Criminal Law

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...

If you are facing drug charges, you may feel the road going forward will only lead to incarceration. It might surprise you to learn that in New York, your path could take a beneficial turn away from a jail cell. Depending on the circumstances, alternative sentencing...

Most Americans know that the U.S. Constitution gives them protection against illegal search and seizure when it comes to their homes via the Fourth Amendment. When they’re in their vehicles, however, those rights can become murkier.  It takes just seconds for a...

Police officers have the legal authority to arrest people under certain circumstances. Thankfully, the law limits the ability of police officers to arrest people. Frequently, police officers obtain arrest warrants signed by judges before serving the warrant and taking...

A casual conversation with law enforcement might seem harmless, especially if you believe you’ve done nothing wrong. Whether it’s a quick call, a knock on the door or a polite request to “clear something up,” many people assume that cooperating fully will resolve the...

Malicious prosecution happens when someone is wrongfully put through the legal system without a valid reason. In New York, it refers to a situation where a criminal case was brought against someone without probable cause and with bad intentions. The case must also end...

If a person is likely to face charges for drug possession, the severity of the charges will depend on a few legal factors. A court may consider these legal factors before charging a defendant with fines, incarceration, probation and other penalties.  Understanding how...