- Divorce
- Child Custody and VisitationDomestic violence is taken seriously by prosecutors in New Jersey. People who are convicted of a domestic violence crime like assault may face harsh consequences, including both criminal penalties and consequences for child custody and other family law matters. At the Grimes Law Firm, we are ready to assist you if you have been accused of or charged with a domestic violence crime. New Jersey domestic violence lawyer Raymond A. Grimes is dedicated to helping defendants tell their side of the story. Fighting Charges of Domestic Violence
- Criminal DefenseTheft offenses are taken seriously in New Jersey. The nature of the punishment upon a conviction depends on which type of theft is charged. Generally, it is based on the value of the property or services that were taken. Retaining a criminal defense attorney is a critical step to take if you are facing charges or suspicion of theft. At the Grimes Law Firm, New Jersey theft crime lawyer Raymond A. Grimes can look at all of the details surrounding your situation. He may be able to develop a strong defense on your behalf. Understanding Theft Offenses and How to Fight Them
- DUI/DWINew Jersey law imposes serious penalties if you are caught and convicted of drunk driving. This is especially true if you have more than one DUI on your record. A DUI conviction can also lead to a host of non-legal consequences related to employment opportunities and your personal life. If you have been charged with drunk driving, retain an experienced New Jersey DUI attorney from the Grimes Law Firm to help you build a strong defense. What Constitutes Drunk Driving?
- Wrongful DeathIt is devastating to lose a loved one. Nothing can make up for this traumatic loss. However, in addition to the grief and other emotional pain that you may experience, there may also be financial repercussions, such as the loss of a second income that went toward a mortgage or rent, groceries, clothes, and health insurance. If your loved one's death was caused by another person or company, the responsible party should be held accountable for the losses arising from your loved one's death. At the Grimes Law Firm, our New Jersey wrongful death lawyers may be able to help you recover compensation in these challenging situations. We can bring cases arising from car accidents, slip and falls, and other serious accidents. The Process of Pursuing a Wrongful Death Claim
- Traffic ViolationsNew Jersey uses a point system for driver licenses. If a driver accumulates six points by committing traffic offenses, he faces a surcharge of at least $150. Once a driver has 12 points, his or her license is suspended. In addition, the accumulation of points on your record may increase the cost of car insurance. Because of these serious consequences, it is important — especially if your job depends upon your ability to drive — to minimize the points on your record. If you have been accused of a moving violation, hiring a knowledgeable attorney to protect your rights is the best way to keep points off your driving record. We Handle Any Alleged Traffic Violation
- Sex CrimesYour life can be dramatically altered by a charge of committing a sex crime, even if you are not convicted. An accusation can harm your reputation and job prospects. If you are convicted, you may face particularly harsh penalties. Once you realize that you are being investigated for a sex crime, such as sexual assault or endangering a child’s welfare, you should take the investigation and charges seriously. You should immediately retain an experienced New Jersey sex crime lawyer who understands what is at stake and knows how to develop a strong, strategic defense. The Grimes Law Firm may be able to help you.
- FraudInvesting in the 21st century has reached an unprecedented level of complexity. Only the most sophisticated professionals have a deep understanding of the intricacies of securities investment. This puts fund managers and investment firms in a unique position of power, and although most are competent and honest, some are not. An investment professional who betrays his clients’ trust can cause great financial and emotional turmoil. New Jersey securities litigation attorney Raymond A. Grimes, founder of the Grimes Law Firm, understands the investment world and has developed the techniques required to successfully litigate a securities case. If your money has been mismanaged by an investment professional, call the Grimes Law Firm to discuss options for recovering your money. Securities Fraud Can be Devastating
- BurglaryCrimes that are considered domestic violence in New Jersey include homicide, assault, kidnapping, terroristic threats, false imprisonment, sexual assault, criminal restraint, criminal sexual contact, criminal mischief, lewdness, burglary, harassment, stalking, and criminal trespass. The specific crime may be a felony or misdemeanor, based on the alleged perpetrator's actions and the underlying circumstances. The severity of the punishment may depend partly on prior offenses or a history of domestic violence, and in some cases the domestic violence charges are also associated with a DUI or drug crime, which carry other penalties. The sentence may also include a restraining order. A domestic violence attorney can assist New Jersey residents with proceedings involving restraining orders as well as the underlying criminal charge.
