An accusation of a sex offense in Echelon can change your life overnight. New Jersey law imposes severe penalties, including prison exposure, long-term supervision, and potential registration under Megan’s Law. Beyond the courtroom, you may face job loss, school issues, and strain on family and reputation. The Law Office of Edward Appel provides direct, judgment-free counsel to help you understand your rights and next steps. We serve clients in Echelon and across Camden County, focusing on strategic, steady advocacy from the first contact through resolution. If you were contacted by police or learned you are under investigation, swift legal guidance can make a meaningful difference.
Every case is unique. The facts, digital evidence, and statements gathered early often shape the outcome. Our firm prioritizes prompt action, privacy, and a clear plan that fits your goals—whether that means seeking dismissal, negotiating a favorable plea, or preparing for trial. We regularly appear in Camden County courts and understand local procedures and expectations. If you or a loved one is facing allegations in Echelon, we can help you navigate interviews, pretrial detention hearings, and discovery deadlines. Reach out to discuss a confidential strategy to protect your future and to restore control during a difficult time.
Sex crimes allegations carry intense scrutiny, and early missteps can be costly. Statements made without counsel, consent to searches, or casual digital communications may be used against you. Prompt representation helps manage law enforcement contact, secure evidence favorable to your defense, and push back on pretrial detention. A measured strategy can address Megan’s Law exposure, limit damaging conditions, and challenge unreliable or impermissible evidence. With focused guidance, you can avoid unnecessary risks, safeguard your privacy, and position the case for the best possible outcome—whether through dismissal, reduction, or trial. Timely counsel gives you clarity, structure, and a voice at each stage.
At the Law Office of Edward Appel, we represent people facing serious criminal allegations throughout New Jersey, with a strong focus on Camden County and the Echelon community. Our practice includes Criminal Defense, DUI, and related matters, allowing us to address companion charges, no-contact orders, and pretrial issues that often arise alongside sex offense allegations. We value preparation, discretion, and clear communication. From the first call, we map the case timeline, explain court events, and identify defenses tailored to the facts. Clients rely on us for steady guidance, rigorous motion practice, and practical solutions designed to serve long-term goals.
New Jersey prosecutes a wide range of sex offenses, including aggravated sexual assault (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2), sexual assault, criminal sexual contact (2C:14-3), endangering the welfare of a child (2C:24-4), luring (2C:13-6), and possession or distribution of explicit materials. The law examines consent, force or coercion, age of the parties, positions of authority, and incapacitation. Penalties vary by degree, with first- and second-degree crimes carrying substantial prison exposure and potential registration under Megan’s Law. Many cases also include conditions such as no-contact orders, device restrictions, and parole supervision for life (PSL) depending on the offense and outcome.
Allegations often involve digital evidence—texts, social media, location data, or forensic results from phones and computers. The government may also rely on statements, medical records, or witness accounts. Defense strategies look closely at how evidence was obtained, the reliability of identification and timelines, and whether statements were voluntary and lawful. Early investigation can preserve messages, metadata, or third-party records that support consent or contradict claims. Understanding the interplay of New Jersey’s evidence rules, potential Rape Shield constraints, and pretrial detention standards helps shape a defense that targets weaknesses while preparing for negotiation or trial.
New Jersey law covers a spectrum of conduct, from unwanted touching to penetration, and charges escalate based on age, force, injury, and positions of authority. Aggravated sexual assault and sexual assault focus on penetration and non-consensual acts, while criminal sexual contact addresses intentional, unlawful touching for sexual purposes. Endangering the welfare of a child involves creating a risk of harm through sexual conduct, exposure to explicit material, or exploitation. Luring prohibits enticing a minor for unlawful sexual activity. Each statute has specific elements the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt, which your defense should test through motions and careful evidentiary challenges.
Core issues often include consent, incapacity, force, coercion, or age. The process typically begins with an investigation, complaint, or indictment, followed by a first appearance, discovery exchanges, and detention determinations under New Jersey’s bail reform. Defense counsel may file motions to suppress statements, exclude unlawful searches, or limit prejudicial evidence, including improper 404(b) prior-acts material. Some matters resolve through plea negotiations, while others proceed to trial or dismissal. If convicted, sentencing may include prison, probation, Megan’s Law registration, and supervision such as PSL or CSL. Deadlines arrive quickly, so organized, early planning is essential to protecting your position.
