The Miranda warnings turn fifty

”You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to speak to an attorney and to have an attorney present during any questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be provided for you at government expense.”…

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Telephone fraud

phone credit card fraud

Telephone fraud, also known as telemarketing fraud, covers a wide range of crimes. The common goal of such fraud is to deceive the victim into parting with money or valuable personal information, such as bank accounts and credit card numbers. Commonly reported phone scams include: Pyramid schemes: Victims are persuaded to buy into a business…

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Probation violation

handcuffs and probation

The criminal justice system in New York often takes a heavy-handed approach to probation violations. Anyone convicted of a VOP, or a violation of probation, can face a heavy fine and incarceration for the duration of their original sentence. Probation vs. parole Although often confused, the two conditions are not the same. Parole is an…

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Heroin possession

drug crimes

On March 10, 2016, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and New York City Police Commissioner confirmed the indictment of 20 defendants for their individual roles in two drug trafficking organizations responsible for distributing heroin and PCP in Manhattan and the Bronx. Detectives executing the search warrants seized, among other things, 14 kilograms of heroin, 14…

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Criminal Tax Fraud

tax fraud crime

Last July, John Cisneros, who prepares taxes, was indicted for preparing fraudulent returns and defrauding the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Cisneros, who was charged in New York State Supreme Court, faced several counts, including Criminal Tax Fraud in the First, Second, and Third Degrees. He is said to have prepared more…

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Underage drinking

underage drinking

Underage drinking is an offense that can have serious repercussions on a young person’s future, especially when motor vehicles are involved. Although less than 10% of all licensed drivers in New York State are under 21, the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility states that they still account for 14% of all drunk driving fatalities. For…

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I spy: Being charged with unlawful surveillance in New York

surveillance concept with man

In today’s digital era, many of us are under some form of surveillance as we go about our daily business: traffic cameras on the street and security cameras in retail establishments come to mind. Some forms of surveillance, however, are illegal. Unlawful surveillance takes place when someone installs a hidden camera in a place where…

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