Criminal

NJSBA to Honor Judge Mellaci

Ansell Grimm July 15, 2022

The Honorable Anthony J. Mellaci, Jr., retired Superior Court Judge, currently serving as Of Counsel with Ansell Grimm & Aaron will be honored by the New Jersey State Bar Association as Monmouth County’s Daniel J. O’Hern Professionalism Award winner.

The O’Hern Award is presented annually to an attorney who is a well-respected member of the legal community and exhibits integrity, competence, high ethical standards, career achievement and service to the bar and/or community. The award is named for the Honorable Daniel J. O’Hern, a retired associate justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court, and lifelong Monmouth County resident, who was an advisor to the Commission from its inception in 1996 until his passing in 2009.

Judge Mellaci is slated to receive the award at the NJSB’s July 19 luncheon at the Forsgate Country Club, Monroe.

Ansell Grimm & Aaron Roundup July 2021

Ansell Grimm August 12, 2021

Mitchell Ansell Featured in Industry Magazine

Mitchell Ansell, Shareholder, and Chair of the Criminal Defense Department, recently was featured as a power player by Industry Magazine in their July/August 2021 issue. This inclusion provides an opportunity to more personally know a power player who prides himself on the lasting impact and positive influence he provides to clients.

Industry Magazine covers anything and everything of interest for influential tastemakers and trendsetters across New Jersey and New York, from fashion and entertainment to lifestyle and health, to travel and business. The article is available here.

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NJSBA Submits Report & Recommendations to the NJCRC

The New Jersey State Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee provided the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (“CRC”) with a report and recommendations regarding the CRC’s implementation of the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (“CREAMMA”). The report covers a broad range of topics, from macro-issues like marketplace and licensing regulations to more micro-issues related to expungements and CREAMMA’s impact on family law matters. Both Joshua Bauchner and Zachary Windham (pictured) of AGA’s Cannabis Law Practice Group, contributed to the report and recommendations. A copy of the report is available here.

Michael Benedetto Closes on Ocean Block Lot Sale

Michael Benedetto, Managing Partner and President of the Firm, who also serves as the Chair of the Commercial Real Estate Department and the Corporate, Finance, & Banking Department, recently served as counsel to the Seller in an off-market sale of a parcel of property that sits approximately 300 feet from the Atlantic Ocean in Long Branch, New Jersey. The property was the last parcel for an ocean block assemblage of just over 1.8 acres. The purchaser of the property was PV Motel, LLC, an affiliate of Kushner Companies, who reportedly intends to construct an oceanfront hotel on the site along with three other lots which make up the assemblage.

Joshua Bauchner Featured in Commerce Magazine

Joshua Bauchner, a shareholder who serves as both Co-Chair of the Litigation Department and head of the Cannabis Law Practice Group, was featured in the July 2021 issue of Commerce Magazine as part of the article Cannabis: A Growing Business Sector in the Garden State? Josh was one of several influential attorneys from across New Jersey asked to discuss what this budding industry means for entrepreneurs right now. Commerce Magazine is the flagship publication of the Commerce & Industry Association of New Jersey. The article is available here.x

Ashley Whitney Files PBA Appeal with NJ Supreme Court

Ashley Whitney of AGA’s Woodland Park office recently filed an appeal with the New Jersey Supreme Court, challenging an opinion from the Appellate Division which upheld the termination of a police officer with no prior discipline for alleged violations of the Criminal Justice Information System through his use of full-disclosure vehicle registration searches despite the police department’s failure to identify a single full-disclosure search conducted without justification.

The Appellate Division’s decision may have a lasting impact upon the law enforcement community as the performance of searches by police has not been significantly addressed by New Jersey Courts since the decision in State v. Donis, 157 N.J. 44 (1998).

The decision is especially pertinent to the issues facing police as it comes on the heels of the Supreme Court’s decision in the matter of In re AG Law Enf’t Directive Nos. 2020-5 & 2020-6, 2021 N.J. LEXIS 486 (June 7, 2021), which upheld the New Jersey Attorney General’s Directives requiring the release of the names of police officers who receive major discipline.

Seth Rosenstein Appointed as FINRA Arbitrator

Seth Rosenstein of AGA’s Woodland Park and White Plains offices was recently appointed a FINRA Dispute Resolution Services Arbitrator. Having practiced in all aspects of securities class action litigation before state and federal courts throughout the United States, as well as representing Fortune 500 financial services companies in arbitration actions brought before FINRA arbitration panels, Mr. Rosenstein will now hear disputes subject to FINRA jurisdiction — which will supplement his unique perspective and experience representing aggrieved investors and financial services professionals. FINRA representation is one component to Mr. Rosenstein’s multi-disciplined practice, which continues to include commercial litigation, cannabis law, and disputes concerning real estate and home improvement contractors.

