Frank Schneider, Jr., and Susan Schneider, Plaintiffs-Appellants v. State Investigator Donald Simonini and Deputy…

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey affirmed the Appellate Division, holding that no probable cause existed to arrest Frank Schneider, Jr.; that investigator Donald Simonini is not entitled to qualified immunity; and that Deputy Chief Robert Buccino is entitled to qualified immunity as a supervisor. The Court also clarified that qualified‑immunity issues are decided by the trial judge, with disputed factual issues submitted to the jury on special interrogatories.