Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A.

Rachel Wagner, Esquire has joined our HCK family

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 14:40:07 -0400

We are delighted to announce that Rachel Wagner, Esquire has joined our HCK family. An experienced criminal defense attorney, her primary office will be in Clark and she looks forward to meeting many of you.

5 Reasons Why Prosecutors Shouldn't Be Able to Use Your FST Results Against You

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

While police officers in New Jersey routinely use field sobriety tests (FSTs) to assess whether drivers are impaired, several issues can make drivers’ FST results unreliable. As a result, if you “failed” the FSTs, you will want to hire an experienced New Jersey DUI lawyer to make sure you do not face unnecessary consequences in court.

Will a New Jersey DUI Conviction Go On My Permanent Record?

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 07:56:25 -0400

In New Jersey, a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) will go on your permanent record. Additionally, since New Jersey classifies DUI as a traffic offense rather than a crime, DUI convictions are not eligible for expungement. These are two of many reasons why it is important to hire an experienced New Jersey DUI lawyer to fight your case by all means available.

How to Make Sure Your Estate Plan is as Comprehensive as It Should Be

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

When putting together your estate plan, comprehensiveness is key. Overlooking important issues during the process can leave your loved ones with key questions unanswered. By working with an experienced Trenton estate planning attorney to thoughtfully address all of your estate planning needs, you can feel confident knowing that your loved ones will have the guidance they need in the future.

What You Need to Know if You Violated Your Parole in New Jersey

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Violating the terms of your parole can have serious consequences in New Jersey. Depending on your circumstances, you could face parole revocation—and, if you have been charged with another crime, additional prison time. To protect yourself, you should hire an experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyer right away.

What Defenses Can You Use to Fight a Drug Possession Charge in New Jersey?

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

While drug possession cases might seem fairly straightforward, defendants charged with drug possession in New Jersey may have a variety of defenses available. These range from defenses based on New Jersey’s statutory definition of drug possession to defenses rooted in the U.S. Constitution. If you have been charged, you will want to promptly consult with an experienced New Jersey drug crime lawyer to find out what defenses you can assert in your case.

Voting in Long-Term Care Facilities

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 08:15:19 -0400

General election day in the U.S. is on November 3, 2026. If you live in a nursing home, federal nursing home rules say that you have the same rights as any other citizen of the United States—this includes your right to vote!

A Pinball Lawyer’s Utopia: How Vintage Games Provide Escape from the Courtroom

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Divorcing with a Prenup: 5 Key Terms to Review

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

If you and your spouse have a prenuptial agreement (or “prenup”), it will be important to make sure you know how your prenup will impact your divorce. Terms regarding ownership of separate and marital property, terms regarding financial support obligations, and other substantive terms can play a key role in determining the outcome of the process. “Sunset” clauses and other technical terms can also play a key role.

What You Need to Know if You Violated a Restraining Order in New Jersey

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Violating a restraining order can lead to criminal charges in New Jersey. As a result, if you have been accused of violating a restraining order, you need to be prepared to protect yourself by all means available. While you may have defenses available, it will be important to hire an experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyer who can help you assert these defenses effectively.

Giving Gifts: An Estate Planning Tool to Pay Less Inheritance Tax

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 05:13:31 -0400

Thinking about taxes when planning how to leave your possessions when you pass away? That kind of thinking is called Estate Planning. Depending on who you leave your property to, inheritance taxes can make the amount that your loved ones receive less. One of the ways to reduce these taxes is to give gifts while you are still alive.

Dealing with a Loved One's Incapacity in New Jersey

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

If a member of your family has recently become incapacitated, it will be important to ensure that you are making informed decisions focused on your loved one’s best interests. It will also be important to ensure that your decisions comply with New Jersey law. This is a difficult situation, and it is best to hire an experienced Vineland family law attorney who can guide you forward.

Property Division in New Jersey Divorces: Equitable Doesn't Necessarily Mean Equal

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

New Jersey’s equitable distribution statute governs the division of couples’ marital assets during the divorce process. An equitable distribution does not necessarily have to be equal, and there are various circumstances in which an unequal distribution will be warranted. An experienced Bridgeton family lawyer can help apply New Jersey’s equitable distribution criteria based on the specific circumstances of your divorce.

What to Know if You've Been Charged with Underage Drinking in New Jersey

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

If you have been charged with underage drinking in New Jersey, it is important to make sure you have a clear understanding of the circumstances you are facing. While New Jersey now has a warning system for underage drinking, warnings can still lead to academic and other consequences. If you have been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or any other alcohol-related offense, you could be facing substantial penalties as well. A New Jersey criminal defense lawyer can help you make informed decisions.

