Recent Blog Posts
New York Legislators and Judges Urge “Treatment not Jail” for People With Mental Health Disorders
The Treatment not Jail Act (S.1976B/A.1263B) represents a significant shift in how New York’s criminal justice system addresses cases involving individuals with mental health disorders. This proposed legislation, part of the broader Communities Not Cages jail reform package, seeks to replace punitive measures with rehabilitative solutions, emphasizing the need for mental health treatment rather… Read More »
What if a Dog Bite Victim Is a Friend or Neighbor of the Dog’s Owner?
Dog bites can cause serious injuries that require significant compensation to make up for the harm inflicted by another’s vicious animal or if the pet was handled negligently by its owner. But what happens when the victim is someone close to the dog’s owner, such as a friend or neighbor? In New York, dog… Read More »
How the Elder Parole Bill Could Help Inmates 55 and Older
Senate Bill S2423, commonly referred to as the Elder Parole Bill, aims to address the growing number of elderly inmates in New York’s prison system. Introduced as part of broader criminal justice reform efforts, the bill provides a pathway to parole consideration for inmates aged 55 and older who have served at least 15… Read More »
2024 Roadcheck Focuses on Tractor Protection Systems and Alcohol and Drug Use by Truck Drivers
Every year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) conducts its International Roadcheck—a three-day, high-visibility enforcement campaign focused on commercial motor vehicle safety. This year, 2024 Roadcheck placed special emphasis on inspecting tractor protection systems and monitoring alcohol and drug use among truck drivers. With trucking accidents being a significant concern for the safety of… Read More »
New Laws Enhance Criminal Penalties and Make It Easier to Prosecute Cases of Larceny and Retail Theft in New York
In response to growing concerns about larceny and retail theft across New York, recent legislative changes have significantly altered the landscape for prosecuting these crimes. Individuals charged with such offenses should understand how these legislative changes could impact their case and the severity of the penalties they could face if convicted. For individuals in… Read More »
A Win for Motorists: Brake Safety Day Ends With 500 Unsafe Trucks Pulled Off the Road
Brake Safety Day 2024 brought significant results in protecting motorists across the nation. This annual event is part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) efforts to ensure trucks on the road meet critical safety standards. This year, the focus on brake systems led to over 500 commercial trucks being removed from service due… Read More »
DWI vs. DWAI in New York
Some call it driving under the influence (DUI) and some just call it drunk driving, but if you get arrested for drinking and driving in New York, the charges you face will likely either be Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI). Both charges can have significant consequences, but they differ… Read More »
New York Child Car Seat Safety Laws
Anyone transporting children knows that ensuring the safety of their young passengers is the top priority. New York’s child car seat safety laws are designed to protect children as much as possible in the event of a car accident, but the tangled web of legal requirements can be hard to follow. Below we do… Read More »
Is DWI a Misdemeanor or a Felony?
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense in New York, with penalties that can significantly impact your life. In most instances, DWI is a misdemeanor offense, but several factors can lead prosecutors to charge DWI as a felony. Below we explore both misdemeanor and felony DWI laws, explaining the different charges and potential… Read More »
Commonly Overlooked Elements in Personal Injury Claims
After suffering a personal injury because of another party’s negligence, you’ll be seeking compensation for the damage done by the other party. Most likely, you (or your attorney) will be working directly with that party’s insurance company, either reaching a negotiated settlement or facing their lawyers in court if you can’t settle. Either way,… Read More »