Roy Hibberd Counsels Insurance Company Acquisition

Roy Hibberd, corporate counsel in the firm’s Ocean office, recently provided legal counsel to McCue Captains Agency of Little Silver, NJ, in its acquisition by World Insurance Associates LLC. The acquisition was announced on July 1, 2021. As a Top 100 Insurance Brokerage, World Insurance Associates’ acquisition will provide McCue the opportunity to expand their national presence while continuing to provide personalized services in Property, Liability, Life and Benefits insurances for both businesses and individuals.

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Jennifer Krimko Helps Hillel Win Expansion Approval

Jennifer S. Krimko, Esq., Co-Chair of the Firm’s Land Use and Zoning Department, recently secured approval for an expansion of the Hillel School campus in Ocean Township, as well as the construction of a new, state-of-the-art firehouse for the Township’s Fire District, at no cost to the taxpayers. The approval includes the construction of: a new, approximately 56,613 square-foot, three-story high school building; approximately 15,872 square foot addition to the school’s early learning center building; and approximately 6,725 square-foot, new fire station building. Additionally, construction of tennis courts, a basketball court, new parking, drainage structures, landscaping, and related site improvements were also approved.

You can view the video of the Board’s decision, including a digital rendering of the expanded facility here.

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Cannabis CLEs

On July 22 Joshua Bauchner participated as an invited speaker for a webinar hosted by the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee. The webinar, The Ins and Outs of Licensing of Recreational Cannabis Businesses in New Jersey, addressed the parameters set out by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (“CREAMMA”) and what those parameters mean for potential licensees.
The panel discussed the six classes of licensure, microbusinesses, impact zones, municipal land use, and anticipated regulations from the Cannabis Regulatory Commission (“CRC”).
Josh also moderated a CLE on August 5, 2021, as part of the NJ Society of CPA’s day-long Cannabis Conference. The panel will discuss “The Legal Lifecycle of a Cannabis Business.”

Ansell Grimm & Aaron is Hiring

Ansell Grimm & Aaron PC is seeking a Law Clerk to work in our Real Estate Department. For more information or to apply, please visit us on LinkedIn .

Don’t forget! Disclose those HOA documents as part of your home sale

Ansell Grimm January 9, 2019

Community Association Practice Partner Richard B. Linderman discusses what material facts are in HOA documents that buyers need to know in an interview with HomeLight Reporter Christine Bartsch.

Read More

AGA Hosts Cannabis Roundtable

Ansell Grimm May 15, 2017

ANSELL GRIMM & AARON, PC hosted a Cannabis Roundtable on May 11, 2017, including representatives from various business sectors supporting the cannabis community. The goal of the Roundtable was to offer a suite of services to clients providing total support in each sector and easing an otherwise very challenging entry into the cannabis marketplace (particularly on the East Coast).

Participants included:

Ed Keating, a co-founder of Cannabiz, which is the most comprehensive source for U.S. marijuana licensing information acquiring and maintaining up-to-date data on over 16,000 marijuana licenses in the Cannabiz Media Database.
Frank Salluce and Dave Smokler, the co-founders of 420 IT Solutions, which is the leading provider of business advisory and IT advisory services for the cannabis related businesses.
Max Meade and Billy Roberts, with Brown & Brown Insurance, which provides total policy coverage for cannabis, hemp and CBD operations, including: general liability, product liability, excess liability, property, crop, equipment breakdown and workers comp.
Tom Corbo, of Shure Grow, which provides hydroponics, lighting and related equipment for personal and commercial cultivation.
Joshua S. Bauchner, Esq., Michael H. Ansell, Esq., and Anthony D’Artiglio, Esq. of the firm explained how members of AGA’s Cannabis Law Practice Group can assist with corporate formation and governance, licensing, leasing, financing, litigation, and regulatory compliance.
Greg S. Gargulinski, Esq., a criminal defense attorney also with the firm, explained the intersection between state and federal law, and advised applicants on how to protect against a background check revealing dated, unknown, or de minimus issues which may compromise licensure.
AGA clients intending to apply for licensure when the application process is reopened also attended, connecting with those who can support the establishment of a dispensary and grow house in accord with New Jersey’s tiered license structure.

