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New Jersey DUI and DWI law is very unique from the other states in the U.S. However, driving under the influence and driving while intoxicated are still against the law, making it an offense to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Because this offense is a crime, there are serious criminal penalties that can be imposed if you are convicted of DWI or DUI. These criminal penalties can cause a loss of your freedom and lead to a difficult time maintaining employment and keeping your name in good standing within your community. If you have been arrested for a DWI or DUI offense in New Jersey, it is important that you contact a skilled New Jersey DUI lawyer who will have the knowledge, skills, and experience to successfully defend you in a DWI or DUI case.

New Jersey Drunk Driving Arrests

When you arrested for a DWI or DUI offense in the state of New Jersey, there are two ways that you can be prosecuted for such an offense. This is similar to the DWI and DUI laws in many other states. The traditional DWI/DUI is when the prosecutor will attempt to prove that a driver was under the influence. In this type of case, the prosecutor may introduce evidence of driving patterns, driver appearance, and field sobriety test results to try to prove that the defendant was driving while under the influence. The other way a driver can be prosecuted is under the “per se” law. This law exists in many states and has nothing to do with the level of impairment of a driver. This means that the prosecutor will use the defendant’s blood alcohol concentration test to show that they were in violation of the law. This will occur if the results of the test show the driver’s blood alcohol concentration level to meet or exceed the legal limit of 0.08%. If you refuse chemical testing, you will face even stiffer criminal penalties as well as the loss of your driving privileges. If you are under 21 and have a blood alcohol level of 0.01% or greater at the time of your arrest, you will also face serious consequences.

Unlike other states, a jury trial is not an option in DWI cases in the state of New Jersey. Instead, a court trial is conducted and a judge determines whether you are guilty or not guilty of a DWI offense. Unlike other states, you have a second opportunity to be found not guilty of the DWI offense. If you lose your court trial, you may request an appeal. Your case will be transferred to the Superior Court’s Law Division and a new judge will review the record. Attorneys will discuss the facts of your case and any laws that should apply. New Jersey is also unique because the driver licensing agency does not have a hearing or seek to suspend a driver’s license due to a DWI arrest. The offender’s driver’s license will not be suspended unless he or she is convicted and the court imposes a license suspension or revocation penalty.

New Jersey DUI Criminal Penalties

There are several penalties that the court can impose for a DWI conviction. They increase with each offense and vary based on the circumstances. The look-back period is in New Jersey, so the way an offender is charged will depend on the number of offenses he or she has committed and the time span in which these offenses were committeed. The penalties for a first offense are fines of $250 to $400, $30 in court costs, $50 to the violent crimes compensation board, $75 to the safe neighborhood fund assessment, $200 DWI surcharge, 12-48 hours of alcohol education, up to 30 days in jail, a restoration fee of $100, an MVC surcharge of $3,000, and separate insurance surcharges. The court may also require an offender to have an ignition interlock device installed on any vehicle that they drive for up to 3 years after the restoration of the offender’s driver’s license. If the DWI occurs in a school zone, the penalties are a one to two year loss of license, fines of $500 to $800, jail time of up to 60 days, and the other fines and penalties that are normally associated with a first DWI offense. A second DWI offense carries penalties of $500 to $1,000, 30 days of community service, 48 hours to 90 days of jail time, $30 in court costs, $75 to the safe neighborhood fund, $50 to the violent crimes compensation board, a $200 DWI surcharge, 48 hours of alcohol education, a restoration fee of $100, a MVC surcharge of $4,500, separate insurance surcharges, and mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device in any vehicle that the offender owns for the length of the two year suspension period. Committing a second DWI offense in a school zone results in a fine of $1,000 to $2,000, 60 days of community service, mandatory jail time of 96 hours up to 180, and other penalties usually associated with a DWI offense. The penalties for a third DWI offense are harsher. There is a $1,000 fine and a mandatory jail term of 180 days in jail. You will have to pay $30 in court costs, $50 to the violent crimes compensation board, $75 to the safe neighborhood fund, and a $200 DWI surcharge. You will also be required to attend 12 hours of alcohol education classes, pay a restoration fee of $100, pay an MVC surcharge of $4,500, pay separate insurance charges for a three-year period, and have an ignition interlock device installed on any vehicle you own following 3 years of license restoration. If you committed the DWI offense in a school zone, you will have to pay a $2,000 fine and comply with all of the other penalties normally imposed for a third offense. These penalties are serious, so it is important that you take DWI charges seriously. Contact a New Jersey DUI attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights and have the best chance for being successful.

