The Cintron Firm, LLC Blog

Common Mistakes That Can Get a Bankruptcy Case Dismissed

February 18, 2026 by The Cintron Firm

When debtors follow the rules, the American bankruptcy laws can effectively help people get a fresh financial start. Unfortunately, many bankruptcy petitions are dismissed every year because of avoidable errors, leaving filers exposed to creditors and without the protection of the automatic stay.

At The Cintron Firm, LLC, we understand the common mistakes people make when filing for bankruptcy protection, and we can help you take proactive measures to minimize the risk that your petition will be challenged.

7 Common Mistakes That Lead To Bankruptcy Case Dismissal

1: Failure To File Required Documents on Time

Bankruptcy courts operate on firm deadlines. Missing schedules, statements, or supporting documentation can result in dismissal with little warning. Trustees regularly request dismissal when filings are incomplete or late.

At The Cintron Firm, LLC, we focus early on document accuracy and timing, because even a short delay can undo the protection bankruptcy is supposed to provide.

2: Inaccurate or Incomplete Financial Disclosures

Bankruptcy requires full and honest disclosure. Leaving out income, assets, creditors, prior transfers, or recent payments—whether intentional or not—can trigger dismissal or deeper scrutiny by the trustee.

In our practice, we carefully review every disclosure with clients to ensure consistency across filings. Even seemingly insignificant errors can raise red flags, particularly if they affect eligibility or repayment obligations.

3: Failure to Complete Required Credit Counseling or Debtor Education

Federal law requires:

A credit counseling course before filing, and
A debtor education course after filing

Missing either course, or completing them outside the required timeframe, can lead to automatic dismissal. Many filers discover this mistake only after the case has already been closed. At The Cintron Firm, LLC, we track these requirements from day one so deadlines are never missed.

4: Failure To Attend the 341 Meeting of Creditors

A 341 meeting of creditors is a required, usually brief session where the bankruptcy trustee (and any creditors who choose to attend) questions the debtor under oath to verify the information in the bankruptcy filing. Attendance at the 341 meeting is mandatory under bankruptcy law. Failing to attend, failing to provide documents, or refusing to answer questions can all result in the dismissal of your petition. While rescheduling is sometimes allowed, ignoring the meeting almost always ends the case.

We prepare clients thoroughly for this meeting so there are no surprises and no avoidable compliance issues.

5: Failure to Make Required Payments

Chapter 13 cases are frequently dismissed when debtors fall behind on required plan payments to the Chapter 13 trustee. Courts also expect filers to stay current on other required obligations, such as domestic support obligations (including child support), court filing fees (if paid in installments), and any other payments required under the confirmed plan. If you miss payments and do not promptly cure the default or obtain court-approved relief (such as a plan modification), the trustee or a creditor may seek dismissal—or, in some cases, conversion—and the court may end your Chapter 13 case for cause.

6: Bad-Faith or Repeated Filings

Courts closely examine filings made solely to delay creditors or abuse the automatic stay. Repeated filings followed by dismissals can lead to limits on future bankruptcy protection or outright denial of relief.

This is where experienced legal guidance matters most, especially for filers with prior cases.

7: Chapter-Specific Errors That Lead to Dismissal

The different types of bankruptcy filings come with different risks.

In Chapter 7 bankruptcy flings, dismissals often stem from:

Failing the means test
Concealing or improperly transferring assets
Refusing to cooperate with the trustee

In Chapter 13 petitions, dismissals frequently come as a result of:

Filing an unworkable repayment plan
Missing plan payments
Falling behind on ongoing obligations

How an Attorney Helps Prevent Dismissal

Most dismissals are preventable. An experienced bankruptcy attorney ensures filings are accurate, deadlines are met, trustee requests are handled properly, and the case stays compliant from start to finish. At The Cintron Firm, LLC, we approach bankruptcy as a process that must hold up under scrutiny—not just paperwork that gets filed.

