New York Criminal Lawyer Blog

A New York Criminal Lawyer has learned that a former county official that lost her job after being arrested on corruption charges has been collecting unemployment benefits. Her former boss had approved the unemployment benefits before he left office, even though she had been charged with more than one felony for her alleged part in bids for county projects. The charges allege that the former county official directed contract awards either to companies that she owns, or to companies that her friends own.

The current County Board President reported that the unemployment approval was in place before she took office. The county commissioners had originally directed the former Board President to fight the unemployment benefit claim, but the claim was processed and approved regardless.

There is much discussion in the county at this time, as to how the former county official can be eligible for unemployment benefits, given the fact that she had been fired, arrested, and charged with multiple felonies. Her former boss had filed for unemployment benefits himself after losing his reelection bid. His claim was denied since as an elected official he had not paid anything into the system, reported a Bronx Criminal Lawyer.

During a recent interview, the former County Board President could not understand how his filing for unemployment “was such a big story.” Yet during the course of the interview, he did not address why he had approved his aide’s claim for unemployment benefits when the county commissioners had requested that it be fought due to the fact that she was charged with crimes against the county and the taxpayers.

There was something that the former Board President did address in the recent interview. He stated that he is seeking employment with a hospital in Turkey. He went on to say just how excellent the health care is in Turkey, and how much cheaper it is than here in the United States. His implication, it would seem, is to discover just how the hospital system in Turkey can be so good, yet can provide health coverage to its citizens at affordable pricing.

The legal system can be very complicated and intimidating at times, it is important to seek legal counsel that has the skills to traverse the system for you in order to achieve your desired results. Whatever the charge, it is important to act promptly and contact Stephen Bilkis and Associates. We will ensure that your rights are protected through every stage of your legal proceedings.

We have offices throughout the New York area, including locations in Manhattan, Staten Island, Queens, the Bronx and Brooklyn. We also have locations in Nassau County and Suffolk County on Long Island, as well as Westchester County. Call us today for a free consultation at 1-800-NY-NY-LAW.

A 19-year old female has been charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, which a felony that if convicted carries a maximum sentence of up to two years.

Before we continue, we must add that while some of the events contained in this article may seem bizarre, they are a factual representation of a true event that occurred within a large metropolitan city, and was first reported in one of its major newspapers. The names are being withheld due to privacy concerns of the parties.

It all began with the purchase of a hamster for the 19-year olds’ 9-year old brother. Her older brother, who is 25 and at the time was angered over something, had intentionally kicked the ball that the original hamster was in, which in turn threw the hamster from the ball. As a result of this action, the hamster died, the New York Criminal Lawyer was told.

The 25-year old brother, having felt absolutely horrible about what had just happened sought to make things right for his younger brother and bought him three new hamsters. While this may seem like the right thing for him to do, his 19-year old sister did not think too much of this and in the process she picked up one of the hamsters and “slammed it to the floor.” The hamster, of course, died on impact due to “blunt force trauma and liver damage.”

Thas yet to discover how the local animal society or local law enforcement first learned of this incident, but we had the chance to ask one local official about the incident. The local animal society told the New York Criminal Lawyer that animal cruelty laws apply to all animals regardless of size, and that the felony charge against the 19-year old female, as well as two additional misdemeanor charges of torturing animals and endangering the welfare of a child will also be pursued. Charges have not been filed against the 25-year old son.

The hamsters are no longer staying with the family. They were taken to a friend of the 25-year old son for safekeeping.

Criminal law can often take many twists and turns. Whether you or a loved one has been convicted of a drug crime, a weapons charge or DWI, it is important to ensure that your rights are protected at all times.

It’s a tough environment these days when it comes to finding work to pay the bills. Sometimes that means taking jobs you might not normally consider, because you know you need to keep food on the table. In this case, indicated a New York City Criminal Lawyer, a former cocktail waitress found herself in a difficult situation at work. She stated in her federal lawsuit that she was fed handfuls of drugs and then expected to have sex with the customers.

