New York Criminal Lawyer Blog

According to a New York Criminal Lawyer, several police officers were charged with various crimes arising out of their conduct in connection with their search for a lost police radio. According to the records of the case, the police officers went to two apartments to pursue a lead regarding the radio. The radio had been lost during an arrest related to a drug crime in the area several days earlier. The records said the police officers pushed their way into two apartments, ransacking both, and unlawfully detained the individuals encountered within the apartments. In searching the second apartment, the police officers discovered vials of crack coccaine and threatened the occupants therein that they would be charged with coccaine possession if the radio were not promptly returned. The police officers allegedly told the apartment occupants that they would "forget" about the drugs if the radio was returned. Administrative proceedings were then commenced against the police officers by conducting hearings.

Following a jury trial, each police officer was found guilty of unlawful imprisonment, coercion, criminal trespass, and official misconduct. Two of the officers were also convicted of falsifying business records. Prior to sentencing, the police officers moved to set aside the verdict alleging improper use of their statements in connection with the indictment and trial.

Among the numerous issues raised on appeal, the police officers challenged the sufficiency of the trial evidence, the cour'ts charge on unlayful imprisonment, alleged inconsistencies in jury verdict and the court's restriction on cross-examination of certain witnesses. Each of the police officers gave similar statements essentially denying any wrongdoing. The policemen testified in court that they saw one of the occupants of the apartment in the alley and he dropped the cocaine when he saw the police officers. One of the policemen said he has arrested the same person for marijuana possession prior to the incident.

A Brooklyn Criminal Lawyer said that the court found that the evidence was more than sufficient to sustain the jury's verdict of guilt, that all the elements of the crimes charged were established and that the guilty verdicts as to certain counts and not guilty verdicts as to others are not inconsistent with one another. While the police officers continue to claim that, at worst, their conduct constituted no more than an impermissible search for which there is no criminal liability, and that to uphold the guilty verdicts would be to seriously "chill the ability and good faith efforts of law enforcement to protect the public, the evidence before the jury amply demonstrated that defendants far exceeded the bounds of permissible police conduct and that they committed the crimes of which they were found guilty.

The court noted that an indictment is not fatlly tainted merely because someone involved in the criminal prosecution may have been exposed to a portion or all of the police officers' immunized statement, although clearly precautions should be taken -- and stringently observed -- to prevent such occurrence.

Drug addiction is a rampant problem in society and affects everyone. Being involved in a lawsuit arising from this crime is difficult. There are attorneys will stand by you and help see you through your case. These Attorneys can argue your side and make sure that you and your loved ones are compensated.

Whether you have been charged with sex crimes, or a drug offense, contact our office for assistance. Stephen Bilkis & Associates has offices throughout the New York Metropolitan area. Our office can provide you with advice to guide you through your difficult situations. Without our legal help, you may lose your rights which may cost you a significant amount of money.

On November 7, 1974, the Supreme Court of Monroe County, New York was called upon to hear the appeal of a drug possession conviction. According to a Brooklyn Criminal Lawyer, New York man was convicted after a jury trial of “Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree based on a $5000.00 sale of cocaine, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree, and Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree.” The appeal of the offender’s cocaine possession and sale case was based on the contention by the offender that the state’s statute was written in violation of the United States Constitution.

According to a New York Criminal Lawyer, the offender claims that the punishment imposed on Class A drug felons is cruel and unusual in violation of the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution. The defendant argued that the sentences for drug offenses in New York are disproportionate to the offenses themselves. He sites in his behalf that other jurisdictions have lowered their mandated sentences when they were determined to be disproportionate. He contends that New York’s failure to do so makes them in violation of the United States Constitution.

Secondly, the defendant claims that the legislation is an arbitrary classification which denies equal protection of the laws because New York’s Class A drug offenses are punished more severely than Class A drug offenses in other jurisdictions.

The court finds that the severity of punishment for Class A drug felonies is fair and equitable in that to their minds, Class A drug felonies “represent a most serious and constant threat to our society.” They go on to cite that drug trafficking and its consequences are one of the foremost problems in the minds of all citizens. The contention that other more serious and violent crimes are dealt with less severely than Class A drug felonies is an argument that begs question before the Court. The court considers street level drug deals to be but one phase in a larger scale of criminal activity.

They contend that the nature of drug possession and trafficking is that it does not stop with the street sale of a drug but continues as new persons become addicted. The addicts then commit other crimes and victimize other people to supply their habits. The justices point out that there was substantial support prior to the current legislation to make the sale of any narcotics, hallucinogenics or amphetamines a life sentence without parole.

