Author Archives: Site Administrator
Legal Defenses Against First-Offense Shoplifting Charges in New York
Being charged with shoplifting can be an overwhelming and frightening experience. Many people accused of this crime have never been involved with the criminal justice system before and may have made an honest mistake, acted on impulse, or been wrongly accused. In New York, shoplifting is generally prosecuted under the state’s theft laws as… Read More »
The Impact of Ridesharing Services on Motor Vehicle Accident Claims in New York
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have transformed how people get around in New York, offering convenience, affordability, and on-demand transportation at the tap of a phone screen. But with this new mode of travel comes a new set of complications, especially when it comes to motor vehicle accident claims. When a rideshare vehicle… Read More »
Defending Against Prescription Drug-Related DUI Charges in New York
Most people understand that driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs can lead to serious criminal charges. What many don’t realize is that prescription medications—even those legally prescribed and taken as directed—can also form the basis for a DUI charge in New York. If law enforcement believes your ability to operate a… Read More »
Pedestrian v. Motorist: Who Has the Right-of-Way in an Unmarked Crosswalk?
From Warwick to Walden, Port Jervis to Newburgh, pedestrians and motorists share the streets and roads of hamlets, villages, cities and towns throughout Orange County every day. While marked crosswalks clearly indicate where pedestrians have the right of way, confusion often arises at unmarked intersections. What happens when a pedestrian steps off the curb… Read More »
Understanding the Differences Between DWI and DWAI Charges in New York
If you’ve been arrested for impaired driving in New York, you may be wondering about the difference between a DWI and a DWAI. While these charges sound similar and both can significantly affect your life, your record, and your ability to drive, they carry substantially different legal consequences and need to be approached differently…. Read More »
What Personal Injury Protection Covers (and What It Doesn’t)
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in New York, your first resort may be to your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. PIP is a key component of New York’s no-fault insurance system, designed to ensure that accident victims receive prompt medical treatment and financial support regardless of who was at fault. However,… Read More »
Three Strikes and You’re Out? What You Need to Know About New York’s Persistent Violent Felony Offender Law
New York has some of the toughest sentencing laws in the country for repeat offenders. One of the most severe is the Persistent Violent Felony Offender Law, which can result in a life sentence for individuals convicted of multiple violent felonies. If you or a loved one is facing felony charges in New York,… Read More »
Parking Lot Slip and Fall on Ice: Who Is Responsible?
As winter brings snow and ice to Orange County and the Hudson Valley, parking lots can become hazardous for pedestrians. A slip and fall on ice can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, concussions, or even long-term disabilities. If you’ve been injured in a parking lot slip and fall accident, you may be… Read More »
What You Should Know About Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are commonly used by law enforcement officers in Orange County and throughout the Hudson Valley to determine whether a driver is impaired. If you are pulled over under suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI), you may be asked to perform these tests. Understanding how… Read More »
What the Scaffold Law Means for New York Construction Workers in “Gravity-Related” Accidents
Construction workers in New York face some of the most dangerous working conditions in any industry, especially when working at heights. To protect workers from serious falls and other gravity-related accidents, New York has a unique law known as the Scaffold Law (Labor Law § 240). This law places strict liability on property owners… Read More »