Take Action Immediately – Contact The Cintron Firm

At The Cintron Firm, LLC, we’ve spent more than 14 years helping individuals navigate bankruptcy with precision and care. Attorney Mark Cintron’s background as a former prosecutor gives clients a distinct advantage when anticipating trustee concerns and avoiding costly missteps.

If you’re considering bankruptcy or worried about a pending case, contact us online or call 201-791-1333 or 917-494-5695 to schedule a confidential consultation today.

How To Protect Yourself When a Landlord Refuses to Return Your Security Deposit

January 21, 2026 by The Cintron Firm

Security deposit disputes are one of the most common—and frustrating—issues tenants face after moving out. In New Jersey, the law is clear: a security deposit is not extra income for a landlord. It is your money, and it must be returned promptly unless the landlord can lawfully justify withholding part or all of it.

At The Cintron Firm, LLC, we focus on helping New Jersey tenants enforce these protections in real cases—evaluating whether a landlord complied with the 30-day deadline, challenging improper deductions, and, when appropriate, seeking double damages when a security deposit is wrongfully withheld.

What New Jersey Law Requires Landlords to Do

New Jersey’s Security Deposit Act imposes strict obligations on landlords. After a tenant vacates the property, the landlord generally must return the security deposit—plus any required interest—within 30 days.

If the landlord keeps any portion of the deposit, they must provide a written, itemized statement explaining each deduction. The deposit must have been held in a proper account during the tenancy, and tenants are entitled to disclosures about where the money was kept.

Failure to comply with these requirements can expose the landlord to significant financial penalties.

Common Reasons Landlords Withhold Deposits—and When It’s Illegal for Them to Do So

Landlords may claim unpaid rent or property damage to justify withholding a deposit, but New Jersey law clearly distinguishes normal wear and tear from actual damage. Issues like faded paint, worn carpets, and minor scuffs are not valid reasons for deductions.

Landlords also may not invent cleaning fees, charge for pre-existing conditions, or withhold a deposit in bad faith or without proper documentation.

Legal Steps Tenants Should Take to Recover a Security Deposit

Step 1: Document the Condition of the Property

Documentation is your first line of defense. Before moving out, take clear photos and videos of the unit. Keep copies of move-in checklists, inspection reports, emails, and text messages with the landlord.

This evidence becomes critical if the landlord later claims you caused damage that did not exist at the time you moved out or exaggerates minor issues to justify keeping your money.

Step 2: Make a Written Demand for Your Deposit

If the landlord misses the 30-day deadline or provides no proper explanation, send a written demand for the return of your deposit. Your demand should include the move-out date, the amount of the deposit, your forwarding address, and a clear request for payment.

A written demand creates a record and often prompts resolution without court involvement. It also strengthens your position if legal action becomes necessary.

Step 3: Understand Your Right to Double Damages in New Jersey

New Jersey law strongly favors tenants when deposits are wrongfully withheld. If a landlord fails to return the deposit or violates the statute, a tenant may be entitled to double the amount of the deposit, plus interest.

This penalty exists to discourage abuse and ensure landlords follow the law. Once landlords realize they may owe twice the deposit, disputes often resolve quickly.

Step 4: Filing a Claim in Court

If informal efforts fail, tenants can file a claim in Small Claims Court or Superior Court, depending on the amount in dispute. Judges focus on documentation, compliance with statutory deadlines, and whether deductions were lawful.

Security deposit cases are typically straightforward when the facts are clear and the law is properly applied.

Step 5: How an Attorney Can Help

While some disputes are simple, others involve retaliation, fabricated damages, or procedural traps. An attorney ensures deadlines are met, evidence is presented properly, and the landlord is held accountable under the statute.

Take Action Immediately – Contact The Cintron Firm

At The Cintron Firm, LLC, we’ve spent more than 14 years representing New Jersey tenants in landlord-tenant disputes and enforcing the protections guaranteed under state law. Attorney Mark Cintron’s background as a former prosecutor gives clients a strong advantage when confronting landlords who ignore their legal obligations.