I get asked that question just about every single day and I'm pretty tired of it after all these years. So I'm going to answer that question right here for the last time.

There are literally hundreds of reasons to go camping in New Jersey, but there is one large, and I mean really large, reason:

Where else in the country can you drive less then 3 hours and go from the mountains, to the shore, to the marshlands, to 3 different major metropolitan areas to several major lakes and everywhere in between?

Camping in New Jersey is literally the best of all worlds. There is just about nothing you can not do while you camp in New Jersey. You have your choice of over 120 campgrounds and State Park facilities to choose from not to mention thousands of acres of public land to explore.

Just about every one of the privates campgrounds in the state have craft activities, pools, fishing pools, sports activities and so many other amenities I can not even count. Most of them are clean, modern and well suited to just about any type of camping. They are all within a decent driving distance of dozens of cultural, sports, historical, recreational and children related attractions.

Canoeing, hiking, biking, birding and unlimited recreation activities can also be found at campgrounds around the state and many sites are within a short drive of some of the state's premium attractions and fabulous Atlantic Ocean beaches and boardwalks.

New Jersey is literally a kaleidoscope of natural, picturesque landscapes filled with some of the best and exciting camping experiences anywhere in the Northeast part of the country. Personally I think camping here in New Jersey is as good, if not better, then just about anywhere in the country.

More than 25,000 sites / cabins / yurts / rental trailers await your visit, sites of all shapes and sizes that can accommodate campers with everything from tent sites to pop-ups to fully equipped RVs.
From the Delaware Water Gap to a view of the Statue of Liberty to wooded campgrounds in the Pine Barrens to the sandy beaches of the Jersey Shore, the ideal camping experience is close at hand.

No matter what type of camping you choose, tenting, RVing or cabin rentals, New Jersey has something for you. Pick a region to begin investigating where you want to camp:

Atlantic – It's no wonder the Atlantic Region is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Atlantic City and its world-famous beach and boardwalk, luxurious casino, non-stop gaming action, the hottest entertainers, the best in dining, and quality sporting events. New Jersey Camping in the Atlantic Region gives you access to this great area!

Delaware – It's where history was made. And where nature rules. It's where the arts come alive and firmly mansions reign. New Jersey's Delaware River Region is all of these and more. It's a unique region that can provide you with many things to do and see on your next vacation. New Jersey Camping and you, perfect together!

Gateway – Live with action, the Gateway Region has everything for your perfect vacation including New Jersey Camping activities, New Jersey State Parks and New Jersey Campgrounds.

Shore – Mention the Shore Region, and certain images immediately come to mind: more than 60 miles of pristine beaches from Sandy Hook down to Holgate; surfcasting off Seaside Park; sometimes some bodysurfing off Bay Head; or maybe a moonlit walk in Surf City. Anything you want can be found in New Jersey Camping.

Skylands – Gentle mountains. Skiing. Rock climbing. Horseback riding.Would you believe you're in New Jersey? New Jersey Camping and you, perfect together!

Southern Shore – Walk along 30 miles of wide sandy beaches. Experience the warmth of a Victorian inn. Take a stroll through history or enjoy the fresh bounty of the sea at a gourmet restaurant. New Jersey Camping offers a wide variety of ways to take advantage of this area.

So, whether it's a cabin by a lakeshore, an RV minutes from the Statue of Liberty or just a sleeping bag amidst rugged mountain wilderness, New Jersey Camping is perfect for you.

Kids can’t wait for the start of summer vacation, but they find it long and boring after about the first week. The annual family fishing trip usually isn’t enough to keep them entertained for those few months either; they want excitement! That’s where Wildwood NJ rides and other attractions in New Jersey come in. By visiting the Wild West, sailing with real pirates, and enjoying the amusement rides in Wildwood NJ, a vacation across the state will give them enough excitement and entertainment to last the entire summer.

Amusement Rides – Wildwood NJ

Wildwood NJ rides are some of the best in the country. There are all kinds of games to play, restaurants, and fast food booths as well as all kinds of amusement rides. Wildwood NJ also has hotels, motels, and resorts right close by.

