Traffic violations involve people breaking the law. However, such violations are typically not as serious as criminal offenses. They usually only lead to citations that carry fines, not outright criminal prosecution. People accused of violating criminal statutes, as...
Criminal Law
A criminal record’s impact on your future: How a lawyer can help
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,...
Parole violations can significantly impact your life
Parole allows a person who’s serving a prison sentence to be released while they’re under the strict supervision of a parole officer. There are strict conditions that come with being on parole and failing to abide by those can lead to a parole violation. When any...
An intent to sell makes drug possession a felony in New York
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...
New York’s new “Clean Slate Act”
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...
What are the differences between federal and state crimes?
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...
What is a “Preliminary Hearing” in a felony criminal case?
Felony preliminary hearings
What happened with New York state crime rates in 2022?
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...
What are the consequences of a first-time DUI charge in New York?
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...
Sentencing in Federal Court
How sentencing in federal court works