The COVID-19 pandemic has hit New York the hardest out of all states in the country, resulting in more than 250,000 cases and nearly 15,000 deaths as of April 22, 2020. While the state and local governments, as well as healthcare workers, do their part to “flatten the...
Criminal Law
DUI/DWI Investigation by Attorneys
ATTORNEY INVESTIGATION Unfortunately, all too often, the investigation performed by police is the only investigation performed in Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) cases in the criminal justice system. Too many lawyers fail to...
What to Look for in a Criminal Defense Attorney
Very few people ever think they will be charged with any criminal offense. Consequently, when they are charged, most people don't know where to turn for expert advice. When looking for a criminal defense attorney, it is natural to want to hire an attorney right away –...
DWI Charges
UNDERSTANDING THE ELEMENTS OF DWI, DWAI-DRUGS, AND DWAI-COMBINED Unlike most states, New York does not call driving while under the influence of alcohol "DUI." Instead, we call it "DWI," but the idea is the same. Driving While Intoxicated by alcohol (DWI), Driving...
What to Do When the Police Want to Talk to You
Most of us live our lives uninterrupted by police intervention. However, there may come a time when the police want to talk to you. What should you do? CUSTODIAL INTERROGATION If the police have you in custody and wish to speak with you, (referred to legally as...
The Right to a Speedy Trial
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....
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...
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...