Possession of controlled substances in New York is a broad category of criminal charges. Maximum jail times for convictions range from 15 days to 20 years. Fines also range similarly, from a couple hundred to one hundred thousand dollars. Generally speaking, marijuana...
What common mistakes should you avoid after a DUI charge?
If you got arrested for drinking and driving recently, you may worry about what your future holds and the penalties you face. You may also have concerns about how the penalties for a DUI will affect your finances, reputation and employment. According to New York...
Proposed legislation could change how police interrogate minors
Police must read minors accused of crimes the same Miranda rights as adults. However, advocates say this requirement does not adequately protect the rights of minors facing criminal charges. Proposed legislation could change how police interrogate minors. What the...
Leandra’s Law and ignition interlock requirements in New York
Leandra’s Law strengthened the penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) in the state of New York, which include installation of an ignition interlock device (IID). What is this law, and what can someone charged with DUI expect if the court orders an...
What should you do after a DWI arrest?
A DWI is a serious criminal offense that can affect your finances, reputation and employment. Some of the consequences for drinking and driving can include the requirement to pay a large fine, spend time in jail or license suspension. According to the New York State...
When can authorities search your car during a traffic stop?
During a traffic stop in New York, the law enforcement officer who pulls you over may ask if he or she may look around your vehicle. While, in some cases, you may have to allow the search to take place, in others, you have the right to refuse the officer’s request....
What happens during an appeal?
If you have a criminal conviction, you may be able to appeal. Appealing your case means that you seek the opinion of a higher court to overturn or change the outcome of your original case. One thing to note about appealing a case is it does not give you a new trial....
What are the different kinds of plea bargains?
You are likely familiar with the term “plea bargain” if you have ever watched a crime drama show. However, it is also important to understand what a plea bargain is in the actual criminal justice system. There are more subtleties to it than what you see on television....
When does police solicitation go too far?
If you face criminal charges after an officer solicits you to commit a crime, you may wonder whether the court can count the charges as fair. Did the officer commit a crime him or herself? According to the United States Department of Justice, a crime's inducement...
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...