The conviction is upheld and the defendant’s motion is denied in its entirety.

Issues of law are constantly changing. A person who is not specifically trained in the law cannot begin to know what all of their rights are without the assistance of a professional. Here at Steven Bilkis and Associates, we provide skilled legal counsel who can help. Whether you have been charged with a drug crime, sex crimes, or a theft offense, we will ensure that your rights are protected. Criminal law Attorneys can argue your side and make sure that you and your loved ones are considered. We make sure that you are defended to protect your rights.

Stephen Bilkis & Associates has convenient offices throughout the New York Metropolitan area including other areas of New York. We can provide you with advice to guide you through difficult situations. You and your loved ones will need advice following such a frightening experience. Let us help you to recover from the devastation that has befallen your family. If you are ever arrested for a drug related crime, we are here to help.

A jury convicted David L. Perkins of numerous crimes arising out of his conduct in providing alcohol to and engaging in sex acts with his daughter’s teenage friends. County Court had imposed the maximum sentence, an entire sum of 36 years in prison.

According to a New York Criminal Lawyer, Perkins asserted that there was legally insufficient evidence to convict him of sexual abuse because the court had failed to establish that the victim was physically helpless but the court asserted that the victim’s testimony that she blacked out and “was so drunk that she didn’t know what was going on,” was sufficient to establish the presence of physical helplessness.

A Booklyn Criminal Lawyer who witnessed the trial said that each victim testified consistently and with particularity about the sexual acts committed against them by Perkins and to being provided with alcohol at Perkin’s house. The court said that contrary to Perkin’s testimony, the record clearly revealed that the victims were under the age of 17 at the time of the crimes. The court also stressed that although some of the victims could not recall the precise dates or times of the incidents, “any consistencies regarding date and time did not render all of their testimony incredible as a matter of law, and we find no basis upon which to disturb the jury’s resolution of this credibility issues”.

A friend of one of the victims, Nicole Garrison, testified that the victim complained that Perkins had sexually assaulted her the day after the incident occurred and at the victim’s first opportunity. While such out-of-court statements are generally inadmissible to bolster a witness testimony, evidence that a victim of sexual assault promptly complained about the incident is admissible to corroborate the allegation that an assault took place.

Perkins also asserted that his statement to the police, in which he admitted to providing alcohol to his daughter’s friends but denied, having sexual contact with the girls, was involuntarily made and should have been suppressed. The court replied that after Perkins voluntarily went to the police station for questioning, he was advised of his Miranda rights, offered food and drink, and did not request any lawyer or state that he wished to remain silent. He then discussed, without incident of any kind, various allegations of underage drinking in his home and signed the statement.

Upon appeal to the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, Perkins lawyers find that the County Court erred in imposing consecutive terms upon certain of his convictions. They said that Penal Law provides that concurrent sentences must be imposed “for two or more offenses committed through a single act or omission, or through an act or omission which in itself constituted one of the offenses and also was a material element of the other”. With respect to the first victim, Perkins was convicted of two counts of sexual misconduct, sodomy in the third degree and rape in the third degree based upon an act of oral sex and sexual intercourse, as well as unlawfully dealing with a child in the first degree (for providing alcohol to the victim) and endangering the welfare of a child (for providing alcohol and subjecting the victim to oral sex and sexual intercourse). The higher court said that these convictions were based on only one act of deviate sexual intercourse, one act of sexual intercourse and one instance of providing alcohol. It stated that the remaining convictions “comprise separate, distinct and independently punishable offenses” and thus, according to a New York Sex Crimes Lawyer, consecutive sentences were warranted.

Encountering cases like this one needs you to be with an experienced and loyal lawyer by your side when you are in a trial room. Skilled legal counsel will be there always at your side and fight you through in every obstacle in the courtroom.

An established law firm, Stephen Bilkis and Associate is situated around the New York Metropolitan area.

These days, it is very hard to trust others especially when it comes to leaving our kids with people who you can truly rely on. There are many cases these days where nannies and even babysitters are accused of committing sex crimes that involve the children of their own employers according to a New York Criminal Lawyer. This goes the same for this case that is considered as an example here in this report for you to understand better the legal proceedings for such cases. The one involved here as the accused is James Watt.