There was no doubt a hostile work environment for this woman. She worked for one of the largest club operators in her area as a cocktail waitress. The work conditions just got to be too much for her and she chose to quit, move on and file a lawsuit.

The lawsuit was actually filed with several allegations in it that included assault, sexual harassment and conspiracy. Now this lady would have had a choice as to which type of lawyer she would need to file her complaint seeking compensation.

Given that it’s a federal lawsuit, she may have opted to discuss her situation with an employment lawyer. Since many lawyer’s specialize in more than one area, it’s like the attorney would have also been able to handle the other issues listed in the complaint as well, from a plaintiff’s perspective, added the Brooklyn Criminal Lawyer.

However, if this case was to proceed criminally, the defendant would also need legal counsel, as all defendants charged with a criminal offense are entitled to a thorough and well thought out defense in response to the charges.

Considering this case from the defendant’s point of view, the charges may well be refuted and proven wrong is there was any evidence that the woman who brought the lawsuit had a history of using drugs. In the alternative, if she was considered to be an escort or other sex trade worker then that information could also be used at trial to rebut her allegations.

In addition, there would likely be some background investigative work done on a case like this to check into the woman’s work history and find out what her friends and co-workers have to say about her, on and off the job.

Whether you are contending with a sex crimes charge, a weapons charge or theft crime, it is important to ensure that you rights are protected at every stage of your legal proceedings. Contact Stephen Bilkis and Associates for advice and a free consultation at 1-800-NY-NY-LAW today. We have offices located in all boroughs of New York, including the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island. We also have locations in Nassau County and Suffolk County on Long Island, as well as Westchester County.

An 8-year old boy was taken into custody by police after he assaulted a school employee in Florida. After disrupting his classroom, the boy, a special-education student, left the school grounds followed by one of the school's behavioral specialists. When the boy returned to the school, he found a pile of sticks and other objects and began throwing them at the behavioral specialist striking her at least once, reports a New York Criminal Lawyer. Other school employees intervened to calm the boy before he was arrested.

This is the boy's fifth arrest for assault and the disruption of an educational institution. In earlier incidents, the boy threw books, broke windows, chased other students and threw chairs at teachers and other school employees. During one incident, the boy insisted that he be sent to jail. School officials are unsure as to why the boy continues to act out in a violent manner, says a New York Criminal Lawyer. Last December, The Florida Department of Children and Families was notified about possible child abuse at the boy's home. Reports show that while the boy suffered an injury, there was not enough evidence to support child abuse was the cause.

Over the past few months, the boy's violent tendencies have increased, according to school officials. The boy was arrested in November and December for assault. The boy has since been arrested three more times. Charges ranging from assaulting students and teachers to destroying public property have been filed. In addition to throwing books and chairs in the classroom, the boy has also damaged computer equipment. Whether or not the boy is acting out due to abuse at home is unknown at this point.

The Florida newspaper covering this story is refusing to identify the boy since he is underage. After his arrest, the boy was taken into custody in handcuffs. He had to stand in front of a police camera for a mug shot. According to the newspaper, the boy did not appear happy or comfortable even though he had said after other incidents that he wanted to go to jail. Getting the boy treatment to discover what troubles him may be the next step. Further investigation into the boy's home life may also be another option for the Florida Department of Children and Families. It is unclear as to what will happen to the boy now or if he will be allowed to return to school.

Speak to a skilled lawyer who can clearly explain the legal process and your rights.

This was a really rough case for the local community and for all those involved in the search for a missing girl. The ten-year-old had lost her hearing and one leg as she fought bone cancer, said a New York Criminal Lawyer. Unfortunately, the girl was reported missing in October. It wasn’t until November that her body parts were found. Additionally, the police felt that the girl had been missing even before she was officially called in as a missing person.

The child’s stepmother was charged with murdering, abusing and desecrating her body. The police were unable to find the girl’s head despite a massive search over two different locations. There were indications of tool marks on the bones that were found, a fact that indicates the girl was dismembered after she was dead.

