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Criminal Charges

What’s the Difference Between Having Criminal Charges Dropped Versus Dismissed?

If you’re a defendant in a criminal case, you may be wondering whether it is better to have the charges against you dropped or dismissed. These two results are not the same as being found “not guilty” by a jury — and it’s important to know the difference between them....
Arraignment

What is an Arraignment?

If you have been arrested for a crime, the first time you will appear in court is at a proceeding called an arraignment. The purpose of the arraignment is for the judge to read the charges against you and find out how you intend to plea. You will also be told what...
DWI Arrest

Common Mistakes to Avoid During a DWI Arrest

Being pulled over for drinking and driving can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. A DWI can not only result in monetary fines and jail time, but it can also lead to personal, professional, and financial ramifications. Critically, any mistakes you make during...
marijuana possession defense attorney

Four Important Things to Know About New York’s Marijuana Laws

As the legal landscape regarding marijuana laws continues to shift, New York became the 16th state to legalize cannabis in 2021. However, there are still certain restrictions in place and it’s important to understand these laws to avoid incurring criminal penalties....
Pre-Trial Motion

What is a Pre-Trial Motion?

If you’ve been charged with a crime, you need a solid defense. One of the tools your criminal defense attorney will use as part of your defense strategy is the filing of pre-trial motions. Depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, a pre-trial motion can...
Rights Crime

What are Your Rights if You’ve Been Charged with a Crime?

Regardless of the crime with which you’ve been charged, it’s essential to understand that you have certain rights under the U.S. Constitution and the New York State Constitution. These rights are meant to protect against arbitrary treatment by the government and...
DWI Attorney

Do You Need an Attorney for a DWI Charge?

If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence in New York, you may be wondering whether you should have the representation of an attorney. Critically, being charged with driving under the influence in New York can have a long-lasting impact on your life and...
Drug Treatment Court

What is Drug Treatment Court — and is it an Option in My Case?

If you were arrested for a non-violent drug crime, you may be eligible for drug treatment court. This is a voluntary alternative to the regular court process that allows non-violent, drug-addicted offenders to enter into a treatment program, and potentially avoid...
gun laws

Understanding New York’s Ghost Gun Laws

New York has some of the toughest firearms laws in the nation. While strict penalties are imposed for possessing an unregistered firearm, legislation was enacted in 2022 that strengthened the state’s laws regarding ghost guns. These types of guns are those that do not...
Search Warrant

What is a Search Warrant? 

Most people are aware that the police are usually prohibited from searching a premises or person without a warrant under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. A search warrant is a court order issued for the purpose of authorizing law enforcement to conduct a...