Understanding a few recurring terms helps you follow each stage. Megan’s Law involves registration and community notification tiers. Pretrial detention can keep a person in custody while the case is pending if the court finds certain risks. The Rape Shield Rule limits certain evidence about an alleged victim’s prior sexual conduct, subject to narrow exceptions. Parole Supervision for Life imposes long-term conditions after certain convictions. These concepts influence strategy, negotiation, and trial decisions. Knowing how they apply to your case allows you to evaluate options realistically and work with your lawyer to set achievable goals.
Megan’s Law requires certain individuals convicted of qualifying offenses to register with law enforcement and, in some cases, be assigned a tier that determines the scope of community notification. Tiering considers factors like offense conduct, treatment history, and risk assessments. Registration can affect housing, jobs, schooling, and travel, and failure to comply is a separate offense. Defense planning should consider whether the charged offense triggers registration, whether a negotiated resolution could avoid it, and how to present mitigation at any tiering hearing. Understanding the registration process early helps you anticipate long-term consequences and evaluate outcomes beyond the immediate sentence.
Under New Jersey’s bail reform, prosecutors may seek pretrial detention based on public safety, risk of flight, or obstruction concerns. A judge evaluates the evidence, risk assessments, and proposed conditions. Effective advocacy can highlight weaknesses in the State’s proofs, propose robust supervision, or challenge reliance on unreliable hearsay. If detention is ordered, counsel can seek reconsideration upon changed circumstances. The detention decision often shapes negotiations and defense leverage, so preparation for the hearing is essential. Submitting favorable records, addressing housing and employment stability, and proposing realistic safeguards can help reduce the likelihood of detention and support release.
New Jersey’s Rape Shield Rule generally bars evidence of an alleged victim’s prior sexual conduct to avoid unfair prejudice and distractions from the core facts. There are limited exceptions, and any proposed evidence typically requires a motion and an in-camera hearing. The rule intersects with issues like prior communications between the parties, alternative sources of injury, and mistaken identity. A careful review of the facts can determine whether an exception may apply, or whether other admissible evidence achieves the same defense goals. Planning for these evidentiary boundaries early helps avoid surprises and ensures the defense presents a focused, admissible case.
PSL is a long-term supervisory regime imposed for certain New Jersey sex offense convictions. Conditions may include treatment, restrictions on internet use or devices, limitations on contact with minors, and periodic reporting. Violations can lead to additional penalties. When negotiating or litigating a case, consider whether the charged offenses trigger PSL, and whether an alternative plea or reduced count could avoid or narrow it. Counsel can also advocate for tailored conditions that reflect the person’s history and the specifics of the case. Understanding PSL early allows informed decisions that consider life after the case resolves, not just the immediate sentence.
Defense strategies range from narrowly targeted motions to full-scale litigation. A limited approach might focus on a single dispositive issue, such as a suppression motion or a key credibility challenge. A comprehensive approach typically includes extensive investigation, digital forensics, witness work, expert consultation where appropriate, and trial preparation. The best path depends on the facts, risk profile, and goals. In Echelon, local practices and the assigned judge also factor into timing and tactics. A forthright discussion with your lawyer about budget, leverage, and potential outcomes will help you choose the approach that aligns with your objectives.
Sometimes a case turns on a single, powerful issue—such as a custodial statement taken without proper Miranda warnings, or a phone search conducted without a valid warrant or consent. If the State’s case depends heavily on that evidence, a targeted motion may significantly weaken or eliminate the prosecution’s proof. In such circumstances, concentrating resources on briefings, case law, and a focused evidentiary hearing can be both efficient and effective. This approach still requires diligence and preparation, but it may avoid the expense and delay of broader litigation if the court’s ruling removes the key pillar supporting the charges.
If objective records—location data, time-stamped communications, or surveillance—conclusively place you elsewhere or contradict the alleged timeline, the defense may focus on curating and presenting that proof. When the facts are clean and unambiguous, a limited approach that organizes authenticated records, obtains narrow witness affidavits, and presses for early dismissal can be appropriate. While broader investigation might still be helpful, it may not be necessary. The goal is to persuade the prosecutor and, if needed, the court that the State cannot meet its burden, all while managing cost and minimizing the disruption that litigation can cause in daily life.