If the sun gets too hot, it might be time to head over to the area’s waterparks. Located adjacent to the amusement rides, Wildwood NJ’s waterparks have features and waterslides for everyone from infants to the elderly. Then, there are live events such as concerts, movies, and fairs. Wildwood NJ rides provide days of entertainment!

Jersey Shore Pirates – Brick Township

Located on the shores of the Metedeconk River, Jersey Shore Pirates gives families the unique opportunity to sail, dress up, and talk pirate while hunting for treasures on the open water. Visitors will have to follow the pirate code while learning to read maps and fight off other pirates who just happen to have the keys to the coveted treasure. There’s loot to take home and even a celebration before rejoining the landlubbers back on shore.

The Jersey Shore Pirates attraction is next to the Windward Beach Park in the Riverfront Marina, so there is a lot more to do before and after the trip. The kids will have so much fun pretending to be pirates they’ll still be talking about their adventure months after they get back to school.

Wild West City – Netcong

If cowboys and living in the Wild West seems more appealing, include a stop at Netcong’s Wild West City in this year’s travel itinerary. This replica western heritage theme park includes 22 live shows scattered throughout the day as well as stagecoach, horse, and train rides. Then, the family can try their hands at panning for gold, miniature golf, historic trades, or enjoy the animals. There’s also a museum to wander through and shopping galore.

When it’s time to eat, there are several options as well. If the weather is nice, have a lunch packed up and enjoy it in the beautiful picnic area. The restaurant onsite serves delicious pizza and visitors can quench their thirst at one of the saloons. There are also live music and weekend events.

The Jersey Shore Pirates, Wild West City, and the Wildwood NJ rides make the state of New Jersey an exciting place to spend summer vacation. There are endless things to do, and with so many different attractions and options, everyone will find something to do that they’ll remember forever.

You have just received a "ten day" letter from the NJ Attorney Ethics Committee. Someone has filed a grievance against you, and you are now a response in an Ethics matter. A person identifying herself as an Investigator for the Ethics Ethics Committee has given you ten days in which to reply in writing and to provide certain records and documents. Perhaps the grievant was a client or a former client. Perhaps it was an adversary. Hopefully, it was not a judge. You are instructed to cooperate with the investigation.

At this point, you should review your E & O coverage, specifically the notice requirements and terms of coverage. As required, advise your E & O carrier of the pending investigation. Not only may they provide counsel for you in an appropriate case, but your failure to advise them may result in forfeiture of coverage in a potential malpractice suit down the line. With or without insurance, you do not have much time to respond Ethics.

Intuition says you should exercise your right to remain silent; practice tells you to try to forestall the investigation. Should you cooperate with your attorneys? Suppose you believe that your documents may actually result in the filing of criminal charges against you? What if the investigator asks you questions which truthful answers would be an admission of crime. Can they make you testify? What can they do if you do not? What about the Fifth Amendment?

There are a few facts you should know. The Office of Attorney Ethics (OAE), under the state Supreme Court, is liable for attorney discipline in New Jersey. It investigates all grievances against all attorneys. If the OAE decides that your case requires immediate attention, or if you happen also to be a defender in criminal proceedings, the ethics case may be handled directly by the OAE in Trenton. In such a case, the Investigator who contacted you is probably a paid professional. Sometimes, the case originates "automatically" when an Attorney Trust Account check bounces. Those cases, too, are generally handled out of Trenton. It is not often clear from the first letter or phone call.

Most grievances, however, are investigated by the District Ethics Committees, (DEC), which investigators are attorney volunteers in districts around the state. Following its investigation, the DEC will determine whether discipline may be required. If so, a formal Complaint will be filed. Other times, the grievance is dismissed. Sometimes, in minor cases, you may be offered diversion, a non-disciplinary, conditional resolution of the case. In all cases, you absolutely have the right to a full evidentiary hearing on the charges.

It is important that you know that the OAE has the power to summarize suspend your license purely for your refusal to respond to the ten-day letter. Usually, you will be given a few extra days to complain, if you need them, but your additional or continued failure to cooperate with the investigation (or even the mere appearance of such) can result in additional measures against you, including, in appropriate cases, summary disbarment. While the Ethics Committee can not put you in jail, it can do something that the criminal courts can not: it may penalize you for "pleading the fifth". Unlike the trier of fact in a criminal case, an Ethics Committee Hearing Panel and the rest of the OAE, and even the Supreme Court, may draw a negative inference from your non-cooperation or your failure to appear or produce evidence or from your refusal to testify.

