In March 2024, a Trenton, New Jersey grand jury voted to indict James J. Devine, 62, on charges that he allegedly attempted to fraudulently place a candidate on the 2021 Democratic primary ballot for state governor.

This type of offense is commonly known as a "white collar crime," which generally involves fraud or other deception in connection with business or the government. White-collar crimes are committed for financial gain and usually don't involve violence or physical injury. The penalties for white-collar crimes can be severe and include hefty fines and even prison time.

Have you been charged with a white-collar crime? Make no mistake: the charges are serious, and you deserve the best legal representation to protect your rights and preserve your freedom. Contact the experienced Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or contact us online today.

Behind Devine's Indictment

After the New Jersey Democratic State Committee questioned the authenticity of voter certifications provided by Devine, Administrative Law Judge Jeffrey N. Rabin removed Lisa McCormick, Devine's domestic partner, from the primary ballot. An investigation revealed that Devine submitted approximately 1,948 fraudulent voter certifications to the state's Division of Elections to place McCormick on the ballot.

The indictment was supported by information from individuals named on the petitions, who stated that they neither submitted nor authorized petitions in support of the candidate put forth by Devine. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability allege that Devine submitted the fraudulent petitions to the Division of Elections.

Charges and Potential Penalties

Under the indictment, Devine faces three counts:

• offenses concerning nomination certificates or petitions (3rd degree)
• tampering with public records or information (3rd degree)
• falsifying or tampering with records (4th degree)

The third-degree crimes could bring Devine three to five years in state prison and cost him a $15,000 fine. The fourth-degree offense carries a sentence of up to 18 months in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

"I made a careless mistake for which I take full responsibility, and I am sorry for my error," said Devine. "I do not know how it happened, but my mistake somehow resulted in the submission of the wrong list."

What To Do if You Are Facing White Collar Crime Charges

The first thing you should do if you are indicted on white-collar crimes in New Jersey is make sure you have dedicated legal representation on your side. The criminal process can be complicated, but the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can guide you through all stages and help you achieve the best result for your case.

We know how to defend against white-collar crime charges such as insurance fraud, credit card fraud, forgery, identity theft, bad checks, and other similar crimes. Call 888-535-3686 or contact us online so the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can begin defending your due process rights immediately.