New York State Criminal Defense
How does the pardon system work?
President Donald Trump’s recent pardon of former Sheriff Joe Arpaio has drawn public attention to the pardoning process in general. What is the basis of such a decision? Is there a difference between a presidential and gubernatorial pardon? Are there some offenses that cannot be pardoned? This post will explain how the pardon system works…
Read MoreNew York Blindfold Law: What it means for your case
Although the law in New York requires both sides to disclose their discovery material prior to trial, civil and criminal proceedings have vastly different timelines in that regard. In a civil case, attorneys for each side can interview the other’s witnesses for depositions and in general benefit from complete and total discovery. Criminal cases are…
Read MoreUnreasonable search and seizure: Specificity is key
While the U.S. Constitution guarantees your right to freedom from unreasonable search and seizure, there continue to be instances where law enforcement officers violate that right, either through negligence or simple and willful disregard. The result is a huge—and growing—body of law that focuses on interpreting when and under what conditions a search and seizure…
Read MoreAre fireworks legal in New York?
As the Fourth of July draws ever closer, more New Yorkers are eagerly making plans for traditional holiday pastimes: getting together with family and friends, hosting lively backyard barbecues and, above all, lighting fireworks. One might argue that no celebration of the Fourth is complete without the latter. When it comes to private fireworks shows,…
Read MoreTraffic crimes in New York City
An estimated 4,000 New Yorkers suffer serious injury in vehicle-related accidents every year, and over 250 people die as a result of these collisions. These statistics, along with the fact that being hit by a car is the leading cause of fatal injuries for children under 14, has driven the formation of the Vision Zero Action…
Read MoreYour rights in New York DUI cases
When a New York law enforcement officer stops you for suspected DUI, and you’ve never been in trouble before, it’s normal to be intimidated or worried. After all, New York has some of the toughest laws in the country when it comes to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is important to…
Read MoreWhy hire a criminal defense lawyer?
If you have been arrested or charged with committing a criminal offense, then you need the assistance of a criminal defense attorney. Unfortunately, many people in this situation hesitate at first for reasons like the following: They don’t think they can afford professional representation They think they can get the charges dropped by telling their…
Read MoreAssault on a police officer in New York
Assaulting a police officer is one of the more serious assault charges under New York State law. This particular crime arouses both public anger and high volumes of press coverage because the police are sworn to protect New York’s citizenry and violence against them is seen as a threat to public safety. If you are…
Read MoreSelecting the best criminal defense attorney for you
If you are found guilty of a criminal offense, then the potential consequences can be severe. They include jail time, fines, possible forfeiture of property, and a criminal record that will cause problems for you long after authorities decide that your debt to society has been paid. With so much at stake, you need to…
Read MoreWhat can we learn from California’s proposed ransomware law?
In some instances, laws can be very specific, leaving a judge with little room for interpretation. In other instances, a law can be surprisingly vague. Sometimes, over time, and as societies and their technologies evolve, laws may end up being interpreted differently. This is often the case with the penal law. One notable area is…
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