That is because there is no Constitutional, or even statutory right, to practice law – there only a license, not unlike a driver's license. Where a trade or profession must be regulated by the state, and the practitioners must be licensed, the state may pose conditions and restrictions on that license. Accused violators do not get a jury, and the standard of proof is "clear and convincing," not the Constitution's "no reasonable doubt" standard.

Of course, if your ethics case also involves (or may involve) criminal charges against you or your client or someone in your firm, consult immediately with an attorney who has appropriate expertise. The issues are complex, the stakes are high, and there is no standard approach.

New Jersey Attorney Ethics decisions invariably give credit to attorneys who cooperate fully with investigations against them. They generally discriminate attorneys who do not. While you should always have experienced counsel whenever you are the focus of an ethics grievance, if you wish to continue to practice law, cooperation with Ethics is a no-brainer.

Human Resource jobs in New Jersey, Jobs of such kind are available in plenty around the region, but for people who are interested in Human Resource jobs in New Jersey should know the right place to visit to give them a relevant chance to grab such opportunities. People can apply directly to the companies or else can try applying through any of the Consultancy firms over there, but applying through a consultancy does not come free of cost.

They take an amount and would work as an agent for you by placing your CV / Resume to the companies'.Following are a list of some of the companies and consultancies in New Jersey who might help you find the right Human Resource jobs in New Jersey.

Virtual Human Resources Careers Center

Monster Job Career Build.com SHRM HR jobs

Virtual Human Resource Career Center

New Jersey human resources jobs made easy by Virtua Human Resource Career Center located 2223 East Evesham Road, Voorhees, NJ 08043, United States They are a consultancy and provide suitable jobs in big and reputed firms there by interested candidate may contact the address given above.

Monster Job

One of the largest and famous career websites is Monster Job established in 1994 by Jeff Taylor, has a wide network in 26 countries HR jobs in New Jersey can easily be found by the help of this career site. One of the largest advantages of the career site is, it has an option of free registration scheme for prospective job-seekers alongside paid services.

Career Build.com

Another famous career site is Career Build, one of the most popular job sites in US and was founded in 1994 by Mat Ferguson and is considered to be one of the highest placers in the market. There by people who are interested New Jersey human resource jobs may get in touch with the career site.

SHRM HR JOBS

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), formerly called the American Society for Personnel Administration (ASPA), was founded in 1948. The main motive of the company is to provide professional development opportunities. People interested in HR employment in New Jersey might also consider the following career site an option for them.

Now people who are interested in Hr employment in New Jersey should keep some very important things in mind before contacting any of the above given Career sites. Firstly they should find out the credentials of the particular career site and also see what the companies the career site is associated with, as most of the career sites charge remuneration for their services.

A recent study done by Movoto, a blog dedicated to real estate research, has named Fair Lawn the best city in New Jersey. Movoto used many factors to evaluate each individual city in New Jersey.

All of the statistics are based on the state average. Real estate factors in a few ways, between home and business values, cost of living, and the amount of businesses and amenities (both total and per person). Movoto counted pizzerias, bagel shops, and diners as amenities since those three staples are unique and indicative of New Jersey. Crime and education were also factored in. After all of these statistics were tallied, and Fair Lawn came out on top.

Movotos study showed that the town has 16 pizzerias, six bagel shops, and three diners. There are several historic locations. The town's crime rate is also 60 percent lower than the state's average. So, in Fair Lawn, one can sight-see, get a good meal, and not have to worry about being robbed.

Fair Lawn is a small town with just over 32,000 residents according to recent census reports. It is located between the larger city of Paterson and Paramus, the mall capital of the world. It is a mere 12 miles away from New York City and boasts a diverse population, including a large Ukrainian and Russian section.

