Posts by Julie Rendelman
NYC 3 Strikes Rule – What are repeat offender laws, and why are they important?
New York State is one of 30 states that have “three strikes” laws in place, and it’s important to understand why and how these statutes can impact an individual accused of committing multiple felony crimes. “Three strikes” laws “Three strikes” laws impose a harsher than normal sentence when an individual is convicted of certain felony…
Read MoreGideon v. Wainwright: Why is it important?
If you are arrested and face criminal charges, it is your right to have an attorney represent you. But what if you cannot afford legal representation? Read on to find out more about how one Supreme Court case changed how defendants’ rights are upheld. Background and Supreme Court case In 1963, the Supreme Court heard…
Read MoreWhat is Self-incrimination and Why Does it Matter?
You might have heard the phrase “I plead the Fifth,” but what does that actually mean? It’s in reference to your Fifth Amendment rights and when spoken, usually regards an important legal safeguard known as the right against self-incrimination. Self-incrimination definition Self-incrimination means to implicate oneself in a crime or exposing oneself to criminal prosecution.…
Read MoreWhat are your Miranda Rights and why are they important?
You’ve probably heard this phrase in countless movies and TV shows: “You have the right to remain silent.” That’s the first line of your Miranda Rights — and thanks to a Supreme Court ruling, you have more than just the right to remain silent. Read more about Miranda Rights and why they are important. …
Read MoreWhat is double jeopardy, and why is it important?
If you’ve seen any legal television drama, you’ve probably heard the term “double jeopardy” thrown around. Read on to find out what it means (it’s not a game show!) and why it’s important. Double jeopardy definition Double jeopardy means that no one can be charged and face prosecution for the same offense more than once…
Read MoreCharged With a Crime? Go Silent on Social.
Anything you say at the police station or in the police car can and will be used against you in a court of law. So will anything you say on Facebook, on Twitter, on LinkedIn, on Instagram, on YouTube, or on TikTok. Law enforcement officers are watching. So are prosecutors. In fact, even before you…
Read MoreWhat to do if you’ve been accused of sexual assault under Title IX regulations
You’ve been accused of sexual assault on campus. What now? If you find yourself accused of sexual assault or harassment on your college campus, there are steps you can and should take to ensure you receive a fair and just outcome. Get help First, do not panic. If you can, immediately begin to look for…
Read MoreWhat does it mean for a misdemeanor to be dismissed in NYC?
There are many ways for a case to be resolved and enable you to walk away with no criminal record. The case may be dismissed, dropped, or adjourned in contemplation of dismissal. While each of these outcomes has a slightly different meaning, each of them will mean you’re not going to jail and you will…
Read MoreDomestic violence during COVID-19 stay-at-home orders
Families and couples are cooped up indoors due to stay-at-home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a slowdown in court operations, resources are still available for reporting incidents, and law enforcement officials are still investigating and charging individuals accused of perpetrating abuse. Pandemic stats Police in New York City say that since March, reports of…
Read MoreCan a Victim Refuse to Press Charges in NYC?
You see it on television all the time. A cop turns to a victim and says, “Would you like to press charges?” The victim stares grimly ahead, and then gives a headshake. “No. Not this time. Thank you, officer.” Does this ever happen in real life? Can victims really drop charges? What does it mean…
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