September 25, 2007

State v. Jason G. Meyer

9-19-07 (A-122-05/A-43-06)

“Special probation” under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-14 is a type of
disposition for certain non-violent drug offenders, but it is
not the exclusive route to admission into Drug Court.
Consistent with the Drug Court Manual and the general sentencing
provisions of the Code of Criminal Justice, N.J.S.A. 2C:45-1, a
trial court has discretion to admit non-violent drug-dependent
offenders into Drug Court.

State v. Wayne DeAngelo

09-13-07 A-4229-05T3

The focus of this appeal is the enforceability of a
municipal ordinance that prevents the display of a large balloon
in the shape of a rat during a labor dispute. We hold that the
ordinance, which does not affect the parties' rights in the
labor dispute, is not preempted by the National Labor Relations
Act (NLRA), 29 U.S.C.A. § 151-69, nor does it abridge any
party's freedom of expression. The ordinance is not void for
vagueness. It is content-neutral and the record does not
support a claim that it was selectively inferred.
Judge Sabatino dissents in part. He perceives a lack of
content neutrality in the ordinance because it allows balloon
grand opening signs.

State of New Jersey v. John L. Nyhammer

09-06-07 A-5672-04T4

We reverse a conviction for aggravated sexual assault on a
girl, then nine years old, concluding that each of two rulings
constituted reversible error. First, the judge should not have
admitted defendant's confession. An investigator called
defendant and explained that he was conducting an investigation
against another man in connection with the abuse of another
child as well as the victim in this case. The investigator did
not indicate to defendant that the victim in this case had made
allegations of abuse by defendants. Defendant went to the
police station. The investigator gave defendant the Miranda
warnings. After defendant gave a formal statement regarding the
incident of abuse by the other man, the investigator told him
that the victim had made accusations against defendant as well.
Defendant became distraught. Miranda warnings were not given a
second time. Defendant confessed. We conclude that defendant
did not make a knowing and voluntary waiver of his right to
remain silent. Therefore, his confession was inadmissible.
Second, we conclude that the victim's hearsay videotape,
which was the sole substantive evidence proving defendant's
conduct, should have been excluded from evidence, pursuant to
the Confrontation Clause. The videotaped statement was
"testimonial," there was no prior opportunity for defendant to
cross-examine the victim, and there was no opportunity for an
adequate and meaningful cross-examination at trial because the
victim was unresponsive to many questions. At trial, she did
not recollect questions going to the heart of the charges.
Therefore, the videotape was the sole substantive evidence at
trial.

State of New Jersey vs. Ahmet S. Kotsev

08-31-07 A-3256-05T5

1. N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 mandates a minimum of ninety consecutive
days incarceration for a third or subsequent conviction for
driving while intoxicated (DWI). Sheriff's Labor Assistance
Programs (SLAP) and weekend service are not substitute
sentencing options for third or subsequent offenders.
2. The 1993 statute mandated a third or subsequent offender to
serve 180 days incarceration "except that the court may lower
such term for each day, not exceeding ninety days, served
performing community service." No other options are available.
3. The 2004 amendment to N.J.S.A. 39:4-50, commonly referred
to as Michael's Law, similarly mandates 180 days incarceration
but allows a reduction of one day for each day, not exceeding
ninety days, in an inpatient rehabilitation program.
In other words, a third or subsequent DWI conviction
requires a defendant to serve a minimum of ninety consecutive
days of incarceration.(*Approved for Publication date)

Borough of Glassboro v. Fraternal Order of Police

08-27-07 A-3145-05T2

When two police officers apply for the same promotion in a
non-civil service municipality, residency may be considered by
the appointing authority only where the resident and nonresident
achieve the same score on a qualifying test. N.J.S.A. 40A:14-
122.6.