While maybe the most impressive, "best city" is not the only accolade recently donated. Over the past year, many studies and lists were compiled. Fair Lawn has made its way onto a number of websites' state and country best of lists. Here are some of the lists that it has recently ranked on:

• Family Friendly. Last month, the San Francisco financial site Nerd Wallet ranked the city the third most family friendly city in New Jersey. This was based off income, cost of living, municipalities, and education.
• Employment. Nerd Wallet released another list last week. This one was for the best cities in New Jersey for job seekers. Fair Lawn ranked in seventh due to a 5.3 percent work increase from 2009 to 2011.
• Safety. Earlier this year, the research website Neighborhood Scout declared Fair Lawn the 49th safest city in America. This website based its data on comparing the 12.5 crime index to the amount of residents.

These lists all show that Fair Lawn and Bergen County is an area that supports both real estate and employment markets. Activity in both residential and commercial real estate are on the rise.

To most outsiders New Jersey is best known for its busy highways, less than scenic views from the turnpike, and as the home of HBO's hit series the Sopranos. However, those of us who live and kayak fish in the Garden state know better. The truth is that New Jersey offers a wide variety of both fresh and salt water fishing opportunities for kayak anglers.

Have Kayak, will Travel

The good news is that if you plan on kayak fishing in NJ you will not have to travel very far. In fact, you can drive from the top of NJ to the bottom in less than 3 hours making day trips very easy to plan. There are also many campsites, bed & breakfasts, and hotels throughout the state if you want to get away for the weekend or longer.

Northern Region

The northern part of the NJ is dotted with fresh water lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and streams that hold many popular fresh water game-fish and pan fish including: large mouth bass, small mouth bass, northern pike, muskellunge, pickerel, walleye, hybrid bass, rainbow trout, brown trout, Lake Trout, salmon, common carp, grass carp, channel catfish, bullhead catfish, yellow perch, white perch, white crappie, black crappie, blue gills, sunfish, rock bass, and more. All of these fish species are available within 1 hour drive of New York City and Newark Airport. If your are not sure what bodies of water are open to the public you can visit the NJ Fish and Game website. There you will find a list of places to fish, the state fishing regulations, licensing information, and a wealth of resources about NJ's fisheries.

Although the northern section of NJ is not well known for its saltwater fishery there is one noticeable exception. The NJ Meadowlands offers a relatively easy access to a salt water marsh system that holds a good number of fish species including: striped bass, blue fish, weakfish, winter & summer flounder, and many more. The Meadowlands is also a kayak friendly system complete with launch ramps, good parking facilities, and a River Keeper who is dedicated to protecting this fragile ecosystem from pollution and development. The River Keeper Center also offers guided kayak tours of the ecosystem for a reasonable fee.

Central & Southern Regions

The Central and Southern sections of NJ are also very rich with fresh fishing opportunities which include most of the species available up north. However, the largest draw to the central and southern portions of the state is the access to the salt water bays, beaches, and the open ocean. New Jersey has over 100 miles of beach front, many inlets, and an extensive intracoastal systems of bays, estuaries, salt marshes, and tidal rivers. The top saltwater game-fish in this region include: striped bass, blue fish, weakfish, winter & summer flounder, black fish, sea bass, false albecore, mackerel, porgies, cod, northern kingfish, hickory shad, many species of sharks, and the occasional red or black drum. For those willing to venture out a little farther tuna can also be targeted in season. All of the salt water fishing regulations can be found on the NJ Fish and Game website. NJ does not require a salt water fishing license at this time, but that may change in the near future.

Launching

New Jersey is a highly populated state with lots of private property and no trespassing signs, but there is still plenty of public access for kayak anglers to launch safely without breaking any laws. Always be sure to do your homework before launching to avoid unnecessary parking tickets or fines. Launch locations and public access points for NJ can be found online with a little effort. The NJ Fish and Game web site is great place to start. There are also online paddling resources that offer this type of information as well including the Jersey Shore Sea Kayak Association, the Hackensack River Keeper Website, and Kayak Fishing Stuff. Great care should be taken when launching a kayak through the surf zone into the open ocean. If you have never surf launched a kayak before you need to practice in the warm summer months with no additional gear. Once you have become proficient at surf launching you should find a friendly group of kayak anglers to join out on the open water. When kayak fishing in the ocean there is definitely safety in numbers. Note: You can find home videos of kayak surf clinics online and will learn much from others mistakes.

