Criminal Law

Criminal records are how the state tracks potentially dangerous individuals. By making certain records publicly accessible, the government helps ensure that dangerous people don't end up in positions of authority or social trust. Criminal records allow employers,...

Drug offenses are some of the most common crimes prosecuted in New York. If police officers catch someone in possession of controlled or prohibited drugs, they can arrest that person. Prosecutors can then bring criminal charges against them. In many cases, those...

Until recently, those convicted of a misdemeanor or felony – maybe one that happened years ago – had that conviction follow them for years, or decades, or even for the rest of their lives. But now, under New York’s new Clean Slate Act, courts must seal old...

Criminal charges are not all the same. Obviously, there are many different offenses that lead to different types of charges and different penalties. The distinction between felonies and misdemeanors can be very important, as felonies often lead to longer prison...

Felony preliminary hearings

Crime rates may seem like completely abstract figures, but they have a bearing on everyone’s real-world experiences. Local crime rates may influence how much funding government authorities assign to different law enforcement organizations. The allocation of funds can...

The police pull you over and accuse you of driving under the influence. This has never happened to you before, and it’s hard for you to believe that it’s happening now. But you know that it’s a very serious accusation and you’re interested in the potential...

Most people facing criminal charges in New York will quickly plead guilty just because they don't want to go to trial. Although about one in five people facing charges went to trial a few decades ago, now roughly 97% of criminal charges result in a guilty plea by the...