Rejecting a plea deal may seem absurd for many. After all, you are getting a better deal on the face of it. However, it is not always the case, and you need to go through everything in detail before committing yourself. Remember, accepting a plea deal means admitting...
Aggressive. Effective. Results.
Criminal Defense
Do fingerprints really prove anything?
Most people assume that finding fingerprints at the scene is a sure-fire way to determine who committed a specific crime. You see this all the time in detective shows. The detective finds prints at the scene, and everyone involved acts as if they've solved the case. ...
Is seeking a plea deal your best option?
When a person is facing serious criminal charges, it’s not uncommon for prosecutors and defense attorneys to negotiate a plea deal. This is typically not something you want to consider if you’re innocent – nor would any reputable attorney ask you to. However, for...
Tips called in to 911 must be reliable to justify a warrantless stop
In most drug or gun cases, law enforcement agencies often rely on the public to provide information on a criminal's suspicious activities. Police often receive these tips when concerned residents call them in via emergency phone lines, like 911. Such tips received...
Learn the difference between murder and manslaughter in New York
Any felony charges in the state of New York require a solid criminal defense, but some offenses are worse than others. If the authorities charge you with a crime involving the loss of life, you should consider yourself in serious trouble. Depending on the details of...
U.S. Supreme Court set to take up New York gun case this fall
With all of the consequential decisions rendered by the U.S. Supreme Court lately under their so-called “shadow docket,” it can be easy to forget that the high court is not officially back in session until October. Not long after the court returns for the fall...
New bail requirements could hurt the poor and people of color
For someone who is accused of a federal crime, such as a gun crime, being able to access bail, and pay it, is important to avoid unnecessary jail time. Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick has stepped forward to emphasize that judges and prosecutors should have the option...
The role of motive in a criminal prosecution — and defense
If you’ve watched enough crime shows on television, you’ve probably heard the phrase “motive, means and opportunity” tossed around in fictional courtrooms a few times as if those are a trifecta of ingredients that have to be proven for the prosecution to convict. In...
Law enforcement may be able to access your smartphone
Smartphone companies have provided users with multiple options for securing their phone's data. These include password protection, PINs, encryption software, biometric strategies for opening the phone such as fingerprints and facial recognition software. However,...
What does obstruction of justice mean?
When federal agencies investigate the company you work for, it can be a frightening time. You may have heard why they are investigating, or you may have no idea. Yet, if you are not careful, you could find yourself facing charges. When your boss asks you to do...