November 20, 2007: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., announces the presentation of the prestigious “Outstanding Career Advocacy Award” which was bestowed upon Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor Joseph P. Connor, Jr., Esq. at the State of New Jersey County Prosecutor's Association Annual Awards Banquet held in Atlantic City on November 19, 2007.

The award which Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor Joseph P. Connor, Jr., Esq. received was presented by Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. at the awards banquet last evening before all 21 county prosecutors, assistant prosecutors, representatives from the New Jersey State Attorney General's Office and other dignitaries from throughout the State. Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor Joseph P. Connor, Jr., Esq. has worked with the Morris County Prosecutor's Office since 1983 as an Assistant Prosecutor. From 1985 to July 2007, he specialized in appellate work. During that time, he argued 15 cases before the New Jersey Supreme Court and he handled more than 500 appeals before the Appellate Division. More than 50 of his cases resulted in published opinions. He also served several terms on the Supreme Court Model Jury Charge Committee (Criminal).

Among his noteworthy cases are State v. McAllister, which upheld the prosecutor's right to use a grand jury for investigative purposes, State v. Hester which recognized the prosecutor's role in the Drug Court Process, State v. Nicolai which acknowledged the prosecutor's power to challenge an illegal sentence, and In Re Gail D which rejected parent-child testimonial privilege.

In July 2007, Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. appointed Joe as Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor and Legal Director of the office's investigative division. A lifelong Morris County resident, Joe attended the awards banquet with his wife Carole and his three sons.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated "Joseph P. Connor, Jr., Esq. has served the citizens of Morris County with distinction and honor over his 24 year career. This award illustrates his commitment and dedication and the recognition of same by his peers throughout the state."

Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor Joseph P. Connor, Jr., Esq. said "It has been an honor and privilege to have served the citizens of Morris County for the last 24 years and I look forward to continuing to do so."

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio