As I often note, NY criminal defense attorneys must always be aware of decisions by courts where they routinely practice. Without definitive guidance by a higher court, decisions on similar matters can be inconsistent within the same courthouse. This is appears to be the case, in part, in the recent…
I have mentioned in previous entries how significant and serious a charge Endangering the Welfare of a Child is to any defendant and his or her criminal defense attorney. While “only” a misdemeanor, it is understandable that there is a zero tolerance policy when it comes to protecting children. In…
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office announced the indictment of William Rapetti, a tower crane rigger and owner of a company that does the same, on charges including Manslaughter, Criminally Negligent Homicide, Assault and Reckless Endangerment. Mr. Rapetti’s criminal defense attorney has his work cut out. If Mr. Rapetti is convicted…
You have been arrested because you got into a fight with your girlfriend or wife. Maybe there is a reasonable explanation or your girlfriend does not want to “press charges.” Unfortunately, at this stage it doesn’t matter. You are now before a judge and whether or not you are released,…
You and a friend have an illegal gambling operation. The police executed a search warrant at your business and you find yourself charged with Money Laundering in Brooklyn Criminal Court. However, you merely arranged for finding the physical location to run the operation and greeting clients, but you never dealt…
You did not show up for your scheduled trial in Manhattan Criminal Court, a court date where your criminal defense attorney was to file motions in Brooklyn Supreme Court, or a date to discuss a deal in White Plains City Court. Not only do you run the risk of a…
Alain Robert and Renaldo Clarke are not the first and probably not the last people to scale a large building or historical landmark in New York. Nor are they the first people to need the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney to get them out of a serious predicament…
Tampering with a Witness (New York Penal Law Sections 215.10, 215.11, 215.12 and 215.13) and Intimidating a Victim or a Witness (New York Penal Law Sections 215.15, 215.16 and 215.17) are distinct crimes that often confuse defendants, defense attorneys and prosecutors throughout the New York area from Brooklyn, Queens and…
You have seen people being arrested and defendants being arraigned before a judge. You have seen New York City criminal defense attorneys advocating for their clients while prosecutors try to throw them in jail. Of course, you have seen that all on television where the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is…