If your landlord refuses to return your security deposit, don’t let the issue drag on. Contact us online or call 201-791-1333 or 917-494-5695 to schedule a confidential consultation today.

How To File for Expungement in New Jersey: A Step-by-Step Guide for Former Offenders

December 22, 2025 by The Cintron Firm

Clearing a criminal record can reshape a person’s future. An expungement removes barriers that affect employment, housing, licensing, and day-to-day opportunities. While each state has its own statutes and procedures, the core steps are similar, and having the right attorney makes all the difference.

At The Cintron Firm, we’ve helped clients across New Jersey clean up past records and regain control of their lives, and we bring the same level of care and precision to every case we handle.

Who Is Eligible for Expungement in New Jersey?

Many arrests without conviction, most disorderly persons offenses, and some non-violent indictable offenses can be expunged in New Jersey.

Serious violent crimes (such as murder), sexual offenses, and public-trust crimes are usually barred. You must complete all sentencing requirements and meet the state’s waiting periods, as filing too early often leads to denial.

New Jersey Waiting Periods

You must file your petition only after the applicable waiting period, if any, has passed. In New Jersey, the clock usually starts on the later of your conviction, completion of probation/parole, release from jail/prison, or payment of court fines and fees.

Arrests not leading to conviction (dismissed, acquitted, charges dropped): Eligible for expungement at any time, with no waiting period, unless the dismissal was the result of a diversion/supervisory program.
Diversion / supervisory programs (PTI, conditional discharge, conditional dismissal, etc.): Records are typically eligible for expungement 6 months after successful completion of the program.
Disorderly persons / petty disorderly persons offenses: Generally, a 5-year waiting period from completion of sentence; in some cases, you may apply after 3 years under an “early pathway” provision if you show compelling circumstances and meet strict eligibility rules.
Indictable offenses (felonies): Typically, a 5-year waiting period from completion of sentence; certain cases may be considered after 4 years under an early-pathway expungement, again only if you meet specific criteria and demonstrate compelling reasons.
Clean Slate expungement: In many cases, a person may apply to clear their entire eligible record (any number of crimes and disorderly persons offenses) after 10 years have passed since the most recent conviction and completion of all sentences and payments, so long as none of the convictions fall into categories that New Jersey law permanently excludes from expungement.
Non-expungeable offenses: Even under Clean Slate, serious violent crimes, many sexual offenses, certain drug-distribution offenses, and public-corruption/official-misconduct offenses generally cannot be expunged under New Jersey law.

Steps to File for Expungement in New Jersey

Step 1: Confirm New Jersey’s Expungement Laws

Review New Jersey’s expungement statutes (N.J.S.A. 2C:52-1 to 52-32)
Eligibility depends on the type of offense, number of offenses, and waiting periods
Distinguish between arrests, dismissed charges, disorderly persons offenses, and indictable offenses — each has its own standard
If you have multiple cases or an older record, an attorney can help determine the correct statute and waiting period

Step 2: Obtain Your Criminal Records

Collect your full criminal history, including:

Arrest dates
Case numbers
Dispositions
Sentencing information

You can obtain records from the New Jersey State Police, the county clerk, or the court where the case was handled
Review everything carefully — an incorrect date or disposition can lead to delays or objections

Step 3: Complete New Jersey’s Required Expungement Forms

New Jersey requires several specific documents:

Petition for Expungement
Order for Hearing
Proposed Expungement Order
Cover letter and statements of compliance

Attach certified judgments of conviction and any proof that fines or probation were completed
Accuracy matters. NJ courts often reject petitions with incomplete or inconsistent information.

