Tracy Coleman - Office Manager since 1999

Cynthia Vercammen - Newsletter Editor and Graphics director

Michael P. McDonald - Legal Assistant since 2002
Rider University, B.A. Political Science 2002

Sheereen Dehghani - Legal Assistant/Web Master
Kean University

Tonianne Dougherty - Email Newsletter Coordinator
Middlesex County College

Akhila Naik, Attorney, of Counsel EDWARD G. CONKLIN- Trial attorney Martin A. Spigner, Esq. of Counsel, Tax Attorney
DUTIES OF EXPERIENCED PARALEGALS AND  EXPERIENCED SECRETARIES

LITIGATION
*Initial client interview and follow-up
*File organization, including investigation, witness interviews, photography, medical reports, and wage analysis
*Draft pleadings such as complaints, third-party complaints, answers motions, and discovery requests and responses
*Assist in arrangements for depositions including the preparation of proposed questions; attend depositions with the attorney; digest/summarize depositions
*Prepare calculations during attorney settlement negotiations and draft settlement documents.
*Prepare file for trial, schedule witnesses and experts for testifying at trial
*Organize the trial notebook
*Attend the trial with the attorney to organize exhibits, retrieve documents, assist with witnesses, note developments in the case, monitor and maintain a list of documents and exhibits used by both sides
*Maintain a docket, calendar, and tickler system

PLAINTIFF PERSONAL INJURY
*Accident investigation and witness contacts
*Medical & evidence review
*Submitting the case to insurance adjusters
*Preparation of complaint, service on defendants
*Answering & serving interrogatories
*Propounding other discovery requests
*Interview clients prior to court and deposition
*Attend depositions
*Prepare and answer motions
*Prepare arbitration summary and attend arbitration and settlement conferences
*Attend trial and calendar call as bench assistant

COMPLEX LITIGATION
*Handling document control: analysis, organization, indexing, and general maintenance.
*Assisting in conducting/preparing for the production of documents
*Examining public records/documents
*Arranging and attending depositions with the attorney
*Digesting and indexing depositions
*Researching factual and statistical data and preparing analyses
*Drafting Pleadings, such as requests and answers to requests for admissions; interrogatories and answers to interrogatories; routine notices, motions, petitions, affidavits, and certifications
*Maintaining docket, calendar, and tickler system
*Assisting in preparation of legal memoranda/briefs: proofreading, cite checking, Shepardizing.
*Assisting in preparation of trial book.
*Organizing and preparing exhibits for trial
*Digestion and indexing trial transcripts

CRIMINAL PRACTICE
* Prepare requests for discovery
* Coordinate trial with client and witnesses
*Prepare briefs and motions
               
WILLS, TRUSTS AND ESTATES
Pre-mortem planning:
*Interviewing clients; gathering information concerning family history, assets, and liabilities
*Drafting of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and living wills from preliminary stages to finalization

Estate administration
*Attending initial client conference for discovery of assets, liabilities, and background information required
*Preparing probate documents
*Scheduling and attending safe-deposit box inventories
*Arranging for appraisals of decedents assets, which may include real estate, jewelry, automobiles, antiques, art collections, personal, property, and household furnishings
*Valuing securities either by in-house means or arranging for valuation by stockbroker assistance.  *Preparing and filing (if required) an estate inventory
*Maintaining estate financial accounts and records
*Correspondence pertaining to all aspects of estate administration
*Review estate financial records for determination of timely payments of estate expenses and distribution of assets to beneficiaries to effect tax savings
*Preparing formal or informal accountings of estate or trust administration from preliminary drafts to finalization
*Distribution and/or sale of securities by preparing necessary sale or transfer papers and working with broker to transfer agents
*Preparing necessary documents for beneficiaries signature to effect distribution of assets and to release fiduciarys liability

REAL ESTATE
*Preparing a draft of the contract of sale for review by the attorney
*Obtaining and forwarding to purchasers attorney for review prior to closing such items as back-title information; water, sewer, oil, and tax bills; current mortgage payoff information; and the Certificate of Occupancy for the closing
*Coordinating date, time, and place of closing with all parties
*Preparing closing documents: deed, affidavit of title, Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. (RESPA) and settlement statements, note, and mortgage, if taken back by the seller
*Attend closing
*Post-closing follow-up

When the purchaser is the attorneys client, the paralegals responsibilities may include the following:
*Preparing or reviewing contract
*Obtaining and reviewing back-title information
*Arranging for survey, termite inspection, structural inspection including radon, if necessary, obtaining flood certification, title insurance binder, mortgage payoff statements, home owners insurance policy
*Coordination closing with the lender; fulfilling all lenders requirements and forwarding all documents for review prior to the closing date.  This includes preparation of affidavits, releases, notes, mortgages, RESPA statements, and notices of settlement
*Coordinating closing with all parties
*Preparing final closing documents including 1099B and filing same with IRS.
*Attending closing
*Post-closing follow-up
Forwarding original documents for recording
Forwarding check for mortgage payoff, pay off all outstanding liens, final letter to title     
       company requesting policy, payment of all taxes and sewer charges
Forwarding canceled mortgage to sellers attorney
Obtaining title policy, then forwarding to client
Forwarding mortgage to mortgage company

CORPORATE
*Drafting and filing certificates or articles of incorporation, and subsequent amendments, together with preliminary preparations of incorporation such as name clearance and reservation
*Drafting Bylaws

Partnership tasks may include:
*Drafting partnership agreements
*Drafting and filing limits partnership certificates and subsequent amendments

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION

*Evidence review and organization
*Contact with witnesses
*Preparation of pleadings
*Preparation for trial

Consequences of a Criminal Guilty Plea

1. You will have to appear in open court and tell the judge what you did that makes you guilty of the particular offense(s)

2. Do you understand that if you plead guilty:

a. You will have a criminal record

b. You may go to Jail or Prison.

c. You will have to pay Fines and Court Costs.

