Motor vehicle theft: Not so cool in reality

car theft

Motor vehicle theft is a crime that has been aggrandized in rap songs, video games (Grand Theft Auto), and other aspects of popular culture. In New York State, however, stealing any car valued greater than one hundred dollars, whether it is a banged-up Chevy or a mint-condition BMW, will likely get you arrested for violating…

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What impact does jury selection have for my criminal case?

If you speak to your New York criminal defense attorney and determine that you will, in fact, be pursuing a jury trial, then it may be beneficial for you to understand how important jury selection is and how it can influence the ultimate outcome of the case. In order to prepare for jury selection, your…

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What are my Sixth Amendment rights?

The Sixth Amendment is part of the Bill of Rights, which is a grouping of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The Bill of Rights was designed to ensure a variety of personal liberties to Americans. The Sixth Amendment lays out the basic rights of a person accused of a crime. It reads:…

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Obstruction of justice

torn paper representing evidence

Obstruction of justice is a crime that applies to a broad range of actions and omissions. Strictly speaking, it refers to the act of intentionally obstructing or interfering with the work of law enforcement professionals, regulatory bodies, and government representatives. Below are some scenarios that can potentially meet the definition of obstruction of justice. Tampering…

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Accomplice liability in New York State

Imagine this scenario: You and your best friend are at a trendy Manhattan bar when he sees his ex-girlfriend with someone new. A confrontation ends with your buddy punching out his replacement. The police arrive, and before long your friend is at 100 Center Street, awaiting arraignment for assault in the third degree. And so…

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The crime of murder is trending upwards

increase graph

More than 35 cities currently report an increase in murder and violence over the past year. New York is no exception, with an increase of 9 percent in murders and growing concerns about the growth of gang violence in particular. The reasons for the increases are being argued among experts, but some believe that more…

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Facing criminal charges? Get an attorney with trial experience

criminal defense trial lawyer

Imagine this unsettling scenario: You have been charged with a crime that could send you to prison for years if a jury returns a guilty verdict. With so much at stake, it makes sense to give yourself the best fighting chance. That means hiring a criminal defense attorney with trial experience. Most defendants mistakenly believe…

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What differentiates a bench trial from a jury trial?

trial

One of the biggest reasons to hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after your arrest is so that you can be adequately prepared for what to expect in court. Believe it or not, real court does not always operate just like television or movies. Do not count on your assumptions of what…

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What to do if you think you are being investigated by FINRA

finra scrutinity to court

If you work in securities, then you are likely familiar with FINRA investigations in general, but becoming the subject of one can be overwhelming and confusing. Your best course of action is to hire a New York criminal defense attorney as soon as possible, even if no charges are pending against you/ As a securities…

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