Law - Shore News Network

Detective Elizabeth Savnik Honored as “Law Enforcement Hometown Hero”

Breaking Local News ReportOctober 17, 20240

WESTFIELD, NJ – Detective Elizabeth Savnik of the Westfield Police Department was recognized on Thursday as a “Law Enforcement Hometown Hero” at an event hosted by Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. in Bernardsville. The recognition was part of an initiative where Chiefs of Police in the 7th Congressional District were invited to nominate community-oriented individuals known for their public service in maintaining the safety of neighborhoods. Detective Savnik has served for 13 years with the Westfield Police Department and is currently an active member of the Juvenile & Community Policing Bureau. She performs responsibilities as the Juvenile Officer and one of

Pennsylvania man pleads guilty to assaulting law enforcement during Jan. 6 Capitol breach

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 8, 20240

WASHINGTON — A Pennsylvania man pleaded guilty Thursday to assaulting law enforcement with a dangerous weapon during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Joshua Lee Atwood, 31, of Burgettstown, Pa., admitted to assaulting officers defending the Capitol as rioters disrupted the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. Atwood pleaded guilty to a felony charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers using a dangerous weapon before U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 20, 2024. According to court documents, Atwood attended the

Biden-Harris Call for National Red Flag Law, Gun Ban In Light of Georgia Shooting

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 4, 20240

It looks like the Biden-Harris White House is stepping up its push for gun reform in a big way. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre laid out a firm agenda that could significantly reshape gun laws across the U.S., with a particular focus on banning semi-automatic rifles and introducing a national red flag law. During a press briefing, Jean-Pierre called for universal background checks, something that’s been a hot topic in the gun control debate for years. But that’s just the start—she emphasized the need to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, addressing some of the more controversial firearms that

Michigan Man Arrested for Assaulting Law Enforcement During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

Breaking Local News ReportAugust 25, 20240

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Michigan man has been arrested and charged with assaulting law enforcement officers during the January 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol, an event that disrupted the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. Nathan Thornsberry, 42, of North Branch, Michigan, was taken into custody today by the FBI in Davison, Michigan. He faces several charges, including a felony offense of obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder and assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers. Additionally, Thornsberry is charged with four misdemeanors: entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly or disruptive conduct

Immigrant Driver’s Licenses a National Topic, But A New Jersey Law

Breaking Local News ReportAugust 18, 20240

TRENTON, NJ – What started as a state-level initiative in New Jersey has now become a heated national issue. With key figures like Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Vice President Kamala Harris advocating for a federal law that would allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses, the conversation is now front and center in the national election debate. In New Jersey, immigrants have been able to get driver’s licenses since 2021, thanks to a law enacted by Governor Phil Murphy. This law made it possible for undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver’s license, provided they meet specific criteria and follow

Somerset County Law Enforcement Joins National Drive Sober Campaign for Labor Day Weekend

Breaking Local News ReportAugust 17, 20240

SOMERVILLE, N.J. — As part of the nationwide effort to combat impaired driving, the Somerset and Hunterdon County law enforcement agencies will be participating in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. The high-visibility enforcement campaign, running from August 14 through September 2, aims to reduce impaired driving incidents and prevent tragedies during the Labor Day holiday weekend. The campaign comes in response to alarming statistics from the 2022 Labor Day holiday period. During this time, 490 traffic fatalities occurred across the country, with 39% (190) involving a drunk

Tennessee Man Arrested for Alleged Assault on Law Enforcement During Capitol Riot

Breaking Local News ReportAugust 4, 20240

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nicholas Waldon Smotherman, 41, of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, has been arrested for allegedly assaulting law enforcement officers and other charges related to his actions during the January 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions, along with those of others, disrupted a joint session of Congress convened to certify the 2020 presidential election results. Smotherman is charged with felony offenses, including obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder and assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers. Additionally, he faces several misdemeanor charges, such as entering and remaining in restricted grounds or buildings, disorderly conduct, and engaging