Based on evidence collected over the course of the investigation, the police were able to determine that the stepmother had consistently relied on verbal, physical and psychological abuse when interacting with her step-daughter, reported the New York Criminal Lawyer. Because the woman was in a position of trust, she was able to take advantage of that to kill the girl and then hide her body to delay detection and prosecution.

There were no reasons given why the stepmother chose to kill her stepdaughter. However, there were further allegations that the stepmom wrote a fake ransom note for one million dollars and that she wrote a letter while in jail, admitting the girl was dead and she felt sorry that she was caught. She tried to diffuse public reaction to her alleged crime by pointing a finger at the husband.

Even though this case does not look hopeful on the surface, it may not be what it looks like. This is the main reason to not assume that the woman is guilty of anything, until a case is actually made and she is proven to indeed be guilty. There are many criminal defenses that may be used to protect the stepmother’s rights and to make sure she is well represented, she would be best advised to speak to skilled legal counsel right away.

Everyone one, whether they are charged with a crime or suspected of a crime, including sex crimes, weapons charges or drug offenses , is entitled to a defense. That is why the whole foundation of the criminal justice system is innocent until proven guilty. To find out what your legal rights would be in a case like this.

If or a loved one has been charged with a criminal offense, it is important to speak to qualified legal counsel right away to ensure that your rights are protected throughout your legal proceedings.

Just when you think you have heard the entire story, new information has been revealed that prior to a well known baseball player's DWI arrest in February; he apparently had some choice words to say to some folks at a local restaurant.

The apparently intoxicated gentleman had stopped into a local restaurant at about 10:30pm when the manager told him that the restaurant was closing. He proceeded on into the restaurant when was informed by the manager again that the restaurant was closing. Was reported to have made repeated comments to the manager that he did not know who he was. A New York Criminal Lawyer was also told that he leaned into the manager’s face and said, "I know all of you, and I will kill all of you and blow this place up," as he patted the side of his shoulder bag.

It was at this point that the manager instructed a bartender to call 911, and the off-duty wildlife officer who had been inside the restaurant speaking with his friend, the manager, stepped out to his vehicle to collect his badge and firearm. It was at this point that the baseball player exited the restaurant and sped away in his vehicle while continuing to shout obscenities at everyone within hearing distance. It was not long afterwards that the police arrived.

About 30-minutes after the incident at the restaurant, the man's vehicle was spotted on the shoulder of the same road as the restaurant with smoke coming from it. When the deputy approached him, the deputy smelled alcohol, and according to the arrest report, the player actually turned up a bottle of scotch and took a drink in front of the deputy. It was at this point of the incident that he was arrested for DWI, and for resisting arrest without violence after he put up a small struggle with deputies.

Neither the baseball team, or his attorney had any comments. As of this writing, his attorneys have entered a plea of not guilty with the court.

Have you or a loved one have had a run-in with the law? If you have been charged with a criminal offense, it is important to speak to legal counsel right away to ensure that your rights are protected. Stephen Bilkis and Associates knows the way around the potential legal quagmire that awaits you, and can assist you in reaching a satisfactory conclusion.

An FBI SWAT team executed a search warrant on Wednesday, and made one arrest connected with the case, reports the New York Criminal Lawyer. The arrest is a result of the so-called isolated event that occurred on Martin Luther King Day that involved a backpack that was reportedly filled with enough explosives to cause lethal damage to bystanders.

Arrested is a 36-year old, ex-soldier that allegedly has ties to a white-supremacist group. This is reportedly the same group that was founded by the author of “The Turner Diaries,” that was the focus of setting the guidelines for the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. It is thus far unclear as to whether he is the only person of interest in this case.

The suspect has already been arraigned in U.S Federal Court, which he has waived his hearing for bail. The suspect could face life in prison if convicted of several felony offenses including of the attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction. A separate charge of possession of an unregistered explosive device could net the suspect another maximum sentence of 10-years in prison if convicted. His next scheduled court appearance is set for March 23.