3. If you are on Probation, you will have to submit to random drug and urine testing. If you violate Probation, you often go to jail.

4. In indictable matters, you will be required to provide a DNA sample, which could be used by law enforcement for the investigation of criminal activity, and pay for the cost of testing.

5. You must pay restitution if the court finds there is a victim who has suffered a loss and if the court finds that you are able or will be able in the future to pay restitution.

6. If you are a public office holder or employee, you can be required to forfeit your office or job by virtue of your plea of guilty.

7. If you are not a United States citizen or national, you may be deported by virtue of your plea of guilty.

8. You must wait 5-10 years to expunge a first offense. 2C:52-3

9. You could be put on Probation.

10. In Drug Cases, a mandatory DEDR penalty of $500-$1,000, and lose your driver's license for 6 months - 2years. You must pay a Law Enforcement Officers Training and Equipment Fund penalty of $30.

11. You may be required to do Community Service.

12. You must pay a minimum Violent Crimes Compensation Board assessment of $50 ($100 minimum if you are convicted of a crime of violence) for each count to which you plead guilty.

13. You must pay a $75 Safe Neighborhood Services Fund assessment for each conviction.

14. If you are being sentenced to probation, you must pay a fee of up to $25 per month for the term of probation.

15. You lose the presumption against incarceration in future cases. 2C:44-1

16. You may lose your right to vote.

The defense of a person charged with a criminal offense is not impossible. There are a number of viable defenses and arguments which can be pursued to achieve a successful result. Advocacy, commitment, and persistence are essential to defending a client accused of a criminal offense.

Jail for Crimes and Disorderly Conduct:

If someone pleads Guilty or is found Guilty of a criminal offense, the following is the statutory Prison/Jail terms.

NJSA 2C: 43-8 (1) In the case of a crime of the first degree, for a specific term of years which shall be fixed by the court and shall be between 10 years and 20 years;

(2) In the case of a crime of the second degree, for a specific term of years which shall be fixed by the court and shall be between five years and 10 years;

(3) In the case of a crime of the third degree, for a specific term of years which shall be fixed by the court and shall be between three years and five years;

(4) In the case of a crime of the fourth degree, for a specific term which shall be fixed by the court and shall not exceed 18 months.

2C:43-3 Fines have been increased recently! 2C:43-3. Fines and Restitutions. A person who has been convicted of an offense may be sentenced to pay a fine, to make restitution, or both, such fine not to exceed:

a. (1) $200,000.00 when the conviction is of a crime of the first degree;

(2) $150,000.00 when the conviction is of a crime of the second degree;

b. (1) $15,000.00 when the conviction is of a crime of the third degree;

(2) $10,000.00 when the conviction is of a crime of the fourth degree;

c. $1,000.00, when the conviction is of a disorderly persons offense;

d. $500.00, when the conviction is of a petty disorderly persons offense;

If facing any criminal charge, retain an experienced attorney immediately to determine you rights and obligations to the court. Current criminal charge researched by Kenneth Vercammen, Esq. 732-572-0500

Meet with an experienced Attorney to handle your important legal needs.
Please call the office to schedule a confidential "in Office" consultation.

     Kenneth Vercammen's Law office represents individuals charged with criminal, drug offenses, and serious traffic violations throughout New Jersey. Our office helps people with traffic/ municipal court tickets including drivers charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Refusal and Driving While Suspended.

       Kenneth Vercammen was the past NJ State Bar Municipal Court Attorney of the Year and past president of the Middlesex County Municipal Prosecutor's Association.

       Criminal and Motor vehicle violations can cost you. You will have to pay fines in court or receive points on your drivers license. An accumulation of too many points, or certain moving violations may require you to pay expensive surcharges to the N.J. DMV [Division of Motor Vehicles] or have your license suspended. Don't give up! The Law Office of Kenneth Vercammen can provide experienced attorney representation for criminal motor vehicle violations.

       When your job or driver's license is in jeopardy or you are facing thousands of dollars in fines, DMV surcharges and car insurance increases, you need excellent legal representation. The least expensive attorney is not always the answer. Schedule an appointment if you need experienced legal representation in a traffic/municipal court matter.

       Our website www.benotguilty.com provides information on traffic offenses we can be retained to represent people. Our website also provides details on jail terms for traffic violations and car insurance eligibility points. Car insurance companies increase rates or drop customers based on moving violations.

Providing 21+ years of excellent service to clients. Kenneth Vercammen has been a trial attorney for more than 20 years. You want to have an experienced attorney.

Contact the Law Office of
 Kenneth Vercammen & Associates, P.C.
 at 732-572-0500
for an appointment.

The Law Office cannot provide legal advice or answer legal questions over the phone or by email.  Please call the Law office and schedule a confidential "in office" consultation.  The Law Office now accepts payment by American Express, Visa and Master Card.

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© 2012 Kenneth Vercammen & Associates, P.C.