Many cases involve layered timelines, alcohol or medication issues, and evolving statements. Digital footprints may be incomplete or contested. In these matters, a comprehensive defense—covering forensic review, subpoena practice, witness interviews, and motion work—helps surface contradictions and context. The prosecution may rely on inferences that can be tested through careful reconstruction of events. Comprehensive preparation not only strengthens trial readiness but also increases the chance of a favorable resolution before trial by revealing weaknesses that are not obvious at first glance.
When exposure includes Megan’s Law registration, PSL, or significant prison time, investing in a full defense often makes sense. Thorough preparation allows your attorney to negotiate from a position of strength, propose creative resolutions, and prepare mitigation that could influence both charges and conditions. In close cases, detailed reports, timelines, treatment records, and risk assessments may help shape outcomes. A comprehensive approach recognizes that long-term consequences can be as impactful as the sentence itself, and it aims to reduce those burdens wherever the law and facts allow.
A comprehensive strategy brings structure, pace, and leverage to a case. It uncovers favorable evidence early, preserves digital data, and spots technical issues that may otherwise be missed. With a full picture, your lawyer can push back against overcharging, challenge detention, and address tiering risks. This approach also supports negotiation by presenting prosecutors with organized materials and clear weaknesses. Even if trial becomes necessary, a comprehensive foundation shortens preparation time and improves clarity for the court and jury. The result is a defense oriented toward both immediate decisions and long-term consequences.
Thorough preparation allows you to set realistic benchmarks and track progress. You will better understand options, from diversionary possibilities to plea structures and trial defenses. Comprehensive planning promotes consistency in messaging, reduces surprises, and helps protect your privacy by limiting unnecessary disclosures. It also encourages timely engagement with treatment providers or evaluators when appropriate, creating mitigation that can influence outcomes. Ultimately, a well-rounded defense strategy is about control—building a case that serves your goals, supports your life outside the courtroom, and gives you confidence in the choices made at each stage.
When the State sees organized discovery challenges, credible alternatives, and prepared witnesses, it must account for trial risk. That dynamic can open doors to reduced counts, amended charges that avoid registration or PSL, or sentencing agreements that better reflect the facts. Leveraging targeted expert input, digital analysis, and mitigation materials shows commitment and clarity. This can help reframe the narrative and lead to fairer discussions. Even if negotiations stall, the groundwork built through comprehensive preparation continues to benefit your case by sharpening cross-examination strategies and identifying admissible evidence that supports your defense at trial.
Dismissals and acquittals often result from months of disciplined work: preserving phone data, challenging identifications, scrutinizing forensic methods, and filing timely motions. A comprehensive approach increases the likelihood of finding the evidentiary gaps that make these outcomes possible. It also helps ensure legal issues are preserved for appeal. By aligning facts, law, and presentation from the start, your defense builds momentum. Whether the case ends through a dispositive motion, a no-bill by a grand jury, or a not-guilty verdict, the sustained effort pays dividends by giving decision-makers the full, accurate context they need.
Well-meaning attempts to “clear things up” can create statements that are difficult to challenge later. If police contact you in Echelon or elsewhere in Camden County, politely request a lawyer and stop the conversation. Do not consent to searches of your home, phone, or accounts without legal advice. Anything you say—texts, emails, social media messages—may be taken out of context and used against you. Preserve your phone and do not delete messages or apps. A timely call to counsel helps ensure your rights are protected and that early decisions do not unintentionally strengthen the State’s case.
Courts may impose no-contact orders, device restrictions, or supervision conditions. Complying fully strengthens your credibility and avoids new charges. Keep records showing your compliance, such as check-in logs or counseling attendance when applicable. If a condition is unworkable—like an employment conflict—tell your lawyer promptly so they can seek a modification. Demonstrating reliability helps at detention reviews, plea negotiations, and sentencing arguments. Small missteps can carry outsized consequences in sex offense cases, so build habits that show responsibility and respect for the process. Consistency today can translate into better options tomorrow.
Police and prosecutors move quickly in sex crime investigations. Early counsel can manage communications, protect your devices, and set a discovery plan. A lawyer can also prepare you for detention hearings, explore alternatives to incarceration, and identify opportunities for charge reductions that may avoid registration or long-term supervision. In cases with digital evidence, preserving data and obtaining third-party records can be time-sensitive. Acting now gives your defense a chance to influence the narrative before it hardens, limiting avoidable risks and setting up a stronger posture for negotiation or trial in Echelon.