Step 4: File Your Petition in the Correct Superior Court

File in the Superior Court, Criminal Division, in the county where the arrest or prosecution occurred
Pay the filing fee or request a fee waiver if eligible
The clerk will review the packet and schedule a hearing date (if required under your statute)

Step 5: Serve Required Agencies

New Jersey requires service on several parties, typically within five days of filing:

County prosecutor
New Jersey Attorney General
Superintendent of the State Police
Warden (if you were incarcerated)
Local police department(s) involved in your case
Municipal court (if the matter originated there)

Step 6: Prepare for and Attend the Hearing

Some expungements are granted without a hearing, but many require one
The judge may ask about rehabilitation, compliance with the waiting period, or any objections filed
A lawyer can clarify issues quickly and present your case in a way that satisfies statutory requirements

Step 7: After the Order Is Granted

Once the judge signs the Expungement Order, certified copies are sent to all relevant agencies
Each agency must update its records to reflect the expungement
Processing times vary, but most updates occur within a few weeks to a few months
Always verify that your record has been cleared — mistakes happen, and old data can linger in databases

Straightforward cases exist, but many petitions involve overlapping convictions, complex timelines, or objections from agencies. An expungement attorney in NJ ensures the petition is complete, timely, and grounded in the correct statute.

Take Action Immediately – Contact The Cintron Firm

At The Cintron Firm, LLC, we’ve spent more than 14 years helping New Jersey residents navigate the expungement process and reclaim opportunities that a criminal record once blocked. Attorney Mark Cintron’s background as a former prosecutor gives clients a meaningful advantage when addressing eligibility, preparing petitions, and presenting cases in court.

If you’re ready to clear your record and move forward with confidence, contact us online or call 201-791-1333 or 917-494-5695 to schedule a confidential consultation today

Personal Injury After a Slip-and-Fall: How to Prove Liability and Maximize Compensation

November 12, 2025 by The Cintron Firm

A simple slip and fall can change everything. One moment you’re walking through a store or parking lot — the next, you’re in significant pain, facing substantial medical bills and unable to work. To maximize your chances of getting full and fair compensation for your losses, you’ll need to establish who was at fault for your injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine fault and build a strong compensation claim that protects your rights from the start.

What Qualifies as a Slip-and-Fall Injury?

A slip-and-fall injury falls under premises liability law, which requires property owners to keep their premises safe. Under New Jersey law, property owners have a duty to reasonably maintain their premises in ways that minimize the risk of injury to persons legally visiting the property.

When a property owner fails to exercise reasonable care, an injured person may have a claim for damages. Accordingly, when someone is injured due to a hazardous condition—such as a wet floor or an uneven surface, poor lighting, or ice buildup—that may serve as the basis of a personal injury claim, depending on the facts.

Understanding Liability in Slip-and-Fall Cases

Proving slip-and-fall liability in New Jersey requires showing four key elements of negligence:

Duty of Care: The exact extent of the owner’s duty of care depends on the facts of the case, but generally, property owners must take reasonable steps to maintain safe premises and protect visitors from foreseeable harm.
Breach of Duty: The owner breaches their duty of care if they fail to reasonably maintain the premises by fixing hazards or fail to warn visitors of potential dangers.
Causation: A dangerous condition on the owner’s premises must have caused the visitor injury.
Damages: The victim must show actual loss, which may include unreimbursed medical expenses, lost wages or income, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of companionship or consortium, and physical or mental pain and suffering.

How To Prove Fault and Strengthen Your Case

Building a solid slip-and-fall injury claim requires clear, well-documented evidence that supports your version of events. Key steps include:

The use of surveillance footage: Video evidence can show how long a hazard existed and whether the property owner ignored it.
A review of maintenance logs: These records reveal inspection schedules, cleaning frequency, and prior complaints.
Witness statements: Neutral observers can confirm what happened and whether warning signs were missing.
Expert witness testimony: Safety engineers, accident reconstructionists, and medical experts can establish how the hazard caused your injury.
Documentation: Photos, medical records, and incident reports collected right after the fall can strengthen your case.

Calculating Damages and Maximizing Compensation

Recovering fair slip-and-fall compensation means understanding the full scope of your losses—both financial and personal. Damages in a personal injury case fall into two main categories:

Economic Damages: These are measurable financial losses, including medical bills, rehabilitation costs, medication, and assistive equipment.