- White Collar CrimesNot all crimes involve force or cause bodily injuries. Some crimes are perpetrated by calculated acts designed to deprive a person or business of property or funds. Typically, these crimes are committed by financial professionals or other people in the business field and are therefore called white collar crimes. Although white collar crimes do not involve violent acts, they are serious crimes that carry significant penalties. Raymond A. Grimes is a New Jersey white collar crime lawyer who can assess the facts of your case and craft compelling arguments on your behalf to provide you with a strong chance of obtaining a favorable outcome. Mr. Grimes has more than 25 years of experience representing people throughout the tri-state area.
- Theft
- MisdemeanorsA law enforcement officer can allege a violation of the law through a delinquency complaint. The complaint may concern a misdemeanor, felony, local ordinance violation, or contempt of court. The New Jersey Code of Juvenile Justice provides for different dispositional options. Options may provide for the protection and care of juveniles or removing children from certain consequences of adult criminal behavior.
- EmbezzlementIn this case, the plaintiff was injured in an automobile accident and had chiropractic treatment and two lumbar epidurals steroid injections. This was a verbal threshold case also, which limits recovery unless a serious and permanent type injury can be shown by objective credible medical evidence. Raymond was able to settle this matter for $90,000.00 for the plaintiff. United States of America vs. Lieberman-Federal District Court of New Jersey-Criminal Action-Securities Violations and Embezzlement
- Drug CrimesMarijuana crimes include possession, possession for sale, sale and distribution, cultivation, and trafficking. The penalties associated with convictions for marijuana crimes in New Jersey depend on the type of charge that it is, how much marijuana was involved, and the defendant's criminal record. If you are charged with a drug crime like a marijuana offense, it is critical to retain an experienced New Jersey marijuana lawyer to evaluate which strategy is likely to be successful at producing a favorable outcome. Marijuana Offenses Span a Broad Range of Conduct
- AssaultAggravated assault usually carries a more significant penalty. Prosecutors charge this crime when they believe that someone has recklessly caused a bodily injury to someone else with a deadly weapon, tried to cause or purposefully caused a bodily injury to someone else with a deadly weapon, or recklessly pointed a firearm at someone else. There are some other situations in which aggravated assault is charged because of the status of the victim or the circumstances of the assault and battery. For example, a simple assault on a law enforcement officer is charged as an aggravated assault. You may face up to 10 years in prison for certain aggravated assaults. The length of your prison term will depend on the level of aggravated assault of which you were convicted.
- Juvenile CrimesIn New Jersey, juveniles include anybody under age 18. The New Jersey Code of Juvenile Justice governs juvenile criminal proceedings. Juvenile criminal charges are handled in a different court with distinctive rules. Unlike the adult criminal justice system, the purpose of the juvenile justice system is to rehabilitate youth. Courts realize that children have the potential to change and then lead productive adult lives. Incarceration is viewed as a last resort. If your child is charged with a crime, it is important to retain a New Jersey juvenile crime lawyer. The Grimes Law Firm may be able to help you. The New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission
- Probation ViolationProbation may be the best potential sentence that a defendant can receive, whether they have been convicted or their attorney has struck a plea deal in a criminal matter. It allows you to live in your community rather than being incarcerated. However, there are certain conditions that you will need to meet and rules that you must follow while on probation in New Jersey. Failing to abide by the probation terms can result in a violation of probation charge and penalties. If you are charged with a probation violation, you should consult a New Jersey probation violation lawyer at the Grimes Law Firm. Probation Terms
- HomicideAdditionally, if you lost a loved one in a construction accident due to another’s negligence or other fault, there may be grounds to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. Any criminal action with regard to homicide charges are distinct and independent; criminal charges must be proven “beyond a reasonable doubt,” which is a higher standard than the “preponderance of the evidence” standard applied to civil lawsuits. Even so, what happens in a criminal action can have an effect on the damages in a wrongful death lawsuit, and it is wise to retain an attorney early on in the process of seeking damages.
- ShopliftingOther types of theft include the receipt of stolen property, the theft of services, concealment of library materials, and shoplifting. Each type of theft is classified based on the value of the property stolen or appropriated.
- Restraining OrderA related charge with which a New Jersey domestic violence attorney can assist you is a violation of a domestic violence restraining order. In order to obtain a conviction of contempt of a domestic violence restraining order, the prosecution needs to show beyond a reasonable doubt that a restraining order was issued under the domestic violence statute, you violated the order, you violated it knowingly or purposely, and the actions that made up the violation also constituted a crime or a disorderly persons offense. A conviction can result in 18 months in jail and a $10,000 fine.