Safety

Kayak anglers are required to carry a Personal Flotation Device (PFD), a whistle or sound making device (air-horn), and a signaling mirror. PFDs MUSt be worn by kayakers 14 and under, adults need only have it within reach, but why take chances with your safety. A PFD will only save your life if you are wearing it. Coastal kayak anglers should also carry a VHF Marine Band Radio, a compass, GPS, and possibly a satellite location device. It is also a very good idea for all kayakers to leave a float plan with a friend or family member. A responsible kayak angler should take every precaution to avoid becoming a statistic! When kayak fishing during the cold water periods of Spring, late fall, and winter it is very important to be wearing protective clothing in the event that you fall off of your kayak and into the water. Dry suits are the best option. Wetsuits will suffice, but will not be as comfortable as a good dry suit.

In Conclusion

New Jersey is without a doubt one of the best kayak fishing destinations in the Northeast. Kayak anglers can fish from early spring until late fall for both fresh and salt water species all within a relatively short distance of home. If you live and fish in New Jersey and do not fish from a kayak – get one! It will greatly increase your fishing opportunities, get you closer to the action, and because kayaking is a green activity you will be doing your part to make the world around you a better place.

The first thing you should understand about child custody when going through a divorce in New Jersey is that “physical” and “legal” custody are not equivalent. Legal Custody refers to which parent makes important decisions about the child’s health, education, and welfare. Physical Custody refers to the child’s primary residence. These two types of custody can be thought of in four categories explained as follows:

Shared Physical Custody

The child lives with each parent for an approximately equal amount of time on a rotating basis.

Joint Physical Custody

The child lives with one parent most of the time, but the other parent has parenting time.

Joint Legal Custody

Both parents consult with each other to make important decisions on behalf of the child, and both have access to the child’s personal records.

Sole Legal Custody

One parent is authorized to make important decisions on behalf of the child, and the other parent must be consulted, but the parent with sole legal custody has the final word.

Unless there is a real problem with one parent’s ability to parent or unless the parties cannot work together for the benefit of their child, courts favor joint legal custody.

According to Karen Meislik, a custody and visitation attorney in New Jersey, “in most instances, parents are given joint legal custody of their children.”

Court look at many aspects of a family’s relationship when asked to determine custody. They may consider what the child, if of sufficient age, has to say, and may look at the parents’ medical records, criminal records (if any), job histories, and similar items. However, according to the family law firm of Meislik & Levavy (www.meislikfamilylaw.com ), your chances of obtaining sole custody of your child are improved if you can show that you were the primary caregiver before and during the separation.

Proving that you were the primary caregiver

Which of the following statements are true, and cannot be said of the other parent?

● I arranged for daycare / babysitters

● I fixed breakfast for my child each day

● I took my child to doctor’s appointments

● I supervised my child most of the time

● I stayed at home from work when my child missed school

● I reviewed school report cards and helped with my child’s homework

● I disciplined my child in a responsible way

● I toilet trained my child

● I put my child to bed each night and/or woke my child each morning

● I attended parent – teacher conferences

● I took my child shopping for clothes and school supplies

Above all, the Court will assess the best interest of your child before any custody determination is made.

These, along with any other parental responsibilities you can prove, will help your visitation attorney obtain custody of your child for you.

Before you start planning your family vacation to New York or Connecticut, it’s worth considering going to the south of the Tri-state region. New Jersey’s regions of Skylands, South Shore and the Western Delaware River; with their snowcapped mountains, amazing New Jersey amusement parks, and rich historical culture are some of the best places to visit year round.

High In The Sky-Lands Region

The highest point in the Skylands region soars at 1,803 feet. Marked by the towering monument in the High Point State Park, the surrounding areas offer dozens of walking trails to explore during the warmer months and of course plenty of world-class skiing in the winter.

One of the best resorts in the region is the Mountain Creek Resort in Vernon valley. Its proximity to New York (it’s only an hour from the George Washington Bridge) makes it a very popular destination for those in the other tri-state regions. There are over 170 acres for ski sports with 19 terrain park trails, numerous tubing lanes and a gigantic SuperPipe complete with stadium lighting.

Wild About Wildwood

For fun in the sun, head down south to Wildwood. The top Wildwood attractions that should be on any visitor’s list are the Doo-Wop hotels, Wildwood beach, and of course Wildwood’s offering of the finest New Jersey amusement parks.

