Wayne Criminal Law Blog

Auto accidents, trauma and eating disorders

On behalf of The Law Offices of Joel M. Bacher posted in auto accidents on Friday, June 14, 2019.

When people think about the consequences that car crash victims often experience, they may envision broken bones and other physical challenges, as well as financial problems due to hospital bills or missing work. However, the emotional toll of these accidents can be overwhelming, and many victims struggle with a great deal of mental trauma. For some, this can result in other issues that make recovery hard and interrupt their life. For example, some people may develop an eating disorder in the wake of a motor vehicle collision.

In some instances, eating disorders are brought on by high levels of stress and significant mental trauma. Some people may turn to food when they are seeking comfort or feel unable to cope with the hardships that they are going through. The mental toll of a car crash should not be overlooked, especially if someone is thinking about taking legal action to hold an irresponsible driver accountable for their actions and the various problems that have arisen as a result of the crash.

What is gaslighting?

On behalf of The Law Offices of Joel M. Bacher posted in domestic violence on Saturday, June 8, 2019.

Domestic abuse isn't always a clear cut issue. Gaslighting is one tactic many abusers make use of that causes the subject of abuse to question his or her sanity. The goal is to wear down a person until they're pliable to manipulation, as explained by Psychology Today.

For example, gaslighting usually involves blatant lies. Your spouse might tell you something that you know to be patently false and insist the statement is true despite your objections. This serves to throw off your sense of reality, which sets you up for more lies and misinformation. One of the most damaging aspects of gaslighting is its impact on your psyche and self-confidence.

Drive safely around bicycles this summer

On behalf of The Law Offices of Joel M. Bacher on Tuesday, June 4, 2019.

Summer is here, and more people are spending time outdoors. Children will be playing outside, and on the roadways you’ll see an increase in pedestrians and bicyclists. In fact, bicycling is rapidly growing in popularity. From 2006 to 2014, the number of people commuting to work on two wheels doubled, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

But as bicycling grows, so, too, does the number car versus bicycle accidents. Over 1,000 bike riders died in fatal accidents in 2015, and there were nearly 467,000 injuries. Children and adolescents are most likely to face bicycle-related injuries, and fatal accidents happen most often in urban environments. But by keeping an eye out for bicyclist and being mindful of a few safety tips, you can make sure everyone gets home safely.

Fredon Township crash kills teen

On behalf of The Law Offices of Joel M. Bacher posted in auto accidents on Monday, May 27, 2019.

Teen drivers in Wayne may indeed be at a greater risk of being involved in an accident compared to other demographics. Yet they need time on the road to develop the experience needed in order to become safe, responsible drivers in the future. Their lack of experience (both on the road and in life) may prompt them to engage in actions that other drivers would likely avoid. Parents and others tasked with teaching them to drive can only offer their best advice on how to handle themselves behind the wheel (and then hope that they adhere to it). When they do not, the results can be tragic.

This fact was clearly evidenced in a recent crash that occurred in Fredon Township. A group of teens was driving around in the Mercedes-Benz that had been rented for their prom the night before when the vehicle lost control and left it road. It ultimately flipped over, injuring three of its occupants. A fourth was killed in the accident. Investigators are still looking into what caused the vehicle to crash.

Designated drivers may not be sober at all

On behalf of The Law Offices of Joel M. Bacher posted in dwi/dui on Tuesday, May 14, 2019.

In the past, designated drivers were promoted as a safe alternative to driving under the influence of alcohol. Whether they are going for a night out on the town or they are simply having a few drinks, it may be best to designate a driver to refrain from drinking and remain sober throughout the night. Although designated drivers have a serious responsibility to the friends they are suppose to drive home, researchers have found that these motorists may not be as sober and safe as some may think.

Getting the facts about license suspension

On behalf of The Law Offices of Joel M. Bacher on Thursday, April 25, 2019.

It is no secret that DUI charges can have persisting consequences on both your personal and professional life. Many people focus on the criminal charges of a DUI, but protecting your license is just as critical as avoiding criminal penalties.

A suspended driver's license can jeopardize your future just as much as a DUI charge itself. Knowing the facts about license suspension can help anyone dealing with a DUI understand what they are facing as well as how to avoid these consequences.

No Two Personal Injury Cases Are the Same

On behalf of The Law Offices of Joel M. Bacher posted in auto accidents on Monday, April 22, 2019.

A recent article provides a good reminder that every auto accident case is unique. From the aspects of legal strategy to our firm’s connection to the crash victims, we approach every personal injury lawsuit with a fresh perspective.

NJ residents charged with filing fraudulent Sandy aid claims

On behalf of The Law Offices of Joel M. Bacher posted in theft on Tuesday, August 28, 2018.

Four New Jersey residents are joining the more than 120 individuals already charged with filing fraudulent applications for Superstorm Sandy relief. According to officials, fraudulent claims are responsible for diverting upward of $8 million from relief funds.

The four newly charged individuals falsely claimed that their homes that were damaged on the Jersey Shore were their primary place of residence. These fraudulent claims were made on grant and loan applications. As a result, the four were charged with theft by deception. These four individuals could face up to five years in prison if they are convicted.

Factors that can impact Breathalyzer accuracy

On behalf of The Law Offices of Joel M. Bacher on Saturday, August 25, 2018.

If authorities in New Jersey have ever stopped you, you probably have firsthand knowledge of just how unnerving it can be to see those blue lights pop up behind you in your rearview mirror. If the law enforcement official who stops you also has reason to suspect you may have been drinking, you can anticipate him or her asking you to submit to a breath test using a Breathalyzer device.

If a law enforcement official subsequently charges you with drinking and driving, you can bet that the results of your breath test will play a big role in determining whether a judge finds you guilty. Because the penalties associated with drinking and driving in New Jersey are so substantial, it is critical that the results of your breath test are accurate. Several outside factors can impact breath test accuracy, however, and they include:

New Jersey woman charged with DUI after fish pond mishap

On behalf of The Law Offices of Joel M. Bacher posted in drunk driving on Thursday, August 16, 2018.

Police in New Jersey have reported that a suspected drunk driver was taken into custody in Warren County during the early morning hours of Aug. 13 after she allegedly drove her car into a fish hatchery pond. The 42-year-old Washington Township woman has been charged with driving while intoxicated and entering a public park in an unauthorized vehicle. Police say that she was later released on her own recognizance.

Officers with the Hackettstown Police Department say that they came upon the woman in a public park sitting on the trunk of her car waving her arms to flag them down. Her car was found partly submerged in a pond used by a nearby fish hatchery. Police claim that they suspected impairment when they saw the woman and their suspicions were confirmed when they smelled alcohol on her breath. Reports indicate that the woman had to enter a public park and drive down a dirt road not open to vehicles in order to reach the pond.