What You Need to Know About New Jersey’s New Criminal Clemency Law

Breaking Local News ReportAugust 4, 20240

NEWARK, NJ – In a significant move aimed at addressing systemic inequities within New Jersey’s criminal justice system, Governor Phil Murphy has enacted Executive Order No. 362. This new directive accelerates the clemency application process for individuals with non-violent convictions and those subjected to excessive trial penalties, focusing on assisting communities of color. Governor Murphy highlighted the timing and importance of the order in relation to the Juneteenth celebrations, emphasizing its role in the state’s commitment to racial justice for Black and Brown communities. “This new clemency initiative is a cornerstone of our Administration’s efforts to make New Jersey the

Virginia Man Sentenced for Assaulting Law Enforcement During Capitol Breach

Breaking Local News ReportJuly 21, 20240

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Joseph Brody, 24, of Springfield, Virginia, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and 36 months of supervised release for his role in the January 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. Brody, who pleaded guilty to assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers on February 21, 2024, was also ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution by U.S. District Judge Dabney L. Friedrich. Court documents reveal that Brody attended the former President’s rally at the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., on January 6, 2021, with friends and acquaintances. After the rally, they moved to the Capitol building, entering through the Senate

Virginia Man Sentenced for Assaulting Law Enforcement During Capitol Breach

Breaking Local News ReportJuly 21, 20240

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Joseph Brody, 24, of Springfield, Virginia, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and 36 months of supervised release for his role in the January 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. Brody, who pleaded guilty to assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers on February 21, 2024, was also ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution by U.S. District Judge Dabney L. Friedrich. Court documents reveal that Brody attended the former President’s rally at the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., on January 6, 2021, with friends and acquaintances. After the rally, they moved to the Capitol building, entering through the Senate

Maryland’s ‘Nick’s Law’ Tightens Penalties for Boating Under the Influence

Breaking Local News ReportJuly 20, 20240

The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) reported a significant reduction in boating accidents and no fatalities during the busiest boating holiday of the year, Independence Day weekend. This year’s “Operation Dry Water” resulted in nine arrests for Operating While Under the Influence of Alcohol (OUI), the highest since 2018, despite the overall decrease in boating incidents compared to previous years. Launched in 2009, Operation Dry Water is a nationwide effort led by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators to enforce boating safety laws and reduce alcohol-related accidents. Maryland NRP has actively participated through “saturation patrols,” focusing on areas

New Jersey Governor Signs Menstrual Hygiene Benefit Program Into Law

Breaking Local News ReportJune 29, 20240

TRENTON, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy has signed legislation, A2027/S2330, that introduces the State Work First New Jersey Menstrual Hygiene Benefit Program and the Diaper Benefit Program. An appropriation of $2.5 million from the General Fund has been directed to the Department of Human Services’ Division of Family Development to manage these initiatives. The new programs are part of the state’s Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) cash assistance framework, which aids eligible residents with financial support including child care, job readiness, and housing. Participants aged 18 to 50 in the Menstrual Hygiene Benefit Program will receive a $14 monthly benefit

Daughter of Fallen New Jersey State Trooper Graduates With Full Support of Law Enforcement Community

Breaking Local News ReportJune 22, 20240

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ—In a heartfelt tribute, the New Jersey State Police celebrated a poignant milestone as Julianna Castellano, daughter of the late Trooper Marc Castellano, graduated from Freehold Township High School yesterday. Troop “C” command and a contingent of troopers who had worked alongside Trooper Castellano attended the ceremony to honor Julianna and support her during this significant moment. The presence of the troopers served as a powerful reminder of Trooper Castellano’s enduring legacy and the deep bonds within the law enforcement community. The New Jersey State Police expressed their pride and congratulations to Julianna, emphasizing that her father’s bravery

