2053 Woodbridge Ave. Edison, NJ 08817

Ken is a NJ trial attorney who has published 130 articles in national and New Jersey publications on litigation topics. He has been selected to write the new ABA book: DUI and Drug Possession Defense".

Monday, October 22, 2007

Kofi Ries v. Department of Corrections

10-18-07 A-6484-05T2

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 30:1B-3 and N.J.S.A. 30:4-91.3, the
Commissioner of Corrections maintains authority over adult
offenders committed to state correctional institutions, even at
times when they are physically outside prison walls.
Consequently, the Department of Corrections was authorized to
discipline appellant, who tested positive for cocaine and
opiates upon his return to state prison after escaping from a
halfway house, for violating the Department's regulation *.204
prohibiting the use of controlled dangerous substances. See
N.J.A.C. 10A:4-4.1.

Long Branch Housing Authority vs. Toni Villano

10-16-07* A-4617-05T1

A tenant in public housing that is under the control of a
public housing agency may be removed from the leased premises
pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1e(2) when the tenant
substantially violates a covenant or agreement pertaining to
illegal uses of controlled dangerous substances, provided the
covenant or agreement conforms to applicable federal guidelines.
Moreover, federal law permits a tenant to be evicted from public
housing when a member of the household or guest engages in drugrelated
criminal activity in the leased premises, regardless of
whether the tenant knew or should have known of the illegal
activity. (*Approved for Publication date)

State v. Jessie D. Chambers

10-15-07* A-6180-04T4

Under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7.1, the crime of possession of a
CDS with the intent to distribute is elevated from a thirddegree
crime to a second-degree crime if the offense is
committed within 500 feet of a public building. In this
opinion, we conclude that a museum qualifies as a public
building even if it does not maintain regular hours and is only
open to the public upon request.(*Approved for Publication date)