Other economic losses include lost wages and loss of earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work or limit future income potential.
Non-Economic Damages: These losses are intangible and difficult to calculate, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Why You Need an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

Handling a slip-and-fall claim takes legal skill, strategy, and persistence. An experienced attorney can:

Establish the necessary elements of negligence: Gather and present evidence to show breach of duty, causation, and damages
Investigate thoroughly: Secure surveillance footage, maintenance records, and witness statements
Deal with insurers: Handle adjusters who often try to undervalue or deny valid claims
Protect your case: Ensure deadlines are met and documentation is complete
Present with precision: Build a clear, persuasive case that earns respect in negotiations or court

Take Action Immediately – Contact The Cintron Firm

At The Cintron Firm, LLC, we’ve spent more than 14 years helping New Jersey injury victims recover the compensation they deserve. Attorney Mark Cintron’s background as a former prosecutor gives clients a strong advantage when proving fault and negotiating with insurers.

If you’ve suffered a slip-and-fall injury, don’t wait to protect your rights. Contact us online or call 201-791-1333 or 917-494-5695 to schedule a confidential consultation today.

Tenant Protections Against Unlawful Evictions

October 13, 2025 by The Cintron Firm

Unlawful eviction occurs when a landlord attempts to remove a tenant without following the court process required by law.

In New Jersey, tenant rights are among the strongest in the country, and landlords cannot legally force someone out by changing locks, shutting off utilities, or using threats–such actions are strictly prohibited.

Landlords who engage in unlawful eviction face serious legal consequences, including court penalties and potential liability for damages, making it critical for tenants to know and assert their rights.

What Constitutes an Unlawful Eviction in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, a landlord may evict a tenant only with a court order obtained through proper legal channels. Any attempt to bypass this procedure is considered an illegal eviction in New Jersey.

Common unlawful actions include locking a tenant out of the property; shutting off heat, water, or electricity; changing locks without judicial approval; or using threats, harassment, or physical force to compel a tenant to leave.

Under New Jersey’s Anti-Eviction Act and supporting case law, tenants are protected from these tactics, and landlords who attempt them may face serious legal consequences.

Tenant Rights Under New Jersey’s Anti-Eviction Act

The New Jersey Anti-Eviction Act provides strong tenant protections that cover most residential tenants in the state.

Landlords may pursue eviction only in limited situations, including nonpayment of rent, significant lease violations, or illegal activity on the property. Even in such circumstances, the law requires strict compliance with due process, including proper notice and a court hearing before a judge.

Accordingly, a tenant cannot be removed without judicial approval, ensuring that housing stability is preserved unless a lawful basis for eviction is proven.

Legal Remedies Available to Tenants

Tenants have the right to remain in the property until a court issues a lawful eviction judgment.
If locked out, a tenant can file for an emergency order to restore possession immediately.
Tenants may pursue claims for damages if a landlord violates the law, including reimbursement of costs and compensation for emotional distress.
Courts may impose penalties on landlords who engage in unlawful practices or order them to pay financial compensation to tenants.

Steps To Take If Facing an Unlawful Eviction in New Jersey

Contact law enforcement if you are locked out—police may intervene to stop the eviction.
Document landlord actions with photos, text messages, and witness accounts.
File a complaint in court to challenge the unlawful eviction and seek restoration of possession.
Seek immediate legal counsel for advice on what to do if a landlord illegally evicts you in New Jersey.

Acting quickly is critical to preserve your rights and avoid losing your home.

Take Action Immediately – Contact The Cintron Firm

At The Cintron Firm, LLC, we have more than 14 years of experience protecting tenants’ rights across New Jersey. Attorney Mark Cintron’s background as a former prosecutor and his extensive courtroom experience make him a strong advocate for clients facing unlawful eviction.

If your landlord has taken illegal steps to remove you, don’t wait to assert your rights. Contact our office online, or call us at 201-791-1333 or 917-494-5695 to schedule a confidential consultation.

FAQs

Can my landlord change the locks without a court order in NJ?

No, only a court can authorize eviction. Self-help eviction is unlawful.

What damages can I recover if my landlord illegally evicts me?

