After facing criminal charges, you may be considering negotiating a plea bargain with the prosecution. Plea bargains allow defendants to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a more lenient sentence. There are a few important things to think about when...
Chatham Law Blog
4 consequences of misdemeanor traffic charges in New York
New York has stringent traffic laws in place to maintain order on public roads. If you find yourself facing misdemeanor traffic charges, the repercussions can be substantial. You may find yourself dealing with one of these four main consequences of receiving a traffic...
The impact of a drug conviction on a college career
A drug conviction can have significant consequences on a college career, affecting academic pursuits and future opportunities. Students need to understand these repercussions to make informed decisions and avoid jeopardizing their educational paths. Academic...
The impact of a DUI conviction on a professional license
DUI convictions can have severe consequences, especially for individuals holding professional licenses. Whether you are a nurse, teacher or real estate agent, a DUI conviction can jeopardize your career and livelihood. License suspension The New York State Police...
Age-appropriate strategies to help children during divorce
Many marriages end in divorce. This decision often causes emotions to run high, especially for children. When parents decide to divorce, the effects on children can vary based on their age. When you understand these impacts, you can support your children through this...
4 things to know about challenging a DWI charge
DWI charges can be a serious matter, but challenging them in New York requires careful consideration of specific factors. If you find yourself facing such charges, there are four key aspects you should keep in mind as you build your defense. 1. Sobriety test accuracy...
Understanding the arraignment process
If you get arrested and charged with a crime, your first court appearance will be the arraignment. This initial hearing is an important step in the criminal process. Understanding what to expect from this stage in the legal process can help you prepare before your...
Proposed legislation could lower the legal limit for drunk driving
A proposal in the New York senate seeks to lower the legal blood alcohol concentration for drivers to 0.05%. The current limit is 0.08%. If the proposal becomes law, more drivers could face drunk driving arrests in the state. What are the pros and cons of the proposed...
New York drug-possession penalties at a glance
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...
Will college students face expulsion for a first-time DUI?
A first DUI offense is often the result of a small mistake or a momentary lapse in awareness. Even so, a young adult who faces a DUI charge faces the uncertainty of how a conviction might affect their education and their overall future. College students and parents...