New York State Criminal Defense
Motor vehicle theft: Not so cool in reality
Motor vehicle theft is a crime that has been aggrandized in rap songs, video games (Grand Theft Auto), and other aspects of popular culture. In New York State, however, stealing any car valued greater than one hundred dollars, whether it is a banged-up Chevy or a mint-condition BMW, will likely get you arrested for violating…
Read MoreWhat is femicide?
Female homicide, or the murder of women, is what is known as “femicide.” Some scholars argue that the term should only refer to gender-biased killings while others include that categorization in the term “gendercide.” In 2009, there were 13,636 victims of homicide in the United States. The FBI has found that approximately three times as…
Read MoreWhat impact does jury selection have for my criminal case?
If you speak to your New York criminal defense attorney and determine that you will, in fact, be pursuing a jury trial, then it may be beneficial for you to understand how important jury selection is and how it can influence the ultimate outcome of the case. In order to prepare for jury selection, your…
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 MoreThe crime of murder is trending upwards
More than 35 cities currently report an increase in murder and violence over the past year. New York is no exception, with an increase of 9 percent in murders and growing concerns about the growth of gang violence in particular. The reasons for the increases are being argued among experts, but some believe that more…
Read MoreFacing criminal charges? Get an attorney with trial experience
Imagine this unsettling scenario: You have been charged with a crime that could send you to prison for years if a jury returns a guilty verdict. With so much at stake, it makes sense to give yourself the best fighting chance. That means hiring a criminal defense attorney with trial experience. Most defendants mistakenly believe…
Read MoreWhat rights do I have when being questioned by the police?
The mere thought of being questioned by the police can be incredibly unnerving. That is why knowing your rights in this situation can greatly help you determine what you should or should not say or do and how to best protect your rights until you have the opportunity to meet with a New York criminal…
Read MoreWhat is a false arrest?
One of the cornerstones of individual protection in the U.S. is that a person should not be detained or arrested without probable cause. The problem is that even though these guidelines are quite clear, sometimes police officers still overstep their authority or make mistakes that lead to false arrests. To say that it is a…
Read MoreIs the Sullivan Act under attack?
Eight plaintiffs in Buffalo have taken issue with the pistol permit law in New York and are filing a civil lawsuit. According to Edward Garrett and the other plaintiffs in the case, the gun control law stretching all the way back to 1911 is unconstitutional. Those who filed the suit believe that the pistol permit…
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