Watt was convicted of rape, sodomy and for putting into danger the welfare of a little child. The crimes involved in his case are considered very heinous since it was committed against innocent and helpless tiny girls who are under 11 years old. These kids according to their parents were entrusted to him since he operates a basement based daycare center in the community. The problem that made everything worse because the daycare center was not registered.

All of the kids involved as victims gave their testimonies in detail even if it was really heinously specific in detail. A Brooklyn Criminal Lawyer backed this all up with formal medical evidence from experts done through proper medical examinations of the children. Many of them already showed suffering from diseases which are sexually transmitted. It was actually very sensitive to discuss but this could be a true learning experience for many and how they would be able to protect their children. The total number of crimes that was perpetrated against him includes twelve kids. This of course means that this case should be well investigated and be well prepared.

To add more formality and technicality on the investigation of this particular sex crime, the court got the service of a master psychologist by the name of Eileen Treacy. She is an expert in handling the sex crimes with kids. She interviewed seven of the kid victims and the result of her analysis led to the conviction of Watt being guilty of the crime. According to a New York sex with minor defense lawyer the reports were all asked to be gathered and presented to the court.

In the end, what was most important for the court is to offer utmost protection to the innocent victims of Watt. All of them have gone through so much trauma and abuse that this could bring negative effects to how they will handle the future ahead of them. And it is important that such a crime should not just go unpunished. It is also such a weak reason to use that he should not be convicted just because no one can say the exact dates of the sex crime and abuse that were committed. And hence, the Court made the right decision to convict and punish such a person as James Watt for pretending to love and care for kids just so he can take advantage of sexually abusing them.

It is very important these days that you get to know or be in touch with the credible legal counsel who can offer complete assistance to you especially if it is your own child who has fallen victim to such a heinous crime as this of Watt. The best place to start off your search for the right New York sex with minor defense lawyer is the office of Stephen Bilkis & Associates.

In July 2010, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) launched a new program for government and corporate sector employees that allowed them to safely provide information about possible fraud and other illegal activities they have witnessed or heard about. This program is part of the financial reform bill passed last year. So far, the new program has received only 168 complaints and tips. This number represents complaints and tips through February 2011, reports a New York Criminal Lawyer. But this number much lower than expected considering other whistleblower groups such as the National Whistleblowers Center and the whistleblower program run by the Department of Justice which receive hundreds of tips and complaints each year.

The National Whistleblowers Center provides informants with legal representation while the Department of Justice offers financial compensation to those that come forward. The SEC also offers financial compensation to those who choose to provide investigators with tips and other information. Informants may earn up to 30% of all monies collected in penalties or lawsuits that total more than 1 million dollars.

Specific rules governing how government and corporate sector employees file a complaint with the SEC may explain why many are hesitant to do so. Many government agencies and companies require employees to first file a complaint or provide tips through internal whistleblower programs first before filing their complaint with the SEC, says a Brooklyn Criminal Lawyer. Employees may be hesitant to file complaints with the SEC if they have to go through several agencies to do so. Filing multiple complaints may jeopardize their careers or create unwanted tension in the workplace.

The SEC will release its final rules governing the whistleblower program in April. It is expected that these rules will be met with some opposition as the SEC strives to relax the rules concerning the procedures for filing complaints or providing tips.

In addition to the SEC whistleblower program, the Department of Justice whistleblower program and the National Whistleblowers Center, other programs aimed at providing a safe place for informants to report possible fraud and other illegal activities are being formed by lawyers and others. Some offer financial compensation while others offer legal representation. Increasing the number of tips and complaints is the goal of the SEC whistleblower program as government funding is needed to keep the program running.

If you have been charged with fraud or white collar crime, speak with Stephen Bilkis and Associates for guidance and a free consultation. We have offices located throughout New York including locations in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and State Island. We also have locations in Nassau County and Suffolk County on Long Island, as well as Westchester County.

A 40 year-old immigration attorney faces charges for 28 counts of fraud, conspiracy activity, and 42 counts of alien harboring with the intent of personal financial gain, so reports a New York Criminal Lawyer. The accused attorney held a great understanding of the US visa program, and used his inside knowledge to manipulate the system by intentionally overlooking his clients eligibility for three consecutive years.

The accused also charged his clients unreasonably high fees, claiming that he would help them obtain faulty 'green-cards'. This kind of behavior would lead many to believe that they would be receiving resident alien status, something that would dramatically change their lives. Not only has this man taken advantage of many clients financially, but also emotionally, by holding out unrealistic promises—based on lies.