Legal representation brings structure to a stressful situation. You’ll receive clear explanations of statutes, elements, and potential penalties, helping you make informed decisions at each step. Counsel can address employment and schooling concerns, manage media exposure, and coordinate with treatment providers if appropriate. We focus on the real-world impact of conditions like Megan’s Law, PSL, and device restrictions, and we look for solutions that reduce those burdens. With a plan tailored to your goals, you can move forward purposefully rather than reacting to each development as it comes.
Allegations often arise from relationships where consent is disputed, encounters involving alcohol or medication, online communications that are interpreted differently, or misunderstandings about age and positions of authority. Other cases involve claims of inappropriate touching, exposure to explicit materials, or accusations tied to school or workplace settings. Digital platforms—dating apps, messaging services, and social media—frequently supply much of the evidence. Each scenario demands careful investigation, attention to timelines, and a tailored plan for motions and negotiations. The earlier you involve counsel, the better your chances of preserving key proof and avoiding harmful missteps.
Events involving alcohol often create confusion about timelines and communications. Messages before and after the gathering, rideshare receipts, and witness accounts can clarify expectations and interactions. The law looks at whether consent was given, withdrawn, or impossible due to incapacity. We focus on preserving digital evidence, identifying neutral witnesses, and reviewing any forensic reports. In many cases, a clear chronology reduces speculation and reveals inconsistencies. Early engagement can help avoid unnecessary statements and protect against detention. A structured defense plan places facts, not assumptions, at the center of the discussion with prosecutors and the court.
Online interactions can be taken out of context, especially when messages are incomplete or screenshots are selectively presented. The defense may need full message threads, metadata, and account records to reconstruct conversations accurately. We examine identity issues, age confirmations, and the timing of communications. When accounts are compromised or spoofed, technical analysis may be needed. A careful approach can reveal consent, sarcasm, or third-party tampering that single screenshots miss. Preserving devices and obtaining platform records early helps protect your position and can drive negotiations toward a fair and grounded assessment of the facts.
Institutions may conduct their own investigations alongside law enforcement, which can affect privacy, access to records, and timelines. Procedures, policies, and reporting rules matter. We work to secure relevant documents, emails, and surveillance, and to identify witnesses quickly. Parallel investigations can lead to inconsistent statements that impact credibility assessments. Navigating both systems requires planning to avoid unintended admissions or policy violations. With a structured strategy, you can protect your rights in the criminal case while addressing the employment or academic issues that may arise from the same set of allegations.
Local knowledge matters. We regularly appear in Camden County courts and handle cases from Echelon and surrounding communities. Our familiarity with procedures, detention practices, and courtroom expectations helps us set realistic strategies from day one. We coordinate promptly with investigators, seek necessary records, and identify motion issues early. Whether your case involves disputed consent, online communications, or allegations in a school or workplace setting, we design a plan that addresses both the law and the practical realities of your life.
Communication and privacy are central to our approach. You can expect clear timelines, straightforward explanations, and regular updates about discovery and negotiations. We safeguard your information and help manage collateral concerns like employment, education, and device restrictions. When appropriate, we incorporate treatment providers or evaluators to strengthen mitigation or address supervision conditions. This balanced, proactive approach aims to reduce stress, avoid missteps, and position your case for the best available outcome.
Preparation drives results. We build cases meticulously—preserving data, testing the government’s theories, and creating persuasive materials for negotiation or trial. From challenging unlawful searches to curating digital timelines, we focus on the details that can move decision-makers. When negotiation is in your interest, we push for outcomes that minimize long-term consequences like registration and PSL. If trial is the right path, we arrive ready to present a clear, supported defense that tells your story and holds the State to its burden.
We start by listening and clarifying your goals. Then we outline the stages ahead—investigation, first appearance, discovery, detention issues, motions, negotiations, and trial. Early tasks often include evidence preservation, device handling protocols, and a plan for communications with law enforcement. We develop a case map that identifies key timelines, witnesses, and potential technical issues. Throughout, you receive clear updates and practical guidance for court compliance. Our aim is to reduce uncertainty while building leverage, so that each step serves your broader objective—whether dismissal, reduction, or a strong trial posture in Echelon.
