Recent Blog Posts
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 »
How Prosecutors Use Lesser Included Offenses as Leverage to Induce Guilty Pleas
When facing criminal charges, defendants often encounter a strategy employed by prosecutors: leveraging lesser included offenses to secure guilty pleas. While this tactic can simplify the legal process, it’s essential for defendants to understand how it works and what it could mean for their case. Read below as we aim to shed light on… Read More »
Dupée & Monroe Wins Important Decision in New York Appeals Court
Our own Jon C. Dupée recently had a big win in the appellate court reversing a local Supreme Court decision on a significant New York Labor Law construction site accident case we have been working on. Now, our plaintiff, who was injured when a ladder fell and struck him in the head, stands a… Read More »
Do I Have to Take a Test? Understanding New York’s Implied Consent Law
Driving in New York comes with certain responsibilities, including compliance with the state’s implied consent law. This law directly impacts drivers suspected of driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs. Refusing a chemical test—such as a breathalyzer, blood, or urine test—can lead to significant legal and administrative consequences. Continue… Read More »
Truck Driver Hours of Service Rules
Commercial truck drivers play a critical role in transporting goods across the country, but the demands of the job can lead to fatigue and unsafe driving conditions. To combat these risks, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. These rules are designed to limit how long truck drivers… Read More »
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 »