A Brooklyn Criminal Lawyer explains, that the charged, after being presented before the court was released on a $50,000 secure bond, under the pretenses that he would be forced to surrender US & UK passports. The future doesn't looks so bright for the accused, as with each count he will have to deal with a quarter of a million dollars in fines. In addition, with each count, he will also face a decade in prison, with exception of the conspiracy charge, that stipulates a maximum of five years in prison. Whatever personal gain, this man thought he had coming, it will pale in comparison to the years he will spend in prison, and the lives he ruined along the way.

In difficult situations, where you need direction and hope, Stephen Bilkis and Associates can help you navigate through the legal maze. Our legal team will act as your advocate, providing you with support, and an additional peace of mind.

Consider the following phrase: Tax season. What thoughts come to mind? If you find yourself cringing, you are not alone. Several notable celebrities have failed to maintain their obligations to Uncle Sam, as observed by a New York Criminal Lawyer.

Did you ever consider that Batman might have tax trouble? A popular star of “Batman Forever” fame was issued a $498,165 IRS lien last November for failing to fully pay taxes in 2008, according to the Associated Press. However, the star righted this wrong in a responsible way in 2009 by paying up, according to an entertainment website called TMZ.

What about the "A-list" “National Treasure” star who faced several successive IRS tax liens in the past few years, which at one point amounted to a tab of $13.3 million owed. The details included a disagreement between the star and a financial advisor/manager as well as a legal action on the part of both men, against one another. Again, a Brooklyn Criminal Lawyer notes that the actor smoothed over his troubles responsibly: according to People.com he is “under new business management and am happy to say that I am current for 2009.”

But wait: A star of the “Blade” trilogy, has also found himself on the “watch list” of the IRS. In 2008, the star was found guilty of “willful failure to file” income tax. This originated in 1998, when he decided to claim himself “a non taxpayer” and subsequently racked up around $15 million in back taxes over the following decade. This actor's story does not end quite as well as the other men in this account, he began serving a 3-year sentence in December 2010.

A skilled lawyer recognizes the importance of paying taxes on time and in full. As clearly shown above, even those who enjoy celebrity status make errors in regards to tax payments and are investigated accordingly! Be assured that excellent legal counsel and viable solutions will be afforded you and those important to you, all you need to do is make the call.

Whether you have been charged with embezzlement, fraud, sex crimes or drug possession, quality legal counsel can make all the difference. Speak to Stephen Bilkis and Associates for advice and a free consultation. We will ensure that your rights are defended at every stage of the legal process.

Wherever you are in New York, we have an office hearby. In New York City, we have offices in Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Staten Island. We also have locations in 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.

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.

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.

Continue reading "Former CEO of a Texas-based investment firm indicted on multiple counts of fraud" »

Following an undercover police investigation that resembled a Dateline type sting, deputies in Florida arrested 21 men and one woman, ages from 20 to 59, according to a New York Criminal Lawyer. The arrests are the fruition of a week long investigation that brought individuals from different parts of the state for the sole purpose of having sex with 14-year old boys and girls.

The sheriff's office used undercover officers that posed as 14-year old children online and included age-regressed photographs of the undercover officers, a Brooklyn Criminal Lawyer was told. The deputies communicated with the suspects electronically via email, instant messages, and over the phone. The individuals are those who responded to ads placed by deputies on Craigslist. The Sheriff’s Office also worked closely with the State Attorney's office, so that any legal issues that can often arise due to the nature of these types of investigations, most notably entrapment, could be avoided.

Following the arrests, the County Sheriff stated that he did hate to say that the investigation was fruitful. He also asked just how many more of these child predators are loose on the children in Florida that they are unaware. In the Sheriff’s own words, “The sheriffs of this state are tired of it.”

Many of those arrested do not have a criminal record. According to the arrest reports, when deputies entered the home many of the suspects attempted to run away. Deputies also wrote in their reports that one individual wailed loudly as he was being handcuffed. The woman is reported to have told deputies that she was only there to try to talk the 14-year old girl out of participating in the sex. According to the Sheriff, each of the individuals involved had been given the opportunity to either participate or not, and it is apparent to him that everyone who was present when his deputies raided the home were knowing and willing participants who had come for one reason—to have sex with a child.

In total, deputies filed 50 felony and three misdemeanor charges against those involved and their bonds totaled in excess of $1.2 million.

Sex crime charges are serious, and whether you are guilty or not, can have long lasting consequences. These charges can impact your personal relationships, your employment, and much more.

