In criminal cases, the person charged with a crime referred to as “the defendant,” has certain constitutional rights. Among those rights is the right to a speedy trial. The word “speedy,” however, has different meanings depending on what a person is charged with....
Year: 2018
Why Most Criminal Cases Settle Before Trial
Criminal cases rarely go to trial. On average, between 95 and 98% of criminal cases resolve before trial. Resolution can include dismissal of charges, diversion, a reduction of charges, or a plea in exchange for an agreed upon sentence. WHEN CRIMINAL CHARGES ARE...
Wrong-Way Drivers: Understanding How It Happens
Almost everyone has a story about a time they saw a driver going the wrong way down a one-way street or the interstate. But how does this happen? In the cold light of day, it seems like staying on the right side of the road is a no-brainer. However, research shows...
Criminal Charges and Social Media
Almost everyone will agree social media has become part of the fabric of our lives. We use it to update friends and family on topics ranging from what we are eating to when the family reunion will be held to announcing the birth of a new child. Social media is no...
When Your Family Law Case Can’t Be Resolved
Most family law cases are resolved before a trial. However, in some cases, the parties just cannot come to agreeable terms. In those cases, the parties must appear before a judge who will hear testimony, make factual determinations, and issue an order consistent with...
Domestic Violence Awareness
Domestic violence is a very real issue that touches families without regard to race, religion, or annual income. Domestic violence can come in many forms, including the following. Physical abuse, such as punching, hitting, kicking, biting, pushing, slapping, hair...
Don’t Mix Divorce and Social Media
Social media can be an effective way to catch up with friends and family and share what is going on in your life. However, participating in social media creates a permanent record, which can be detrimental to a divorce case. YOU CAN'T CONTROL WHO SEES WHAT YOU POST...
Kidnapping in New York State
“Kidnapping” is a word that evokes thoughts of someone being taken off the street and held for ransom. While this is, in fact, a form of kidnapping in the state of New York, many people are surprised to learn this isn't the only way one can be guilty of kidnapping....
Interesting Divorce Statistics
A recent study on marriage and divorce out of the University of Maryland reveals some interesting trends. Some of those are detailed below. WOMEN ARE DIVORCING AT A LESSER RATE Between 2008 and 2018, the number of married women who filed for divorce dropped 18...
Yes! Seat Belts Do Save Lives!!
Some people wonder if wearing a seat belt really makes a difference. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seat belts save lives. Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death in the United States for people between the ages of 1...