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...
Criminal Defense
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...
Federal government changes its harsh drug policy
In 1971, President Richard Nixon announced what would become a decades-long war on drugs. This war sent thousands of Americans to prison simply for possessing small amounts of controlled substances. According to the Drug Policy Alliance, the war on drugs had little...
Should you talk about your arrest on social media?
Social media seems to be more than a passing trend. In fact, according to the Pew Research Center, roughly 70% of Americans use online platforms to maintain contact with family members, friends and followers. Depending on your social media usage, it even may help you...
Why does drinking have higher risks for older adults?
While most people understand the risks of driving while under the influence of alcohol, you may not realize the impact alcohol has on you before picking up your keys. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, your body handles alcohol differently...
Compelling reasons to keep details about your case confidential
Facing criminal charges may leave you feeling frustrated and defensive. When people inquire about your circumstances, you may feel driven to defend yourself or clarify what really happened. However, talking about your situation may jeopardize your case and its...
How legal is marijuana these days?
Marijuana is legal in New York both medically and recreationally as of March 31st, 2021. Along with its legalization, many other initiatives seek to expunge past criminal records involving small-scale criminal charges. It is a big change considering the previous...
What should you expect out of anger management?
When it comes to charges that involve violence, anger management can make a world of difference in your life and may look better in the eyes of the law. If you face charges for violent crime, anger management may help you avoid reoffending. According to Mayo Clinic,...
How should you handle questions from the police?
You may find yourself face-to-face with a police officer asking questions. No matter the reasons for the inquiries, you deserve to know how to handle the situation. The ACLU helps New York citizens understand and protect their rights. Learn when to speak and when to...
What are the penalties for drunk driving in New York?
With the holiday season rapidly approaching, you will probably have lots of parties and events coming up. If you drink and drive after an event and law enforcement requests chemical testing, you could face some serious penalties. According to the New York State...