Continue reading "County Investigation Results in Sex Arrests" »

The police department in Seattle has launched a major internal investigation into the alleged mishandling of dozens of DWI cases by members of the department's DWI Squad. This means some cases will have to be placed on hold while the investigation goes on.

A local attorney made a statement that his criminal division will go over recent and past driving-under-the-influence (DWI) cases to figure out if they may be affected by what might be found during the police investigation, a New York Criminal Lawyer alleges about the case.

Sources familiar with the matter and later confirmed by the department states that there were arrest warrants that weren’t properly filed and investigated.

Other officers will put on special assignment to take charge of the night shift squad's regular DWI-enforcement jobs during the investigation and street officers will keep up their watch for drivers who may be under the influence, the department said.

The head of the Seattle police union who happens a 32-year veteran, very often did not report to work and approved DWI arrests by phone, one reliable source confirmed.

A rubber stamp was then used by DWI officers to stamp the sergeant's name to reports, the source said. This routine has been going on for around a year, confirmed a Bronx Criminal Lawyer. The Police Department is looking into the likelihood that the sergeant's name was stamped on reports without first getting in touch with him, said some sources inside the department.

The investigation is just part of the latest trouble to hit the unit, which is under review by the U.S. Department of Justice over accusations that officers used extreme force in a couple of high-profile cases. The Justice Department, among other things, is looking at whether the Police Department has good procedures to make sure that front-line officials are keeping up with their jobs.

In a written statement, the Police Department began to review of some "supervisory inconsistencies" within the DWI Squad. That investigation is still pending. “After a closer inspection, it was figured that administrative policy violations were in fact going on,” the statement said.

The case is still under investigation.

Continue reading "DWI Cases Suspended" »

Initial reports from a New York City Criminal Lawyer have revealed an 8 year old girl was molested and sexually assaulted by the college student who was paid to be her tutor.

The girl said a tutor in her third-grade classroom at a local elementary school had put his hand down her pants many times, and molested her. Then, the college student would very often touch her on the shoulder and tell her, “Good job,” the young girl told police. On Thursday, she said, that tutor –who was identified as a junior at a local college, indicated reports from a Brooklyn Criminal Lawyer—proceeded to rape her.

Later on that same day, she sought treatment at a local hospital, say the local police. Late Monday afternoon, police arrested the college student who is 21 years old. He was charged with rape of a child with force and indecent assault and battery of a minor under 14.

The defendant was arraigned Tuesday in District Court, where he decided to plead not guilty and was held on $20,000 bail.

He was ordered by a judge to stay away from the third grade girl, and also told he was to have no contact with minor children under the age of 16 unless they had parental supervision present at all times during the visit. He was also told he has to stay away from all elementary, middle and high schools until further notice.

The defendant’s parents declined to make a statement while leaving the courthouse after the arraignment. They told the local news station that they support their son. The case is scheduled for a probable-cause hearing on April 21.

The college junior tutored students at a local elementary school as part of a work-study program. Police said the supposed abuse happened on a several different dates. The young girl told police the events happened in the back of her classroom and other children were present while it was happening.

Sex crimes and other offenses against children create lasting scars. These offenses create emotional and physical scars that often take a lifetime to heal. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a sexual assault, rape or other physical abuse offense, be sure to obtain not only prompt medical and emotional support, but also contact an attorney promptly for guidance.

Continue reading "8 year-old Molested by Tutor" »

A 33-year-old man fought with police about his arrest for driving under the influence at almost 3am March 18 near a busy intersection, revealed a New York Criminal Lawyer.

The man was pulled over after supposedly stopping his car inside the cross streets at a red light and weaving in and out of his lane.

He apparently reeked strongly of alcohol, had bloodshot and glassy eyes and at first told officers he had just a couple of drinks, but then said he had not been drinking and again later said he had a few drinks. He changed his story repeatedly, leading to doubts about his credibility in this case. That and the fact that he could not pass sobriety tests that were given to him over the course of the night.

He had problems keeping his balance while standing and was arrested after failing several field sobriety tests, according to Brooklyn Criminal Lawyer. On the way to the police station and while he was being tended to, the man allegedly asked police over and over again how they could arrest him for DWI because he said he was walking home from the bar. He refused to do a breath test, although he repeatedly insisted that he was in fact walking, not driving at all.

He will face charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and disobeying a traffic control device, unless it can be proven that he was in fact walking and not driving. At this time, it’s too soon to tell if that can happen since his car was found at the scene.

He was released on a $1,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court April 27. His car was removed from the scene and his wife came to the station to pick him up.