New Jersey to Expand Bias Intimidation Law to Include False Public Alarms

Breaking Local News ReportJune 19, 20240

TRENTON, NJ – New legislation has been passed in New Jersey expanding the state’s bias intimidation crimes to include the act of creating a false public alarm. Previously, the law covered offenses such as terroristic threats, assault, and murder, specifically targeting actions intended to intimidate based on race, religion, gender, and other protected characteristics. The inclusion of false public alarms under N.J.S.2C:33-3 aims to address scenarios where such acts are used to stoke fear or hostility against particular groups. This adjustment follows the removal of a problematic provision that was struck down by the New Jersey Supreme Court in 2015

SPJ Says Murphy Signed Death Warrant for New Jersey OPRA Law

Breaking Local News ReportJune 6, 20240

Trenton, NJ – The New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists (NJ-SPJ) expressed disappointment over Governor Phil Murphy’s signing of Bill S2930, which significantly alters the Open Public Records Act (OPRA). NJ-SPJ President P. Kenneth Burns issued a statement condemning the bill and its implications. “We are disappointed that Gov. Phil Murphy has signed Bill S2930, which drastically changes the Open Public Records Act. We refuse to call this the reform that Sen. Paul Sarlo wants to sell this as,” Burns stated. “While we agree with the governor that laws must keep up with the times, this bill does the opposite.

New Jersey Law to Bar Criminal Background Checks, Penalties for Denying Religious Headwear

Breaking Local News ReportJune 3, 20240

TRENTON, NJ – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, in conjunction with the Division on Civil Rights (DCR), announced the proposal of a new rule aimed at clarifying the legal boundaries of disparate impact discrimination under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD). This rule aims to provide detailed guidance on how seemingly neutral policies may unlawfully affect protected classes. The LAD extends beyond direct discrimination, addressing policies that, while not explicitly targeting a protected group, may have adverse effects on these groups. For instance, workplace bans on hats or head coverings could negatively impact individuals wearing religious garments, such as

Ocean City Reminds Visitors of No-Alcohol Law

Breaking Local News ReportJune 1, 20240

OCEAN CITY, MD – The Ocean City Police Department has issued a reminder regarding the town’s strict alcohol regulations. According to the local ordinance, it is prohibited for any individual to possess alcoholic beverages in an open container in public spaces. Specifically, the ordinance bans open containers of alcohol on public streets, highways, avenues, alleys, sidewalks, municipal parking lots, the boardwalk, the public beach, or any other public property within Ocean City’s corporate limits. This regulation also extends to vehicles on these public premises. This reminder is reinforced by the town code sections from 1972 and 1999, and ordinances passed

New Jersey Lawmakers Introduce Riot Act Bill in Light of Shore Mayhem Inspired by Florida Law

Phil StiltonMay 30, 20240

TRENTON, NJ – In response to recent disturbances at the shore, New Jersey legislators have introduced a comprehensive bill aimed at expanding and clarifying laws against rioting and related violent crimes. The proposed legislation modifies several aspects of the existing statutes to address both the actions during riots and the legal consequences from those actions. “Riots and vandalism will drive visitors away and devastate the summer season. As a state, we cannot afford that,” said shore Senator Robert Singer. “Make no mistake, these are not peaceful gatherings. Organizers solicit young people to come out and cause trouble. They create situations

New Jersey’s Sami’s Law Highlights Prom Season Rideshare Safety

Breaking Local News ReportMay 24, 20240

BURLINGTON, NJ—As graduation season approaches, the City of Burlington Police Department is emphasizing the importance of rideshare safety and highlighting New Jersey’s “Sami’s Law.” This legislation was enacted in 2019 in response to the tragic death of Samantha “Sami” Josephson, who lost her life after mistakenly entering a vehicle she believed was her rideshare. Governor Phil Murphy signed the law, which mandates additional identification requirements for rideshare drivers, to prevent such heartbreaking incidents. The initiative stemmed from the dedicated advocacy of Sami’s grieving parents, aimed at enhancing passenger safety across the state. The Burlington Police stand in solidarity with the