To ensure that you have all your energy to go wild on the amusement rides, check into a nice hotel. Before you start looking for the latest 5 star cookie cutter complex, immerse yourself in the culture of Wildwood and check into an authentically preserved Doo-Wop hotel.

The plastic palm trees of the Doo-Wop hotels are Wildwood attractions in their own right. However, for a bit more authenticity, head down to Wildwood beach — recently voted the best beach in New Jersey. Wildwood has some of the widest beaches on the coast. The beach at Wildwood is patrolled during the summer and is very kid-friendly. The best thing about the beach has to be that it’s free — no beach tags required.

The selection of New Jersey amusement parks in Wildwood is enough to make your head spin. Located right off the beach there are rides for everyone. Tots will love the Kiddie Train and Mini Teacups (just like Disneyland), bigger kids will go nuts at the Formula One Raceway, and the whole family will love a ride on the Ferris wheel.

When you’ve covered all you can of the New Jersey amusement parks take a stroll along the many boardwalks and pick up some Saltwater Taffy for a sugar hit with a good dose of nostalgia.

The Wicked West

If the New Jersey amusement parks just aren’t your thing, go west for a journey through time. The Western side of New Jersey in the Delaware River region has plenty to offer the history buff. Known as the “Crossroads of the Revolution” the region saw nearly 300 Revolutionary War battles from 1776-1783. The Delaware River was also the famous site of George Washington’s overnight crossing from Pennsylvania to surprise the Hessian soldiers in New Jersey. At the site of the crossing, today is the George Washington Crossing State Park. The park has many historical exhibits that will entertain young and old.

Sometimes a New Jersey consumer may give a sum of money to an insurance company or other entity in exchange for a promised stream of income usually paid monthly (an annuity contract). Other times, an insurance company is given a sum of money on behalf of a consumer to compensate for a personal injury. In any event, a consumer receiving annuity payments may be subject to claims by his or her creditors for unpaid debts. Is the annuity principal or the annuity payments subject to seizure (garnishment) by judgment creditors?

Annuity Principal and Annuity Payments Enjoy Limited Protection Against Creditor Garnishment

New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. § 17B:24-7) states that annuity principal and annuity payments are not only exempt from “execution, garnishment, attachment, sequestration or other legal process” but also that no creditors are “allowed to interfere with or terminate the [annuity] contract.” However, there are two major exceptions.

Annuity Principal and Annuity Payments Derived From Fraud Are Not Exempt from Garnishment

If the New Jersey consumer created the annuity with intent to defraud his or her creditors or engaged in other fraud, the creditors may seize the annuity or its payments with permission from a court. One cannot create an annuity to avoid the payment of existing creditors should they receive judgments. If this is proven, the court may order the principal liquidated to pay the affected debts or permit the full garnishment of annuity payments to repay debts. Attempting to defraud creditors can also result in criminal charges.

Annuity Payments In Excess of $500.00 Per Month May be Partially Garnished

The law provides a second exception to the general rule that annuities cannot be garnished. If the annuity payment exceeds $500.00 per month, the amounts in excess of $500.00 ARE subject to garnishment the same as “wages and salaries.” Moreover, if a New Jersey consumer receives several payments on different contracts and each of them is less than $500.00 per month, but when combined, they exceed $500.00 per month, a court may determine that excess payments are nevertheless subject to garnishment. Additionally, New Jersey law allows 10% of a person’s gross “wages or salaries” to be garnished in response to a judgment. Let’s see this math in action based on the below example. Let’s assume:

1) The New Jersey consumer defaulted on a $5000.00 credit card account.

2) The credit card company sued the consumer and received a judgment.

3) The consumer has an annuity with a $150,000.00 balance.

4) The consumer receives an payment of $650.00 per month for life.

Therefore, the consumer could see $15.00 of his or her annuity garnished until the judgment is paid. The math:

$650.00 annuity payment

– 500.00 exempted pursuant to N.J.S.A. 17B:24-7(a)(2)

= 150.00 subject to garnishment

x 10% maximum garnishment percentage

= $15.00 garnishment amount

Annuities enjoy a certain level of exemption from creditor garnishment because the New Jersey Assembly believed they should receive some protection against creditors with judgments. Because they are typically associated with retirement and the injured, the Assembly believed this protection, albeit limited, is appropriate.