First, we stabilize the situation. We address police contact, advise you on asserting rights, and establish a preservation plan for messages, location data, and devices. We gather your account while details are fresh and review any paperwork, summonses, or court notices. We identify urgent issues like potential detention and no-contact orders. This phase sets the tone—organized, private, and deliberate—so you avoid avoidable risks and we can begin shaping the narrative with facts and law. By the end of Step 1, you have a working timeline and a clear list of next actions.
We intervene to stop unnecessary interviews, decline consent to searches without review, and coordinate communications with law enforcement. We implement device and cloud preservation, obtain backups, and advise on safe handling to protect metadata. We also identify initial witnesses and records—rideshare, banking, access logs—that can help build a clear timeline. The immediate goal is to prevent harm from premature statements or lost evidence. With a rapid, structured approach, we position the case for an informed detention strategy and early motions practice, while keeping your privacy and employment concerns in view.
We prepare for the first appearance, address conditions, and anticipate the prosecutor’s detention arguments. If detention is sought, we assemble materials that support release: community ties, employment records, housing stability, and proposed supervision terms. We also prepare you for court conduct and communication boundaries. Early compliance helps establish credibility with the court and may influence conditions. At the same time, we begin mapping potential motions—suppression, discovery enforcement, or evidentiary limits—so the court understands from the outset that contested issues are being handled professionally and on schedule.
During discovery, we review police reports, recordings, forensic outputs, and digital evidence. We conduct targeted investigation to test the State’s timeline, interview witnesses, and secure missing records. Motion practice may challenge statements, searches, identifications, and improper 404(b) material. We also evaluate Rape Shield implications and any exceptions that might apply. This stage often reveals negotiation opportunities or confirms the need for trial preparation. Throughout, we keep you informed and refine the defense plan in light of what the evidence actually shows, not just what is alleged.
We examine the chain of custody for devices, parse forensic reports, and compare message logs with real-world events—receipts, cameras, and geolocation. We look for gaps, inconsistencies, and alternative explanations. When necessary, we consult technical resources and seek court orders for additional data. We organize findings into a clear narrative that highlights reasonable doubt, challenges credibility, and undercuts key elements. This work informs both negotiation and trial strategy and helps ensure that any plea discussions are grounded in the actual strengths and weaknesses of the case.
Well-supported motions can shift the balance by excluding unreliable or unlawfully obtained evidence. We file on time, present clear facts, and cite controlling law. If negotiations align with your goals, we present mitigation, timelines, and legal arguments to pursue a favorable resolution—reduced counts, alternative charges, or conditions that avoid long-term supervision where possible. If trial is likely, motions frame the issues and limit surprises. Either way, this stage focuses on securing tangible improvements to your position while staying ready for the next step.
With evidence tested and motions litigated, we assess options: targeted plea, dismissal, or trial. We discuss sentencing exposures, Megan’s Law, PSL, and collateral consequences to ensure fully informed decisions. If trial proceeds, we finalize witness lists, exhibits, cross-examination plans, and motions in limine. Throughout, we maintain clear communication so you understand risks, timelines, and likely outcomes. Post-verdict planning may address appeals, tiering, or supervision conditions. Our mission is to pursue the result that best protects your future while honoring your objectives at every turn.
When a plea is in your interest, we aim for terms that reflect the actual evidence and mitigate long-term burdens. We prepare submissions that highlight your history, treatment engagement where appropriate, and the weaknesses revealed through discovery. We advocate for conditions that allow stability in work, schooling, and family life. If sentencing follows, we present a comprehensive case for leniency and sensible supervision terms. We never recommend a resolution without a clear accounting of registration risks, PSL, and practical implications that matter once the case ends.
If a trial is necessary, we arrive prepared with a focused theory, organized exhibits, and cross-examinations built on documented inconsistencies. We address jury selection, motions in limine, and evidentiary foundations to keep the case centered on admissible facts. We use timelines and demonstratives to clarify the sequence of events, and we preserve issues for appeal. The goal is to hold the State to its burden beyond a reasonable doubt while telling your story clearly and respectfully, grounded in law and evidence.