You may seek compensation for losses, legal fees, and possibly punitive damages.

Does the Anti-Eviction Act protect all tenants?

Most tenants are covered, but exceptions apply, such as owner-occupied buildings with small units and seasonal rentals.

What To Do After a Hit‑and‑Run Accident in NJ

August 27, 2025 by The Cintron Firm

If you’ve been injured by a driver who fled the scene, you are not alone—New Jersey law offers protections for victims like you.

A hit-and-run accident in New Jersey occurs when a driver involved in a crash flees from the accident scene without stopping to provide identification or render aid, violating N.J.S.A. 39:4-129. For victims, these moments are disorienting—physically, emotionally, and legally.

As experienced car accident attorneys in NJ, we know that time is critical. You may still be entitled to compensation, even if the driver is never found, through an uninsured motorist claim.

Steps To Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident in NJ

Step 1: Call 911 to Notify Authorities and Request Emergency Response

After a hit-and-run accident in New Jersey, your first legal obligation is to call 911 immediately. Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-129, drivers involved in a crash causing injury or damage must stop and report the incident. If the other driver flees, your 911 call ensures the event is officially documented and initiates a police investigation.

When officers arrive, provide all relevant details:

Time and location
Any identifying information about the vehicle that left the scene—such as its type, approximate size, paint color, license plate digits (even partial), and direction of travel
Vehicle damage and personal injuries

Step 2: Gather Evidence at the Scene

If it’s safe to do so, gather as much evidence at the scene as possible. In hit-and-run accidents in NJ, this early documentation strengthens your ability to prove fault, supporting your uninsured motorist claim.

Use your phone to photograph:

Vehicle damage
Road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks
Injuries, no matter how minor

Step 3: Seek Immediate Medical Attention

After a hit-and-run accident in New Jersey, it’s critical to seek medical attention right away—even if your injuries seem minor. Many serious conditions, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately.

Delaying treatment can give insurers grounds to dispute the severity or cause of your injuries. Be honest with your provider about all symptoms, and follow their recommendations closely.

Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company

Promptly inform your insurer about the crash to preserve your coverage rights. Provide only the basic facts and avoid speculating about fault or injuries. Let your attorney handle detailed communications.

In New Jersey, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) may cover initial medical expenses. But for damages beyond PIP—such as pain and suffering or lost wages—you may need to file under the Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) provision in your policy, which can apply when the at-fault driver cannot be unidentified.

Step 5: Contact a New Jersey Hit-and-Run Lawyer

Dealing with a hit-and-run accident in NJ without legal guidance can put your claim and your recovery at risk.

Your attorney will:

Obtain nearby surveillance footage
Interview witnesses
Coordinate medical documentation
File and negotiate your uninsured/underinsured motorist claim
File a lawsuit if necessary

Legal Reminder: In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the accident date. If you fail to file a lawsuit within the period set by the statute of limitations, your claim may be barred.

Contact The Cintron Firm

At The Cintron Firm, LLC, we bring over 22 years of legal experience to victims of hit-and-run accidents in New Jersey. Attorney Mark Cintron has served as a prosecutor and has extensive trial experience, giving you the advantage of a skilled advocate who understands both sides of the courtroom.

Whether you’re pursuing an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim or seeking compensation for your injuries directly from the at-fault party, we’re here to help you navigate every step of the legal process with clarity and confidence.

Contact our office online or call us at 201-791-1333 or 917-494-5695 to schedule a free consultation.

What To Do If You’re Accused of Domestic Violence in NJ

August 1, 2025 by The Cintron Firm

Being accused of domestic violence can be overwhelming, frightening, and life-altering. In New Jersey, these accusations are treated very seriously and can result in both criminal charges and restraining orders. Whether the claim is true, exaggerated, or entirely false, how you respond in the immediate aftermath can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

At The Cintron Firm, we assist individuals throughout New Jersey in navigating domestic violence allegations with experienced legal guidance.

