Getting a traffic ticket can be frustrating. It can also lead to confusion if you do not understand the system. Many tickets are easy to clear up because the traffic codes are a little different than other types of laws. For example, a parking ticket is very minor and...
Chatham Law Blog
How does an ignition interlock device work?
Judges have discretion when it comes to punishing individuals guilty of drunk driving. One of their terms may be the imposition of an ignition interlock device. These gadgets make it impossible for intoxicated drivers to start their vehicles. The application of...
A few important limitations of eyewitness testimony
Many people believe that eyewitness testimony provides the most compelling evidence in a court of law. While this holds true in some cases, in other situations the words of a witness to an alleged crime can seem weak under cross-examination, especially in connection...
Reviewing the fundamentals of breath test BAC measurements
Were one to poll a random number of people in New York about their immediate thoughts regarding drunk driving charges, responses of various nature might still come up with a common theme detailing a roadside scene of a person blowing into a handheld breath testing...
How do your Miranda rights protect you after your arrest?
If law enforcement officers arrest you and take you into custody, they must “read you your rights,” i.e., inform you of your Miranda rights, before they interrogate you. MirandaWarning.org explains that these rights consist of the following: You have the right to...
Prepare to challenge the evidence in your aggravated DWI case
The state of New York has strict laws about driving while intoxicated (DWI) that can include heavy fines and jail time. If law enforcement charges you with aggravated DWI, the penalties increase and include revocation of your driver’s license for up to a year. Are you...
Binge drinking, underage drivers and the potential for crashes
The zero-tolerance policy is in force everywhere in the U.S. When behind the wheel, the young driver in your family cannot have any alcohol in his or her system. Unfortunately, underage drivers are more likely than adults to binge drink, and many drive with a high...
Do I need a lawyer for my first DWI?
You might not think a lawyer is necessary for your first DWI. However, this can be a huge mistake as you may receive unjust penalties without legal counsel. According to the New York DMV, your first driving while impaired offense may carry a one-year jail term. If you...
A DWI conviction can make job hunting a frustrating task
A conviction for driving while intoxicated (DWI) will follow you and possibly hamper your efforts to find suitable employment. However, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provides arrest and conviction guidelines for employers. Will these guidelines...
Are careless and reckless driving the same?
Facing any traffic citation may set you back financially, not to mention the implications for your license and driving record. Getting stopped by the police and charged with driving erratically or dangerously may leave you facing more than a ticket. Understanding the...