The Suffolk County Criminal Lawyer has heard much discussion, thus far, as to whether this should be classed as a hate crime. In simple words, a hate crime is considered by most states as any crime that involves “threats, harassment, or physical harm and is motivated by prejudice against someone's race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation or physical or mental disability.” The facts of this particular crime fit many of these definitions, as the explosive device was planted along a parade route that was to be primarily frequented by persons of a certain race, color, or national origin, and sought to cause threats, and/or physical harm to those persons.

The homemade bomb that was found on MLK Day was no makeshift device, as the explosives were laced with rat poison, which serves as an anti-coagulant. These were all factors prompted officials to pursue this case as one of domestic terrorism.

When you have a question about the legal system or are dealing with a criminal charge, contact Stephen Bilkis and Associates. Our legal team has the education, background, and experience to ensure that your rights are protected. As stressful as a criminal charge can be, it is important to take prompt legal action. Depending on the charges, you could be facing prison, community servce, fines and probation. The sooner you enlist the services of a qualified lawyer, the better chances you will have for a positive outcome.

Continue reading "FBI Makes Arrest in MLK Bomb Case" »

Two alleged bank robbers have been arrested, claimed a New York Criminal Lawyer. While police and FBI spokespeople have had few public comments yet, the two robbers are believed to be behind other recent bank robberies in a different district this month.

The arrests are part of a joint law enforcement investigation that included officers and agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF), and officers from various state and local police departments. Both bank robberies had similar methods of operation (MO), that included what appeared to be a pipe bomb left at each location, that later proved to be fake.

The suspects are being called the ‘copycat robbers’ as they were copying a robber from another series of bank robberies that had occurred in the area that also used fake bombs while pulling off heists, a Queens Criminal Lawyer was told. The particular bandit the crime duo was mimicking was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison just last month for his crimes.

Agents were able to apprehend the suspects as a result of a tip that alerted the agents and officers to the possible whereabouts of one of the robbers and of his next planned target. As a result of that tip, they were able to find evidence in a dumpster behind a neighborhood house and were able to trace the robber from there. It has also been reported that when agents approached the robber, there was no altercation and one came clean to what his plans and intentions were for his next robbery attempt.

The arrests caused quite the stir in nearby office buildings, as many workers congregated at the nearby windows to catch a glimpse of the activity nearby. Some were citing that as many as six workers were cramped into one office just to see what was going on as the arrests took place.

According to recent statistics, bank robberies have been on the rise over the past few years, and are believed to be related at least in part due to the sluggish economy.

The legal system can be very complicated and daunting. If convicted, you could be facing substantial penalties including prison time, fines, probation, and community service. If you have been charged with a crime, it is important to obtain legal counsel as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected.

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Biloxi, MS, police have arrested an armed robbery suspect that is suspected of holding up a Brinks security guard on Wednesday, a New York Criminal Lawyer has learned. The suspect had confronted a Brinks’ guard who had just completed making a pickup at a local store, and at gunpoint demanded the guard to lie on the floor. The suspect took the Brinks bag and ran away.

Witnesses at the scene described the suspect’s vehicle to police and the suspect was soon spotted by a patrol officer who attempted to stop the vehicle. Following a brief pursuit along a local highway and city streets, the chase soon led into a local neighborhood, police discovered the suspect’s disabled vehicle abandoned with a flat tire. Officers and K-9’s took to the pursuit by foot through the neighborhood yards and the local wooded area. The suspect was taken into custody shortly thereafter without further incident.

As reported by the Stated Island Criminal Lawyer, this incident could have ended badly. When the suspect entered the local neighborhood, there were families and children who were watching as the events unfolded and many were reportedly frightened as they observed the suspect running through yards, and jumping over shrubbery and through fences. The officers on the scene did an excellent job in not only capturing an armed robbery suspect, but also in community relations as when the officers entered the neighborhood, they informed many of its residents to lock their doors and to stay away from the windows for safety’s sake. The residents have stated that they are very appreciative of not only the officers capturing the suspect, but to their rapid response to the scene.