- ForgeryAnother example of a white collar crime is forgery. This occurs when a person falsifies or alters a document or signature with the intent to injure or defraud someone, or with the knowledge that the act will defraud someone. A common type of forgery is signing a person’s name to a check without the person’s consent. Potential Defenses in White Collar Crime Cases
- KidnappingIf you are convicted of certain sex crimes, you will need to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law. You also will need to register if you have been adjudicated delinquent or found not guilty by reason of insanity. Sex crime convictions that mandate registration include sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, criminal sexual contact if the victim is a minor, aggravated sexual contact, endangering the welfare of a child through child pornography or sexual conduct, luring or enticing, promoting prostitution, kidnapping, false imprisonment, and criminal restraint. When you register, you will need to give certain identifying information and information about the nature of the crime for which you were convicted to the police. Generally, sex offenders need to stay on a Megan’s Law registry for a minimum of 15 years. However, certain sex offenders are required to register for the rest of their lives.
- Internet CrimesThere are many different sex crimes for which you may face criminal charges in New Jersey. These include sexual assault, aggravated sexual contact, child molestation, sex abuse, lewdness, Internet sex crimes, prostitution, solicitation, sexting, criminal restraint, false imprisonment, human trafficking, and failure to register as a sex offender. What prosecutors must prove for each sex crime varies. The elements of each specific sex crime must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Sexual Assault and Aggravated Sexual Assault
- Prostitution
- ExtortionNew Jersey courts also recognize theft by extortion, which happens in situations in which the defendant intentionally and illegally gets someone else's property through extortion. Extortion exists in a variety of situations, including when someone intentionally threatens to inflict a physical injury, restrain someone, or commit another crime. It also occurs when someone threatens to accuse another person of an offense or have charges initiated against them. Extortion also exists when someone purposely threatens to expose a secret or claim something as a fact, whether or not it is true, if it would subject the target to ridicule, contempt, hatred, or a damaged reputation or credit.
- Corporate LawIn a survey conducted by the email marketing company Constant Contact, 82 percent of small business owners say that referrals from loyal customers are the best way to grow a business. The Grimes Law Firm, itself a small business, understands this concept and prides itself on effective and dedicated client service. We know that just as every business is different, every client has unique needs. Whether you want to aggressively litigate a breach of contract case, need advice on corporate formation, or have been served with an employment lawsuit, the Grimes Law Firm will take the time to understand your business and work with you to solve your problems. Experienced Contract Dispute Litigator
- Business FormationStarting a business can be financially and personally rewarding. At some point, however, many business owners will need the services of an experienced attorney. New Jersey business lawyer Raymond A. Grimes, founder of the Grimes Law Firm, has more than 25 years of experience helping residents of New Jersey with their business’ legal issues. Whether you have questions about filing a lawsuit or need guidance in the business formation process, the Grimes Law Firm can help find the best solution to your legal needs. Outstanding Service for Business Owners
- Business DisputesChurning happens if a broker is involved in excessive buying and selling of securities in a customer's account in order to trigger commissions for himself or herself. A broker has to have control over investment decisions in the customer's account to be held accountable for churning. Often this control is established through a formal written discretionary agreement. If you believe you may have fallen victim to account churning in New Jersey securities litigation attorney Raymond A. Grimes, founder of Grimes Law Firm, can assess your claim. We help individuals and businesses with a variety of legal needs, including litigating business disputes, closing real estate deals, and much more. Account Churning
- Business TransactionsBusinesses can be structured in different forms under New Jersey law. The choice of business structure will influence the documents that need to be drafted. Stock purchase agreements are the agreements that parties sign if company shares are being sold or bought. While New Jersey law does not require an operating agreement to be drafted for an LLC, it is generally a good idea to have an experienced New Jersey business lawyer draft an operating agreement. It can have a significant impact on a business’ long-term success and can minimize the risk of litigation down the road. Attorney Raymond A. Grimes at the Grimes Law Firm can draft these agreements for you in accordance with the objectives of your business. Stock Purchase Agreements
- Limited Liability CompaniesOperating agreements for limited liability companies (LLCs) are documents written by company founders that specify and define the LLC’s operations. When an LLC is already set up, the operating agreement allows for changes to its operations or presents a formal way of outlining how it operates. It is not easy to predict the direction of a business or every type of dispute that could arise, but getting founders on the same page through an operating agreement can help avoid disputes between members or settle them. Members are the owners of the LLC. Disputes can turn into litigation, which can become expensive over time.