Steps To Take After Being Accused of Domestic Violence

1. Remain Calm and Avoid Retaliation

Emotions often run high in domestic disputes. However, it is crucial to stay calm and avoid reacting with anger or aggression. Do not confront the accuser, attempt to explain your side directly, or retaliate in any way. Anything you say or do can be used against you in court or during police investigations.

2. Do Not Violate Any Restraining Orders

In many domestic violence cases, a temporary restraining order (TRO) is issued quickly. Violating this order—even unintentionally—can lead to criminal contempt charges and potential jail time. Read the order carefully, follow all instructions, and avoid all contact with the alleged victim.

If you are served with a TRO, you will have the opportunity to attend a final restraining order (FRO) hearing where both parties will present their case. Having legal representation at this stage is essential.

3. Speak to a New Jersey Domestic Violence Attorney Immediately

Hiring a qualified criminal defense attorney in New Jersey is the most important step you can take. Domestic violence accusations involve complex legal issues, and without a strategic defense, you could face:

Criminal charges for assault, harassment, stalking, or terroristic threats
Permanent restraining orders
Loss of custody or visitation rights
Employment consequences
A permanent criminal record

4. Gather Evidence and Witnesses

Evidence can help disprove false allegations, provide context, or support your version of events in court. Start documenting everything related to the alleged incident. This may include the following:

Text messages, emails, or social media interactions
Photos or videos from the incident
Call logs or voicemails
Eyewitnesses who can provide testimony

5. Avoid Talking About the Case Publicly

Do not post anything about your case on social media or discuss it with friends, coworkers, or anyone other than your attorney. Anything shared online or in conversations could be misinterpreted and used as evidence against you.

6. Understand the Long-Term Impact

A domestic violence conviction or final restraining order in New Jersey can have serious consequences, including:

Ineligibility for certain jobs or professional licenses
Loss of firearm rights
Immigration consequences for non-citizens
Damage to your personal and professional reputation

Take Action Immediately – Contact the Cintron Firm

At The Cintron Firm, LLC, we offer more than 14 years of experience representing individuals throughout New Jersey facing serious legal matters—including domestic violence charges. Attorney Mark Cintron has served as a prosecutor and possesses extensive courtroom experience, giving clients a powerful advocate both in and out of court.

If you’ve been accused of domestic violence, don’t wait to protect your rights. Contact our office online or call us at 201-791-1333 or 917-494-5695 to schedule a confidential consultation.

Application of the Going-and-Coming Rule in a New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Claim

July 15, 2025 by The Cintron Firm

What Is the Going-and-Coming Rule? Are There Any Exceptions?

In New Jersey, there are only two requirements that must be met to qualify for workers’ compensation: you must have been hurt, and the injury must have occurred during the course of your employment. Injuries suffered while traveling for work may qualify for workers’ compensation. The longstanding rule, however, is that injuries sustained during your commute—while you are going to or coming from work—are not sustained in the course of your employment and therefore can’t provide the basis for a workers’ comp claim.

Are There Exceptions to the Going-and-Coming Rule?

Yes, there are a number of recognized types of travel that still allow for workers’ compensation benefits in the event of an injury:

You deviated from your normal route to perform a task for your employer—This “special mission” exception allows you to file for workers’ comp benefits if you’re injured on your commute while doing something along the way at the request of your employer. For example, your boss may ask you to pick up donuts on your way in or drop off a package at the post office on your way home. As a general rule, the request must come from a supervisor and must be for a work-related (as opposed to personal) task.
You were using a company vehicle at the time of your injury—If you are authorized to use a company vehicle to commute to and from work, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits for injuries suffered in an accident while commuting. However, if you are using the company vehicle for personal reasons (not going to or coming from work), you won’t qualify.
You have no fixed place of work—If you don’t have a regular jobsite, but you spend your time at work going from one location to another, the drives at the beginning and end of your work day are considered to be during the course of your employment.
You are asked to be available to work outside normal business hours—If you are “on call,” or if your employer asks you to do something work-related outside of normal business hours, any related travel is considered to be within the course of your employment.