As part of their ongoing investigation, the police have located the Brinks bag, and an old cell phone they have yet to identify, but have thus far not located the weapon that was allegedly used in the robbery of the Brinks guard. Even if it was not a gun, but perhaps only looked like one, it is still armed robbery. Most state laws make that perfectly clear. The suspect’s bail has been set at $250,000.

Whenever legal charges have been filed against either you or someone you love, it is important to speak with legal counsel right away. If you are found guilty, you could be facing significant consequences including prison time, probation, fines and more.

Continue reading "Brinks Truck Robbery Suspect Arrested" »

A former CEO of a major financial firm was recently charged with several counts of white collar crimes that included wire fraud, securities fraud and money laundering.

As of February 28, the former Chief Executive Officer of a notable firm situated in Austin, TX was scheduled to be arraigned in a federal district court to hear his multiple charges. A New York Criminal Layer notes that the man is alleged to have fraudulently raised $50 million from investors in a malicious and manipulative scheme that involved money laundering, wire fraud and securities fraud. The allegations go into greater detail by describing the fact that the defendant manipulated contacts from church as well as former NFL football stars to cultivate this scheme, which had the personal enrichment of the defendant as its primary motivating factor.

The Austin-based firm, which specializes in investments, was placed in receivership in 2009 by the judge presiding over the case in its initial development. This event was a result of the sobering fact that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) took action against the firm by way of a securities lawsuit. Though the defendant and former CEO of the firm is facing a major indictment of 39 counts, A Brooklyn Criminal Lawyer explained that is has not yet been revealed what the outcome of the indictment was. What is known is that, according to authorities, the man did not act merely on his own behalf. It appears that his investment manipulation also benefitted the Chief Financial Officer of the Austin-based firm, who is not named.

These charges against the former CEO are quite serious and have no doubt devastated the lives of many investors. The significant amount of $50 million that was fraudulently raised from the deceived investors was described by an observer as “…an expanding Ponzi scheme”, implying that the defendant had no intention of backing down from the aggressive deception. What is disturbing is that the demographics of those cheated in this fraudulent scam consisted of former NFL stars and “church contacts”--- people who are generally known for non-profit volunteering and service to the community in tangible ways.

This multiple-count indictment involving extremely serious financial charges will result in major severance being charged to those involved. If you or a loved one finds yourself in in legal trouble, whether it involves sex crimes, a theft charge, or drug possession, it is important to ensure that your rights are protected and that you seek legal guidance as soon as possible.

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A question of individual rights regarding a child who was rumored to have been allegedly sexually abused by her father has caused great controversy in the courts and between different interest groups

In 2003 in the state of Oregon, a nine-year-old girl was suddenly removed from her public school classroom by a child protection investigator who was accompanied by a deputy sheriff. Operating under presumed intelligence that the young girl had been sexually abused by her father, the two men interrogated her for a period of approximately two hours and sought confirmation that she had in fact been sexually abused. A New York Criminal Lawyer reports that allegedly, the young girl finally confirmed their suspicions; however, at a later date she confessed that she had only given the two men an affirmation because she was afraid and wanted to escape the interrogation.

The father of the girl was arrested, but later released when charges were dropped in regards to this specific case. However, it seems that the father agreed to a plea deal that involved a different charge of sexually assaulting a minor. In response to the interrogation by the deputy and child protection investigator, the family of the young lady filed a lawsuit, which was heard in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, located in San Francisco. A Bronx Criminal Lawyer notes that the case eventually made it to the Supreme Court, following an appeal by the state of Oregon.

