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....
Chatham Law Blog
What factors will influence your punishment for a DWI charge?
Not every DWI offense is equal. Sometimes, the situation is incredibly serious, such as when it results in a fatal accident. Other times, it results in nothing more than a traffic stop. You could end up in prison for years or only spend a few days in jail. But what...
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....
Do you have to pay a driver civil penalty?
Too many traffic tickets or certain violations could result in the state suspending your driver's license. If this happens to you, you may have to pay a driver civil penalty. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles explains this penalty applies to anyone who...
Can you keep your CDL after a DUI?
Operating a commercial vehicle in New York requires you to uphold superior driving standards. Violating the law could jeopardize your CDL eligibility and ultimately cost you a job. When you understand how a DUI could impact your CDL, you might have a clearer idea of...
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...
What is a TVB ticket?
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...
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...