Toms River Hires Law Firm to Fight Plan to Turn Federal Toxic Waste Site Into Homes and Park

Breaking Local News ReportMay 24, 20240

Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick and the township council have hired a law firm to fight the State of New Jersey and BASF Chemical Corp, the current owner of the Ciba-Geigy federal Superfund site, in court. The township chose the Law Firm Of Donald F. Burke as special counsel to prevent the state plan to allow the company to build on 250 acres of the Superfund site responsible for water pollution and cancer-related deaths and illnesses throughout the township. “We need a law firm highly skilled in litigation,” said Mayor Rodrick. “The last administration wanted to use our in-house attorney,

New Jersey Realtors Could Soon Have to Take Bias Training Under Proposed Law

Breaking Local News ReportMay 23, 20240

TRENTON, NJ—In an effort to combat discrimination in property appraisals, New Jersey Senators Nellie Pou and M. Teresa Ruiz have introduced Bill S1311, which mandates anti-bias training for real estate appraisers. The legislation aims to supplement and amend existing laws to enforce a prohibition on discriminatory practices in the appraisal process. The bill, pre-filed for the 2024 legislative session, was sponsored by Senator Pou of District 35, covering Bergen and Passaic counties, and Senator Ruiz from District 29, which includes Essex and Hudson counties. Additional sponsorship comes from Senators Singleton, Johnson, and McKnight. According to the proposed legislation, no licensed

Albemarle County Welcomes New Graduates from Law Enforcement Academy

Law and Crime ReportMay 17, 20240

ALBEMARLE COUNTY, VA — The Albemarle County Police Department is celebrating the graduation of five new officers from the Central Shenandoah Criminal Justice Training Academy’s 150th Basic Law Enforcement Academy. The department extends a warm welcome to these new members who have demonstrated exemplary skills and dedication throughout their training. The recent graduates include: The Albemarle County Police Department is proud of the achievements of these officers and looks forward to their future contributions to the community.

‘Clear Violation Of The Law’: Biden’s Multi-Billion Dollar Broadband Plan Defies Congressional Mandate, Experts Say

The Daily CallerApril 22, 20240

The Biden administration’s program to expand access to broadband internet may run afoul of the law that created it, experts told the Daily Caller News Foundation. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the Department of Commerce, is responsible for allocating $42.5 billion in funds intended to bolster the United States’ broadband internet infrastructure through the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (BEAD) program. The agency, in a move to expand high-speed internet access to low-income communities, has been attempting to force states to adopt price controls for broadband services provided through the new projects, a strategy experts

‘Unequal Application Of The Law’: Jim Jordan Previews Plans To Grill Merrick Garland During Testimony

The Daily CallerSeptember 20, 20230

‘Unequal Application Of The Law’: Jim Jordan Previews Plans To Grill Merrick Garland During Testimony Harold Hutchison on September 19, 2023 Republican Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio said Wednesday that Attorney General Merrick Garland would face questions about the “unequal application of the law” in an upcoming hearing. Garland is due to testify during a Wednesday hearing held by the House Judiciary Committee called “Oversight of the Department of Justice.” Jordan cited both the testimony from whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler and contradictory statements from special counsel David Weiss regarding his authority. WATCH: “I will say this, the whistleblowers’

‘Nothing To Do With The Law’: Election Lawyer Georgia Jury Recommended Charging Slams Process

The Daily CallerSeptember 12, 20230

‘Nothing To Do With The Law’: Election Lawyer Georgia Jury Recommended Charging Slams Process Katelynn Richardson on September 11, 2023 Trump election lawyer Cleta Mitchell told The Federalist her questioning before the Fulton County special purpose grand jury had “nothing to do with the law.” Mitchell, along with 20 others, including Republican South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham and former Georgia Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, was recommended for indictment by the jury but not ultimately charged by District Attorney Fani Willis, according to the report released Friday. In an interview published by The Federalist Monday, Mitchell described her questioning