Joseph A. Hayden, Jr. Quoted in Star-Ledger Editorial Board Opinion on Need to Revise Bribery Laws
Joseph A. Hayden, Jr., Co-Chair of the Criminal Defense and Governmental and Internal Investigations practice at Pashman Stein Walder Hayden, was quoted in the Star-Ledger Editorial Board Opinion, “Got Graft? Hudson County does, and the law permits it.” The Opinion discusses the dismissal of the indictment against a Bayonne mayoral candidate who was accused of taking money. The Opinion further discusses the need for the legislature to revise a bribery statute which only applies to public servants and party officials, but not candidates for public office. Hayden was interviewed regarding the scope of the state’s bribery statute:
The stellar defense attorney, Joe Hayden of Pashman Stein, explained it this way: “Someone running for office is not a public official; therefore, they cannot effectuate any governmental action. And the controlling principle is that criminal statute says they are to be ‘strictly construed’ in favor of the accused.”
To view the full article, click here.