Crimes Against the Government
How has arson evolved as a crime in New York?
Arson became a big issue in New York City in the 1970’s. In fact, arson was what some would even consider a fact of life back then– in 1976, there were 13,752 reported cases of arson. Compare that to 2012 numbers like 2,000 and it is interesting to look back at how this issue evolved…
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 MoreForeign Corrupt Practices Act
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is an anti-corruption law aimed at American companies that operate in international markets. When it was passed in 1977, the FCPA was the first law to make both individuals and corporations civilly and criminally liable for corruption crimes committed outside of the country. The FCPA prohibits U.S. companies and/or…
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 MoreWhat to do if you are facing criminal scam charges
Scams are relatively common across the country these days, especially as the reliance on technology and the Internet has increased. In fact, the capture of personal data using electronic methods has impacted dozens of people over the course of the past year alone. Scams can range from minor to serious, with criminal charges a strong…
Read MoreCriminal Tax Fraud
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…
Read MoreAssault on a police officer
Early on the morning of July 20, 2014, two NYPD officers approached a man in the lobby of a New York City Housing Authority building on Park Avenue, near 105th Street in East Harlem. The man, 26-year-old Joseph Pica, attempted to run for the lobby exit, but a female officer grabbed his sweatshirt when he…
Read MoreObstruction of justice
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…
Read MoreAccomplice 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…
Read MoreOngoing tax crime scams: the IRS looks into fraud and industry practices
Each year, the Internal Revenue Service publishes a report laying out the list of ongoing tax scams that are impacting the public at large. In 2015, more taxpayers than ever were subject to tax scams designed to gather personal information or money. These aggressive phone scams often involve an individual claiming to be an IRS…
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