Chatham Law Blog
Leandras Law, a first DWI and an ignition interlock device
If law enforcement stops you on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, you may quickly acquire first-hand knowledge of DWI penalties. In the state of New York, the penalties result in part from Leandra’s Law and the requirement for an ignition interlock device. About...
How can a drunk driving charge affect your future?
Drunk driving charges are taken very seriously in the state of New York. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, you could face fines of up to $10,000, jail terms as long as 7 years, and license revocation of up to 18 months. While these penalties can have a...
How can you prevent slip-and-fall accidents on your premises?
If you want to avoid slip-and-fall accidents on your premises in New Jersey, you will need to put in some work to reduce hazards. Most slip-and-fall accidents are preventable, and showing you have taken every measure to prevent one from happening can help you to avoid...
New research shines a light on racism in pretext traffic stops
The routine traffic stop is a staple of modern-day policing. A broken taillight, a missing license plate or a failure to signal a turn could each prompt a police officer to pull a car over, ask some questions and issue a citation. Many law enforcement officials and...
Is drugged driving as dangerous as drunk driving?
When the debates to legalize marijuana began to intensify, many people pointed to drunk drivers as proof that alcohol was far more dangerous. There is some merit to the argument, but if law enforcement catches you driving under the influence of marijuana or other...
Can road rage lead to traffic citations?
Daily driving stress, such as being late for a work meeting or getting caught in traffic, can contribute to feelings of anger and frustration, but what happens when you take those emotions out on other drivers? Incidents of road rage are on the rise, and a report by...
Why would someone make a false confession?
False confessions are a lot more common in the American justice system than you might realize. Some social scientists believe this is behind the record-high successful prosecution rate in the country. Many people prefer to plead guilty or falsely confess than fail to...
The effects of circumstantial evidence on a case
In homage to its title of “land of the free,” the American justice system presumes someone is innocent until proven guilty. On paper, this makes it necessary for prosecutors to establish a case that leaves no reasonable doubt of guilt. In spite of this, many innocent...
What does a DWI mean for an underage driver?
Driving while intoxicated or impaired is a serious problem responsible for much property damage and many crashes, injuries and even fatalities each year. You face legal consequences for a DWI, and if you are a driver under the age of 21 you are subject to additional...
Aggravated DWI and its consequences
An aggravated criminal charge means that there were factors present that make the offense more serious than it would be otherwise. The state of New York imposes aggravated DWI charges if your blood alcohol concentration is over 0.18% or if you were operating a motor...
