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Recent Blog Posts
How Does Leandra’s Law Affect DWI Cases in New York City?
The legal implications of a car crash caused by drunk driving become significantly more complicated if there is a child in the vehicle. The New York Child Protection Act, also known as Leandra’s Law, took effect in 2009. Leandra Rosado was an 11-year-old girl who was killed in an auto accident caused by a drunk driver who lost control of her vehicle after allegedly drinking for hours before she got behind the wheel. Leandra’s father fought for these stricter laws to be put in place. Because of this, it is essential to understand the consequences of driving while intoxicated (DWI). Regardless of the details surrounding a car accident, you must work with an experienced criminal defense attorney to defend yourself against criminal charges related to drunk driving.
Child Protection Act/Leandra’s Law
Leandra’s law is designed to protect children from intoxicated drivers. The law’s initial form only punished drivers for being intoxicated while they had a child under 16 years of age in the vehicle. However, the final form of the bill goes one step further and requires that all drivers convicted of misdemeanor or felony drunk driving charges (even if they are a first-time offender) must equip an ignition interlock device (IID) on any vehicle they own for at least six months. At the time, New York was one of only 10 states to have a first offender ignition interlock law.
What Are the Laws Regarding Theft Crimes in New York?
If you are accused of theft in New York, this charge can encompass a variety of criminal offenses. Therefore, it is worth understanding the extensive rules that define what these crimes can be and how they might be punished. This will play a large role in how you and your defense attorney will proceed. In some cases, the penalties may include fines and prison time. There is no better way to develop a solid defense than to work with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. With that said, it is important to understand how New York laws might affect your case.
New York Larceny Laws
Larceny is an old English word that equates to theft. There are two main categories of theft in New York: petit larceny and grand larceny. Both involve a person intentionally depriving another of his or her property. Theft by wrongful taking of another person's property, tricking, embezzling, false pretenses, false promises, and extortion are all considered larceny under New York law. It is important to note that if a person is aware that he or she has acquired lost property but does not put forth an effort to return it, he or she can face similar theft charges as those of someone who purposefully takes someone else's property. Extortion is a broad category that includes obtaining someone else's property through threats to physically harm someone in the future, to damage property, to engage in other criminal activity, and other willful acts.
What Are the Laws Regarding Marijuana Usage in New York City?
Many states have updated their drug laws related to cannabis, making the drug legal for recreational use in some places. The punishments for possessing and using marijuana in New York have relaxed somewhat in the last couple of years, but they can vary depending on the circumstances. It is important to understand how these revised rules may affect you. However, if you are facing charges for any drug crime, it is imperative that you work with an experienced criminal defense attorney to determine how to best present your case and build a strong legal defense.
Is Recreational Marijuana Legal in New York?
Recreational marijuana usage is not legal in New York, but the laws pertaining to its usage have relaxed. For instance, if you get caught possessing under two ounces of marijuana, you will not be arrested, but you can be fined $50 to $200. If you are found with more than two ounces, you face stronger fines and jail time. Possession of an amount less than eight ounces is classified as a misdemeanor rather than a felony.
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