- Construction ContractsBoth construction contracts and statutes govern construction work. In most cases, construction contracts that affect the work include prime contracts, subcontracts, and vendor agreements. Disagreements may arise with regard to a contractor or subcontractor’s...
- Intellectual Property
- Employment ContractBoth parties should feel that the agreement addresses their business interests. For example, a buyer may want to make sure that the seller is not going to sell the business and then compete with them to woo back clients. A reasonable non-compete clause may need to be made part of the agreement. Generally, in New Jersey, the reasonableness of this clause hinges on whether it protects legitimate interests, does not create an undue hardship, and is not injurious to the public. More latitude is given to non-compete clauses that are part of a purchase agreement related to a business than to those included in employment agreements.
- Non-compete AgreementContracts into which your business may enter include vendor contracts, commission contracts, employment agreements, non-compete agreements, purchase agreements, landlord-tenant agreements, building contracts, real estate contracts, and government contracts. Some of the most common contract disputes involve a breach of contract. This happens when one or both parties to the contract fail to live up to their end of the agreement.
- Real Estate LitigationPurchasing a home, rental property, or commercial property, or if you are contemplating entering into or are in the process of negotiating a residential or commercial lease, is likely to be one of the largest investments you make during your lifetime. An experienced New Jersey real estate attorney can help you avoid mistakes when buying or selling a property, and can advocate on your behalf should you become involved in real estate litigation. The Grimes Law Firm maintains a thriving real estate practice serving both individuals and businesses in Neshanic Station, Somerset County, and the surrounding areas. Purchase, Sale and Lease of Residential and Commercial Properties
- Premises LiabilityWhen dangerous property conditions on someone else’s property cause your catastrophic injuries, it may be appropriate to bring a premises liability lawsuit. We’ll need to establish that the defendant knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and made repairs or provided warnings. For instance, if a broken step had existed in front of a store for several months and the store owner saw it every time she went into her store and simply didn’t fix it, and then when you came to the store as a customer, you fell and sustained multiple fractures, we could file a premises liability lawsuit against the store. Damages
- Construction LitigationConstruction projects are complex. When something goes wrong, the resulting litigation may involve multiple parties and types of claims. Our firm represents contractors, subcontractors, developers, investors, suppliers, and property owners in many kinds of disputes arising out of construction. Disputes can come up in connection with mechanic’s liens, bonds, breach of contract, contractual interpretations, employment, indemnification, and construction defects. Resolution of one or more issues may be protracted, and litigation is expensive, so it is crucial to secure knowledgeable counsel to represent you. If you see trouble brewing with a construction project, and the possibility of construction dispute litigation for your company, you may have a lot on the line. You should consult the experienced New Jersey business litigation attorneys of the Grimes Law Firm. Construction Dispute Litigation
- Real Estate TransactionsInvolving a knowledgeable attorney in residential real estate transactions can help ensure that the parties truly understand the transaction, and that all contracts are drawn up and executed appropriately. Errors in a real estate transaction can lead to expensive litigation and forfeiture of significant assets.
- Land Use and ZoningReal estate law presents an additional layer of complexity in transactions related to commercial property. Savvy business owners understand that an attorney can help ensure that their use of a particular commercial real property will not run afoul of land use and zoning laws. A commercial real estate attorney can also help negotiate with governmental agencies for permits and approvals.