ANSELL GRIMM & AARON, PC’s dedicated Cannabis Law group has an in-depth understanding of the laws both specifically and generally related to cannabis production, sale, use, regulation and legalization and our attorneys are here to help individuals and businesses of all sizes and any stage of development plan for a successful future.

For additional information, please visit our Website and follow us on Twitter @THCCounselors where we provide frequent updates on legal and business developments in the cannabis space.

Recognition for Joshua Bauchner’s NORML Membership

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For more than 85 years, ANSELL GRIMM & AARON, PC has been dedicated to providing excellent legal representation. In providing zealous advocacy and skilled legal advice to our diverse clientele, our attorneys all practice with a common philosophy… commitment to excellence and commitment to people. For more information, visit us at https://62q.f7d.myftpupload.com.

The Honorable Anthony J. Mellaci Jr. joins AGA

Ansell Grimm August 24, 2016

Following a distinguished career on the bench as a New Jersey Superior Court Judge, and before that in the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, The Honorable Anthony J. Mellaci Jr. has joined Ansell Grimm & Aaron PC. You can find out more in the Asbury Park Press at:
https://lnkd.in/eY_6SNf

Brian Ansell, Pam Mulligan expand roles with County Bar Associations

Ansell Grimm May 19, 2016

On May 26^th AGA Partner Brian E. Ansell will be installed as First Vice President of the Monmouth County Bar Association. AGA Counsel Pamela A. Mulligan will be installed as President of the Burlington County Bar Foundation and as Treasurer of the Burlington County Bar Association on June 3^rd.

Mr. Ansell, based in the firm’s Ocean Township office, has been very active with the Monmouth County Bar Association and has been a trustee since 2008 and officer of the Monmouth County Bar Association since 2012. Mr. Ansell focuses his practice in the areas of personal injury, medical malpractice, criminal defense, municipal court, DWI defense, as well as general civil, criminal and chancery litigation including litigation related to wills and estates. Mr. Ansell is Chair of the Civil Practice, Judicial Appointments and Municipal Court Committees and has served on multiple other committees throughout his tenure with the Monmouth County Bar Association. Mr. Ansell’s installation will take place at the Oyster Point Hotel in Red Bank, New Jersey.

Ms. Mulligan currently serves as Secretary for the Burlington County Bar Association and Treasurer of the Burlington County Bar Foundation and has been active with the Burlington County Bar Association and Foundation since 2007. In 2011 Ms. Mulligan was awarded the Robert W. Criscuolo Award from the Burlington County Bar Association for her contributions to the Association and to the Community. Ms. Mulligan is currently the Chair of the Corporate Networking Committee and a member of the Due Diligence, Debtor/Creditor/Bankruptcy, Budget & Finance, CLE, and Women in the Profession Committees. Ms. Mulligan was previously co-chair of the Debtor/Creditor/Bankruptcy and Young Lawyers Committees. She has presented CLEs for the Bar Association on the topics of Bankruptcy and Foreclosure and has moderated other seminars for the Bar Association. Ms. Mulligan focuses her practice in the areas of real estate, creditors’ rights, bankruptcy and intellectual property limited to copyright and trademark. Ms. Mulligan’s installation will take place at Kings Grant Community Center in Marlton, New Jersey.

Mr. Ansell may be reached via email at bea@62q.f7d.myftpupload.com or via his direct line at 732-643-5230.

Ms. Mulligan may be reached via email at pam@62q.f7d.myftpupload.com or via her direct line at 609-557-1045

Honecker named to Supreme Court’s Criminal Practice Committee

Ansell Grimm September 4, 2015

Robert A. Honecker Jr., Esq., a partner with Ansell Grimm & Aaron, P.C., has been appointed to represent the New Jersey State Bar Association on the State Supreme Court’s Criminal Practice Committee.

The Committee reviews state court rules and procedures and suggests possible changes and revisions to improve the judicial process and outcomes.

Honecker is serving a two-year term on the committee slated to be completed in 2017.

Not Guilty Verdict

Ansell Grimm September 10, 2013

Mitchell Ansell, Chairman of the Criminal Defense Department, recently tried a first degree robbery, second degree aggravated assault and second degree burglary Jury trial in Monmouth County Superior Court before Judge Joseph Oxley. The case was tried during the week of August the 29^th 2013 and our client was facing well over 20 years in State Prison based upon all the charges.

The Jury came back with a not guilty verdict on all first and second degree charges after the trial, thus sparing the client any exposure to any State Prison whatsoever.