Criminal Law

New York has some of the strictest gun laws in the country. Certain possession charges carry mandatory prison time. An arrest is not a conviction, though. The best defense depends on how police found the weapon and who had access to it. Common defenses to a New York...

A criminal arraignment can be the first formal court appearance after an arrest. If you face criminal charges in Latham, New York, this hearing may raise immediate questions. Will you enter a plea? Could you go home afterward? Will the court set bail? Knowing what...

Many modern criminal investigations involve electronic evidence. Often, police officers want to search a person's cellphone. They may want to read text messages, look at a record of calls they have made, view the websites or apps they have used, examine their location...

The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) determines whether substances can be manufactured, distributed and used for medical purposes. Drugs are categorized into drug schedules under the CSA.   If you are facing criminal charges for drug crimes, then it is important to...

When flashing lights appear in the rearview mirror, many drivers immediately feel anxious and unsure of what will happen next. A traffic stop can move quickly, and every interaction may later become important in court. Even routine conversations during a stop may...

Social media is highly relevant to a pending legal matter, and designating your accounts as private does not legally shield your posts or messages from disclosure if they are relevant to the case. Online activity might draw attention when it appears to show where you...

A drug possession conviction can lead to jail time, fines and a permanent criminal record. The penalties you may face often depend on the type of substance in your possession and the specific circumstances of your arrest. In New York, the quantity and “schedule” of...

A DWI arrest in New York can trigger immediate license suspension and criminal charges. You may face court action, DMV penalties and long-term consequences that affect your record and finances. Arraignment and license suspension Your first court date is the...

A driving while intoxicated (DWI) conviction in New York can change how and when you are allowed to drive. For many people in Latham and across the Capital Region, driving ties directly to work, family and daily life. When a court enters a DWI conviction, the effect...

Prescription medication obtained from a pharmacy is a personal possession. It belongs to the patient with the recommendation once they have paid for it directly or with their health insurance coverage. Although people generally have control over what they do with...