- Landlord-Tenant DisputesLeases represent an area of particular importance in the residential and commercial contexts as well. When a landlord and tenant enter into a lease, both parties have certain rights and obligations under state and local law, as well as the terms of the agreement, which is a legal contract that is enforceable in court in the event of a breach. Commercial leases can be quite complex, encompassing critical matters such as signage restrictions, and who is responsible for construction or other improvements on the property. An attorney experienced in real estate transactions can help you avoid potential pitfalls, and help you ensure that you are meeting all of your contractual obligations under your lease. Litigating Real Estate Disputes in New Jersey
- Property DamageDamages that may be recovered include economic and noneconomic losses. Economic losses are tangible items of damages, often documented, such as medical bills, lost financial support based on compensation that the decedent would likely have earned had they lived, household services, property damage, funeral expenses, and out-of-pocket expenses. Noneconomic losses include the loss of care, companionship, and guidance. Consult a Wrongful Death Lawyer in New Jersey to Determine Your Next Steps
- Personal InjuryIf you are involved in a car accident in New Jersey or elsewhere in the tri-state area, you may suffer significant injuries. Most people need time to rest and recover, but they may be concerned that they cannot afford to seek the appropriate medical care or take time off from work. At the Grimes Law Firm, New Jersey car accident lawyer Raymond A. Grimes is ready to vigorously assert the rights of victims who suffer serious injuries. People who have been struck by a careless driver can potentially recover many forms of compensation with the assistance of a personal injury attorney, often including pain and suffering, medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, and lost wages. Bringing a Car Accident Claim for Compensation
- Medical MalpracticeIn this matter, two complaints were filed against an attorney in Union County for violation of various ethics code provisions. There was a trial held before a three person tribunal and Raymond had determined that when the alleged ethics violations took place, the ethics code had what were called ethical considerations (“ec’s”) but had since been changed to what are now called disciplinary rules (“dr’s”) and the requirements and standards for the alleged violations were completely different when the alleged violations took place. Despite having overwhelming evidence that the attorney could not have violated the ethics rules based on the allegations and the existence of the ec’s, rather than the dr’s, which could not support a finding of guilty on the ethics complaints, the three member panel convicted anyway. Raymond appealed that ruling to the disciplinary review board which is a nine member panel that sits in the Supreme Court in Trenton, New Jersey. After submission of all the appeal papers and the hearing before the disciplinary review board, the board returned a unanimous verdict of 9-0 overturning the attorney’s conviction. They agreed with Raymond’s position that because the ec’s were in effect at the time of the alleged violations, there could have been no violation of the ethics code provisions as alleged. Medical Malpractice Verdict of $160,000.00-Morris County
- Auto Accidents
- Dog BitesDangerous pets can cause harm that is grievous and costly. When small children are bitten by dogs or attacked by other pets, they may be traumatized for life or even killed. Our lawyers may be able to represent you in your animal attack lawsuit. Depending on the circumstances, it may be appropriate to sue under a theory of strict liability, negligence, or both. Strict Liability for Dog Bites
- Estate PlanningThough end-of-life planning can be a difficult subject, taking steps to ensure that your loved ones are protected in the future can help them to avoid even greater difficulties during a time of personal loss. Probate is a long legal process that gives someone the authority to carry out the necessary legal tasks after a person's death. If you die without a will, your property is distributed according to New Jersey's rules of "intestacy." Under these standards, there are close relatives to whom your property is distributed by law, starting with your spouse and children. If you have no living blood relatives, the state takes your property. In order to direct how their affairs are handled after their deaths, many people make wills. An experienced New Jersey estate planning attorney can help you create a will, living will, or power of attorney, or represent your legal interests if you have a sound reason to contest a will or estate.
- WillsWill contests can also be filed by an aggrieved New Jersey resident after the will is admitted to probate by filing a lawsuit under New Jersey Court Rule 4:85-1. This lawsuit asks the court to set aside the probate of the will within four months of the date of probate. Those outside New Jersey have six months from the date of probate to file a will contest. Retain an Experienced Somerset County Probate Attorney
- TrustsAt the Grimes Law Firm, we handle a wide range of matters for New Jersey clients, including those arising from accidents, property transactions, business formation, wills and trusts, criminal and DUI charges, and securities fraud. We serve clients in Somerset County and across the tri-state area. Call us at (908) 371-1066 or use our online form to set up a consultation with a personal injury lawyer in the Somerville area or seek guidance in another legal matter.
- Power of AttorneyHowever, you may also be guilty of theft for unlawfully transferring an interest in the immovable property of someone else in order to benefit yourself or someone else who is not entitled to the property. For example, if you used a power of attorney to transfer your aunt's interest in a house to yourself without her knowing, this would also be theft.
- Probate
- Tax LawSometimes the sale of a business involves a sale of assets or a merger, while in other cases, it involves a stock purchase. Stock purchase agreements may be used by a small corporation that sells stock so that the company or its shareholders are able to sell stock to a buyer. The purpose of the stock purchase agreement is to protect the buyer and the seller. It should be in writing to comply with the law. Documentation is also needed for tax preparation.