Municipal Court sessions can resume in individual Municipal Courts. Sessions may only proceed by video or phone. Municipal Court sessions will resume to the extent possible based on facilities, technology, and other resources.

Although trials and discovery hearings will continue to follow special rules for postponement, many other issues in your drunk driving, drugged driving, driving while high, driving while intoxicated, driving under the influence, and refusal to submit to a breathalyzer case can and will proceed. If you do not take prompt and immediate action in your case, you will likely face serious consequences. The Court has specifically said that further postponements and adjournments will not be granted, and most deadlines will not be extended except in special circumstances.

A copy of the newest orders can be found here:

Governor Murphy’s Roadmap to Reopening

Last week, Governor Murphy also issued a statement regarding his plan to reopen and resume key functions around the state.

Although no specific deadlines or dates were provided, the “road back” demonstrates a commitment by the state to reopening. This, taken together with the Court’s orders, demonstrates that anyone who has a legal issue – including pending DUI or DWI matters – should start making preparations for cases to resume.

Accordingly, it will be important to consult an experienced drunk driving and drugged driving attorney as soon as possible if you have a case pending or have any questions.

New Jersey Drunk Driving Lawyer, Edward M. Janzekovich, Can If You Were Charged Before or During the Quarantine/ Lock-Down Period

If you or someone you know was charged for DUI or DWI before or during the stay-at-home period, there are issues in your case that may need to be resolved immediately or in the near future. An experienced attorney can review your individual case and determine the best way to proceed at this time. A good lawyer can make all the difference. We at the Law Offices of Edward M. Janzekovich can help. To speak with an experienced New Jersey DWI/DUI lawyer about your situation, call us at 732-257-1137 or contact us online today. We serve clients throughout the state of New Jersey.

As reported here on the Edward M. Janzekovich law blog last week, the National and State level response to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 Pandemic has resulted in a shut-down of my non-essential public and private businesses as well as gatherings and public functions, including all Municipal Courts in the Garden State. Until further notice, all non-urgent Municipal Court proceedings will be suspended until at least March 27, 2020.

Additionally, several new Court Orders have been issued that can affect anyone currently charged or previously convicted of drunk driving, driving while high, or driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

If you or anyone you know is arrested, charged, or convicted of DUI/DWI during this crisis, it may be more important than ever to reach out to an attorney immediately to find out what your rights are and what your options are. An experienced attorney can review each situation on a case-by-case basis to determine how it is affected by the State of Emergency We at the Law Offices of Edward M. Janzekovich can help

Order to Commute or Suspend County Jail Sentences

If you or someone you know is currently serving a jail sentence related to DUI, DWI, or Refusal to Submit to a Breathalyzer Test, it is important to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible.

A recent Order issued by the Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court and signed by the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of the Public Defender, the County Prosecutors Association, and the American Civil Liberties Union has granted the RELEASE of numerous persons currently serving a county jail sentence or jail sentence as the result of a municipal conviction. The release will be carried out starting Tuesday, March 24, 2020, will proceed as quickly as possible, and will continue pursuant to the timeline directed in the Order.

For some, this release may be considered satisfaction or full service of the sentence (meaning the prison sentence is concluded), while others may have the time converted into “time served” and subject to additional prison time. Additionally, there are some exceptions regarding who will be released – including anyone who has already tested positive for Coronavirus or COVID-19, and there are situations where an inmate may request not to be released.

Once released, inmates are expected to comply with all Driver’s License Suspension periods and probation requirements.

If you are unsure how you or a loved one is affected by this Order, you may need to consult an attorney immediately. Moreover, if you are someone who has been released due to the Order, you may want to consult an attorney to understand what your rights and responsibilities are after

The signed Order can be found here: https://njcourts.gov/notices/2020/n200323a.pdf?c=j7I

State and Superior Court Closings and Other Announcements

As previously noted, most but not all matters, cases, and hearings before the State Municipal and Superior Courts have been postponed and will be rescheduled. If you were previously scheduled for any Court appearance, including related to a Refusal, DUI or DWI charge, you will want to reach out to an attorney immediately to see how your case has been affected.

Moreover, not all proceedings have been suspended. If you are arrested or charged during any period of Court suspension, you will want to consult an attorney to see if your case will be postponed or will proceed as scheduled.

Finally, while we at the Edward M. Janzekovich law blog strive to keep you informed during this period of lock-down, it is important to recognize that new announcements are being issued by the Court every day. Nearly all of the state level announcements are posted here: https://njcourts.gov/attorneys/notices.html

However, not all announcements will be posted at the website above, and there may be specific municipal or local directives that can affect your case. Accordingly, it will be important to consult an experienced drunk and drugged driving attorney as soon as possible if you have any questions.

New Jersey Drunk Driving Lawyer, Edward M. Janzekovich, Can Help If Your Case is Affected by Coronavirus and COVID-19 Court Closings

Until further notice, local, municipal, and state court proceedings will be affected throughout the state. An attorney will be able to answer your questions about Court proceedings and check on the status of your matter. To speak with an experienced New Jersey DWI/DUI lawyer about your situation, call us at 732-257-1137 or contact us online today. We serve clients throughout the state of New Jersey.

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ATTENTION: NEW JERSEY SECOND OMNIBUS ORDER AND GOVERNOR MURPHY’S ROADMAP TO REOPENING AFTER COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS – WEEK 7