Hate Crime Charges Pose Serious Risks in New Jersey

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

If you have been charged with a hate crime in New Jersey, you are facing serious consequences. All hate crimes are indictable offenses, and some hate crimes can carry six-figure fines and decades behind bars. While you may have various defenses available, you will need an experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyer who can help you fight to avoid unnecessary consequences.

Marijuana DUI in NJ? What You Need to Know About Your Case

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In New Jersey, alcohol DUIs and marijuana DUIs are prosecuted under the same law, Section 39:4-50 of the New Jersey Revised Statutes. Marijuana DUIs carry the same penalties as alcohol DUIs involving a BAC of 0.10 percent or above. This means that a conviction can result in up to 30 days in jail, thousands of dollars in fines and surcharges, and other penalties. This makes it critical to have an experienced New Jersey DUI lawyer on your side.

Beware: The Risks of Signing a Real Estate Contract from Cash-for-Purchase Buyers

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

As a homeowner in New Jersey, especially for our senior population, the decision to sell a home is often accompanied by an array of emotions and considerations. One enticing option that has gained traction in recent years is the rise of cash-for-purchase buyers. These buyers promise quick and hassle-free transactions, often leading homeowners to sign contracts without fully understanding the potential risks. It’s crucial to navigate these waters with caution, particularly since contracts drafted by these sellers do not have to offer a three-day right of rescission. Always have an attorney review the contract BEFORE you sign.

A Closer Look at Divorcing Parents' Custody Options in New Jersey

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 10:49:20 -0400

Divorcing parents in New Jersey have several options when it comes to developing a post-divorce parenting plan. Custody options in New Jersey include (but are not limited to) equal parenting time, unequal parenting time, co-parenting, sole custody, and bird’s nest custody. With that said, the options available in any particular case will depend on the specific circumstances.

Underage DUI Defense: What to Know if You Got Arrested on Summer Break in New Jersey

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Getting a DUI in New Jersey when you are under 21 can have serious consequences. While underage drivers can be charged with DUI regardless of their BAC, if your BAC was 0.08 percent or above, New Jersey’s standard DUI laws apply. This means that jail time could be on the table. An experienced New Jersey DUI lawyer can help you fight your case by all means available.

Defending Against a Vehicular Homicide Charge in New Jersey

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Vehicular homicide is a serious crime in New Jersey, and a conviction can impact the rest of your life. As a result, it is important to hire an experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyer who can help protect you by all means available. Some examples of potential defenses to vehicular homicide charges include insufficient evidence of recklessness, insufficient evidence of causation, and violations of your constitutional rights.

What Happens if You Die Without an Estate Plan in New Jersey?

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

If you die without an estate plan in New Jersey, your assets will need to be distributed according to the state’s intestacy laws. Your family will need to navigate the probate process, and if you have minor children, you will need to appoint a guardian. Your family could face adverse tax consequences as well. All of these are important reasons to work with an experienced Vineland estate planning attorney to put a plan in place.

Custody and Visitation Rights: What Divorcing Parents in New Jersey Need to Know

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 07:42:17 -0400

As a parent preparing for a divorce, addressing custody and visitation is a key part of the process. In New Jersey, the law does not inherently favor either parent, and the focus is on serving the best interests of the child (or children) involved. An experienced Vineland divorce lawyer can help you understand what this means for your individual circumstances, and your lawyer can help you work toward developing a post-divorce parenting plan that works for you while also meeting your child’s or children’s needs.

New Jersey Domestic Violence Restraining Orders: Understanding the Family Court Process

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Accusations of domestic violence can have multiple legal implications in New Jersey. Not only can individuals who have been accused of domestic violence face criminal charges, but they can also face domestic violence restraining orders in New Jersey Family Court, and these are civil, not criminal. Domestic violence restraining orders typically provide several strong protections for accusers, and violating a domestic violence restraining order can lead to additional criminal consequences.

What Can (and Should) You Expect from Your Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

If you are facing charges in New Jersey’s criminal justice system, hiring an experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself. While you have the right to represent yourself if you choose to do so, there are several important reasons to put an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Disorderly Conduct Charge in New Jersey?

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Facing a disorderly conduct charge is many people’s first introduction to New Jersey’s criminal justice system. While a disorderly conduct charge may seem relatively minor, a conviction can lead to fines, a criminal record, and potential jail time.