Criminal Law

Drug possession charges in New York result when a person knowingly and willfully possesses a controlled substance. Although the state no longer mandates minimum jail sentences for these crimes, penalties are still among the highest in the nation.  These are the legal...

You have likely heard enough examples of people citing self-defense as a justification for using force against another that such a claim is often met with cynicism. Yet your opinion can quickly change when you are placed in a situation where you are compelled to...

The United States and New York constitution guarantee citizens certain freedoms. These freedoms include freedom of association, speech, from false arrest and deliberate indifference to a medical condition. When you face an arrest in New York, you still have rights....

Law enforcement is in a precarious position. They have the main duty of protecting the public and maintaining law and order. At the same time, they have to be careful to not violate civil rights or make judgment calls that break the law. This is not always an easy...

There are many ways to defend against criminal charges in New York. One current trend, according to the History News Network, is the brain defense. You may use this to fight for a different verdict or to lessen your sentence. The idea behind this claim is that a brain...

When New York residents are accused of committing a crime, it may seem like a slam dunk if there was an eyewitness to the alleged crime. The surprising truth is that the reliability of eyewitness testimony may be a myth. While previously it has been believed to be one...

Regardless of the amount of alcohol you consume, it affects your overall ability to drive a vehicle, especially as it relates to your coordination and judgment. Therefore, driving while intoxicated is an offense New York courts take very seriously.  Many different...

If you are on probation or receiving urinalysis testing and are a cannabis user, you may have heard of synthetic cannabinoids being a way to pass drug tests while still providing similar effects to the cannabis plant. However, there are extreme health risks posed by...

Drivers convicted of driving under the influence in New York are subject to serious penalties. Depending on the circumstances, even a first offense can carry up to 15 days in jail. Before getting behind the wheel, familiarize yourself with New York's specific DUI...