Criminal Defense
Can You Really Get My Criminal Case Dismissed?
The best criminal case is often the one that never goes to trial. One of the first things your defense attorney should look at is whether there is a chance the case may be dismissed. It’s not possible in all cases. But it can happen. Here are the different grounds an attorney can use to…
Read More5 Things Police Shows Get All Wrong
If you watch police shows like Law and Order, CSI, The Closer, Major Crimes, and other, similar dramas you might have gotten some skewed ideas about our criminal justice system. Shows like this perpetuate common tropes which don’t always bear much relationship to reality. And you can actively harm your own case if you believe…
Read MoreIs There a New NY Blood Alcohol Limit on the Horizon?
A new bill recently introduced in the New York State Assembly would lower the legal blood alcohol limit from .08 to .05. It would also lower the rate for aggravated driving while intoxicated. This change is, in part, in response to National Transportation Safety Board recommendations. The NTSB recently urged all 50 states to lower…
Read More5 Dumb Moves to Avoid When You’re Facing Criminal Charges in NYC
From the moment you are arrested and charged with a crime, your position becomes precarious. Even small missteps can weaken your chances of making it through this event without serious, life-changing consequences. Education is the best defense. Memorize these points, even if you’re not being accused of a crime right now. And if you have…
Read More5 Common Types of Welfare Fraud
Welfare fraud is a serious crime. It’s a form of theft that can keep people from getting the help they need when they truly need it. It also involves a great deal of bureaucracy, which means if you fail to understand the requirements of your program you may end up committing fraud by accident. And…
Read MoreDid You Just Commit Credit Card Fraud?
It’s more likely than you think. The vast majority of credit card fraud cases involve the big players: people who are purposefully committing identity theft or who are using stolen or counterfeit card data to make purchases. But that doesn’t mean unintentional credit card fraud doesn’t happen. And when it does, perfectly normal people who…
Read MoreWhat to Do if You Are Accused of Bankruptcy Fraud in New York City
Most people get all the way through bankruptcy without a hitch. But every now and then, something goes wrong. Maybe you tried filing on your own and you made a mistake. Maybe you forgot to tell your lawyer something important, or missed a financial document you really should have shared. Maybe you did something prior…
Read MoreNew Legislation In New York: The Child Victims Act
On January 28, 2019, the New York State Assembly voted on groundbreaking legislation, entitled the NEW YORK CHILD VICTIMS ACT, which would change the landscape for many future civil and criminal charges stemming from sexual abuse now barred by the statute of limitations. It is now up to the Governor to sign the Act into…
Read MoreUnderstanding New York’s Murder Statute
As a former homicide prosecutor and legal analyst for the Law and Crime Network, I often get asked to explain New York’s Murder statute and how it differs from other states. Keep in mind, that all states have their own definition of Murder. But New York’s version is fairly unique. First of all, it is…
Read MoreArraignment in New York: What to Expect
It might come as a surprise, but a defendant doesn’t go from arrest to criminal trial overnight. There are several intervening procedures that take place before a defendant appears in front of a jury. The first step in any criminal matter in New York is an arraignment. Arraignment in New York is the first appearance…
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