A Bronx Sex Crime Lawyer commented that the divisive nature of this issue is evident by the claims made on both sides. Those who support the actions of the deputy sheriff and child protection investigator, such as the state of Oregon and certain child advocacy groups, make the claim that such an action should be allowed. They argue that the protection of the child is the most important factor, not the authority of the parents and the privacy of the family. Those who oppose the interrogation of the girl, such as the Family Research Council and the family themselves, argue that while the best interest of the child is definitely important, the repercussions of future “interrogations” and acts of government-sanctioned family separation have the potential for great abuse. A major concern seems to be: if this landmark case results in greater freedom for authorities to engage children without the knowledge of the parents, then conceivably arbitrary reasons for investigation would endanger the child and unnecessarily undermine the sanctity of the nuclear family.

Such landmark cases as this, which made headway in the Supreme Court, have a special importance. In the future, it may be that such cases become more common, due to the attention shown this one.

Sex crimes are complicated offenses, particularly when a child is the victim. Often the alleged perpetrator is a family friend or relative, which causes even more shock and pain for those involved. Whether or not the accused is guilty of the crime, these charges carry with them an emotional stigma, which creates very real challenges for the accused. The accused may experience difficulties with personal relationships, and problems with housing an employment.

If you have been charged with a crime, it is important to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. The sooner you seek the guidance of qualified counsel, the better your chances are for a positive outcome in your case.

Continue reading "A divisive case of child abuse and parental rights launches to the Supreme Court" »

A city official referred to as the “Street Czar” and entrusted with serving the community of San Diego was recently charged with a serious sex crime: he allegedly subjected an underage female to molestation, as documented by a New York Criminal Lawyer.

According to court documents, the young woman, now 21, was younger than 14 at the time of the alleged sexual misconduct charges, which happened around seven years ago. The accused city official is relatively new to his line of work, being commonly referred to as the “Street Czar” for the city of San Diego. A Bronx Criminal Lawyer notes that on February 28, the 47-year-old man pleaded not guilty in court. The exact statement from the prosecutor in the case says that the defendant allegedly enticed the then-underage victim to touch his private area, a claim that is also said to be corroborated by an external evidence source.

Though the city-employed defendant will not have to undergo jail time during the time of subsequent hearings, a New York Criminal Lawyer stated that according to an official for the city of San Diego, the defendant had been placed on “administrative leave” that does not include compensation. Upon inquiry, the legal counsel of the defendant declined to comment; at the same time, the president of a local union admitted that the arrest was “surprising”, thought went on to affirm the truth that according to American courts, a defendant is innocent until proven guilty. The union president oversees the employment and economical interests of all but 2,000 city employees in San Diego.

For now, the judge presiding over the case has issued a protective order upon the defendant, forbidding him to associate with the alleged victim in any manner whatsoever. Disobedience toward this order would likely result in further consequences for the defendant. The charge pending against the defendant currently carries a felony status, with a matching maximum term of eight years in prison.

Being charged with a sex crime is serious, and can carry many serious penalties that can include prison time, monetary fines, community service and more. Whether or not you are found guilty of the charges against you, these type of charges can create problems with your personal relationships and employment. While these charges can be stressful and embarrassing, it is important to take prompt action and consult legal counsel. The earlier on in the process you do this, the better you chance you have for a positive outcome.

Sexual misconduct is one of many serious sex crimes that carry serious legal consequences, yet is not beyond the scope of legal proficiency for a skilled legal counsel. Serious repercussions accompany the accused in such cases, and it is wise to seek the representation and counsel of a qualified legal counsel. If you or another of relation are currently experiencing a situation similar to that described above, a Bronx Sex Crimes Lawyer has the resources you need to ensure a fair trial and receive comfort and encouragement.

Contact Stephen Bilkis and Associates for guidance and a free consultation. Whatever your charges, we will provide an aggressive defense and ensure that your rights are protected throughout your proceedings. We have offices to serve you throughout the New York area, including locations in Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, the Bronx, and Brooklyn. We also have locations in both Nassau County and Suffolk County on Long Island, and Westchester County. Call us today to schedule a free consultation at 1-800-NY-NY-LAW.