Politely decline and ask for a lawyer. Even innocent remarks can be misunderstood or used against you later. Once you request counsel, questioning must stop. Do not attempt to explain or “clear things up” without legal advice. Written statements, texts, or casual phone calls can have the same risks as in-person interviews. Contact an attorney immediately to manage communications, evaluate whether speaking is in your interest, and protect your rights. In some cases, it is best not to give any statement. In others, limited, carefully prepared information may be appropriate. Your lawyer will help you decide safely based on the facts and strategy.
At the first appearance, the court confirms you understand the charges and addresses representation. The prosecutor may seek pretrial detention. The judge considers risk factors, the State’s proffer, and any defense proposals for release conditions. If detention is ordered, counsel can later seek reconsideration based on changed circumstances or new information. You will receive dates for discovery and future hearings. Your attorney will explain the conditions—no contact, device restrictions, or other terms—and guide you on compliance. Early preparation, documentation of community ties, and realistic supervision proposals can significantly improve your chances of release while the case proceeds.
Yes, charges can sometimes be reduced or dismissed, depending on the evidence and legal issues. Successful motions—such as suppression of statements or exclusion of unlawful searches—can weaken the State’s case. Negotiations may lead to amended charges that avoid registration or minimize supervision. Whether reduction is possible depends on the facts, the assigned court, and the prosecutor’s assessment of risk. Your lawyer will evaluate discovery, identify leverage, and present mitigation to influence outcomes. Even where a full dismissal is unlikely, targeted advocacy can produce meaningful improvements to the charges or the proposed sentence.
Megan’s Law applies to certain offenses and circumstances. Not every conviction results in registration, and tiering affects the scope of community notification. The specific statute, plea terms, and risk assessments matter. Your attorney can advise whether the charged offense triggers registration and explore options to avoid or limit it. If registration is possible, planning should begin early. Presenting mitigation, treatment engagement where appropriate, and strong records can influence tiering decisions. Understanding long-term effects helps you evaluate the difference between outcomes and choose a strategy that protects your future beyond the immediate sentence.
Pretrial detention means remaining in custody while the case is pending. Prosecutors may seek detention based on risk assessments and the nature of the charges. At the hearing, the judge evaluates the State’s proffer and any defense proposals for release conditions. Avoiding detention often requires preparation: housing stability, employment verification, community ties, and responsible supervision options. Counsel can challenge the State’s assertions and submit materials that support release. If detention is ordered, you can seek review if circumstances change or new information becomes available.
The Rape Shield Rule generally limits evidence of an alleged victim’s prior sexual conduct. There are exceptions, but they require a motion and a private hearing with the judge. The goal is to prevent unfair prejudice and maintain focus on relevant facts. A thoughtful defense anticipates these boundaries and finds admissible ways to challenge credibility, present alternative explanations, or show consent. Early planning with your attorney ensures that motions are timely and that trial strategy remains effective within the rule’s limits.
No. Do not contact the complaining witness. Direct contact can violate court orders, appear intimidating, or create new evidence against you. It can also complicate negotiations and detention arguments. If information must be conveyed, your lawyer will handle communications through proper channels. Respecting boundaries protects your credibility and reduces risk. Focus on compliance, evidence preservation, and coordinated strategy with counsel.
Timelines vary. Many cases take months due to discovery, motion practice, and the court’s schedule. Digital forensics, subpoenas, and expert reviews can extend the process. Rushing can jeopardize outcomes by missing key issues or evidence. Your attorney will provide realistic expectations and milestones. While delays can be stressful, thorough preparation often leads to better resolutions. Staying organized and compliant helps keep the case moving and preserves leverage for negotiations or trial.
Do not consent to a search without speaking to a lawyer. Warrant requirements and scope limitations matter. Improper searches can be challenged, potentially suppressing key evidence. Secure your device and avoid altering or deleting data. Your attorney can evaluate any warrant, negotiate protocols, and oversee handling to protect your rights and metadata. Early legal guidance helps prevent avoidable mistakes and ensures that the defense is ready to contest unlawful collection.
Often, yes—subject to court orders. You must comply with any no-contact rules, device restrictions, or supervision conditions. Violations can result in detention or new charges. If conditions conflict with work or travel, your lawyer can seek a modification. Maintain documentation of compliance and communicate proactively about legitimate needs. Responsible conduct supports release decisions, improves negotiation prospects, and demonstrates reliability to the court throughout your case.