Contact the Cintron Firm

At the Cintron Firm, LLC, we offer more than 14 years of experience to people in New Jersey facing a broad array of legal challenges. Attorney Mark Cintron has worked as a prosecutor and has extensive courtroom experience, so he’s always ready, willing, and able to protect your interests before a judge or jury. Contact our office online or call us at 201-791-1333 or 917-494-5695 to set up an appointment.

Damages Available in a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawsuit

May 29, 2025 by The Cintron Firm

Understanding Economic and Non-Economic Losses

When you’ve been hurt because of the negligence of another person, it can change your life dramatically. You may be unable to work, now or for the foreseeable future. You may require extensive medical treatment, which may not all be covered by insurance. Your injuries may cause persistent pain and suffering, making it difficult or impossible to do many of the things you used to love to do. You may find it difficult to maintain close personal relationships with beloved family members. What types of damages can you expect to recover for these various losses in a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey?

Types of Damages in a Personal Injury Claim

As the law of personal injury has developed, the compensation available has come to be identified as either economic or non-economic:

Economic damages are those for which an accurate value is generally easy to determine. Common types of economic damages include lost wages or income and unreimbursed or unpaid medical expenses. Property damage caused in an accident is also considered an economic loss. To establish the correct amount of damages, your attorney will introduce pay stubs or earnings documents, medical bills, and bills for the repair or replacement of property.
Non-economic damages are those for which there is no tangible method of calculation. Examples include pain and suffering, loss of companionship or consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life. Because of the difficulty involved in computing these types of damages, courts use a couple of different approaches:
- Some courts apply a multiplier to the amount of economic damages. For example, the court may calculate economic damages at $1 million and instruct the jury to apply a multiplier of 1.5, adding $1.5 million in non-economic damages.
- Other courts may simply instruct the jury to award a “reasonable” amount for non-economic damages.

Contact the Cintron Firm

At the Cintron Firm, LLC, we offer more than 14 years of experience to people in New Jersey facing a broad array of legal challenges. Attorney Mark Cintron has worked as a prosecutor and has extensive courtroom experience, so he’s always ready, willing, and able to protect your interests before a judge or jury. Contact our office online, or call us at 201-791-1333 or 917-494-5695 to set up an appointment.

Your Right to Medical Care After a Workplace Injury in New Jersey

April 23, 2025 by The Cintron Firm

Requirement To See an Authorized Physician | When You May Choose Your Own Caregiver

Under New Jersey law, if you suffer an injury during the course of your employment, you have the right to seek benefits under the state’s workers’ compensation laws. When you file a workers’ compensation claim in New Jersey, your employer or the workers’ compensation insurance carrier gets to choose your initial treating doctor. Here’s what you need to know:

If you require immediate emergency medical attention, you can seek that from any provider. Your employer cannot limit the emergency care you receive, but you must notify your employer of the treatment as soon as possible.
Your employer has the right to designate who will conduct any non-emergency medical examination or evaluation after an injury
As a general rule, you must continue to seek care from the company-selected physician, should you need ongoing care.
If you want a second opinion, you must request and obtain approval from the workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
After 30 days or 10 visits, you have the right to request a change in your treating physician, but must obtain the approval of the workers’ compensation judge or the New Jersey Department of Workers’ Compensation

If your injury involves a pre-existing condition, for which you were already receiving treatment, and the authorized treating physician selected by your employer or the insurance company cannot provide the type of care you were receiving, you may be permitted to stay with your treating physician for any care related to the pre-existing condition. In addition, you can always request a hearing to dispute the authorized treating physician’s treatment plan or diagnosis.

Contact the Cintron Firm

At the Cintron Firm, LLC, we offer more than 14 years of experience to people in New Jersey facing a broad array of legal challenges. Attorney Mark Cintron has worked as a prosecutor and has extensive courtroom experience, so he’s always ready, willing, and able to protect your interests before a judge or jury. Contact our office online, or call us at 201-791-1333 or 917-494-5695 to set up an appointment.