Whether you are found innocent or guilty of a DWI charge, it can create significant problems in your life. If you are charged with this offense, it is important to take prompt action to ensure that your rights are protected.

Continue reading "Man Accused of DWI Says He Was Walking, Not Driving" »

The state of Indiana passed an immigration bill (the vote was 31-18) that may encourage racial profiling. Racial profiling occurs when law enforcement officials assume a person may be guilty of committing a crime based on their ethnic background, explains a senator. State officials who support the bill maintain that racial profiling will not occur if this bill becomes state law.

While many in the State Senate support the bill, there are many small and large businesses such as Eli Lilly and Co. and Cummins, Inc. that do not support the bill. Many businesses in Indiana fear a decline in business conferences, trade shows and other commerce events due to the fear that participants in these events may be subject to racial profiling. Some out-of-state businesses have already canceled plans to hold company events in Indiana because of the potential for racial profiling and harassment. This has nothing to do with drug possession.

The piece of legislation, called the "Immigration Matters" bill, would require, among other things, all legal documents and hearings be presented in English only. The bill also states that local law enforcement would have added responsibility to enforce the federal immigration laws, which could lead to additional work by departments and personnel.

The "Immigration Matters" bill was authored by Indiana State Senator Mike Delph, R-Carmel. Delph was absent during the senate vote, however, because he was taking the state bar exam. The bar exam is given to those who want to legally practice law in their state, said a professor. Senator Delph claims that the bill will not encourage racial profiling and only serves to reinforce existing state and federal laws regarding immigration. Some in the Senate now fear additional lawsuits and other legal action if the bill becomes law.

Not all senators felt the bill should pass. Five Republican senators joined Democratic senators in voting down the bill. And even though the bill passed through the State Senate, it still needs to pass through the Indiana State House of Representatives to become law, reports a station.

Those who support the bill say their intentions are to protect Indiana from threats or acts of terrorism from those coming to the United States via Mexican borders. Supporters like those in Brooklyn and Staten Island also say they are concerned that more illegal immigrants will take away jobs from U.S. citizens, increase taxes and cause a lowering of wages because local businesses pay for cheaper labor when hiring illegal immigrants.

Continue reading "The Indiana Senate Passes Immigration Bill " »

Because women are suppose to be physically weak there are some men who take advantage of this and physically abuse their partners, wives, daughters and others. Disturbing reports are very common, particularly domestic violence issues where the victims are the wives and the children.

On March 7, 1997, the defendant who is the ex-boyfriend of the victim attacked her in front of her apartment. She and her three daughters where coming home from the supermarket when the defendant attacked from behind. The victim then was wheeling the baby carriage when the attack began and her two older daughters who were 7 and 12 years old were frightened by what they saw and began to cry. The victim’s face smashed against the fence and the baby carriage was knocked over. The defendant was very angry because the victim filed a complaint against him previously and put him in jail apparently because of domestic violence.

The defendant then grabbed the victim by the back and neck and ordered her to open the door knocking her head on the door in the process. The children followed behind, the older children carrying the baby inside. Upon entering the apartment, it is very fortunate that the children know where they will go. They went straight to their bedroom and stayed there while the defendant continuously assaulted the victim. They could hear him verbally abused their mother. The defendant also beat the victim using his hands, feet and a metal pipe. The defendant’s terror lasted 10 hours. The horror that the children experienced while they were trapped inside their bedroom has left them traumatized for a long time. They were afraid for their safety and afraid for their mother’s safety as well. All along the defendant was threatening the victim that he will leave her children motherless because of what she did to him before.

After a long time the victim finally got the chance to sneak out. She ran frantically to the nearest phone and called the police. The police arrested the defendant and filed charges of domestic violence against him. He also endangered the safety of his victim’s children. He also exposed them to the horrors of domestic violence.

The defendant was charged by the court with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and intimidating a victim or a witness according to a Brooklyn Criminal Lawyer. He was also charged with menacing and a number of felonies related to the order of protection.

What the victim and her children experienced is a terrible situation that can haunt them for a very long time. The effect on the children of domestic violence has been documented for over two decade. The effects of such action or experience on them have already been established as very destructive and can affect how they see their life inside their home. The feeling of constant fear hinders their healthy well being.

It is just very fortunate that a New York Criminal Lawyer can understand what it feels like to be in a situation of fear and violence. They understand that in times like these fear is the worst enemy of all. They encourage everyone suffering from domestic violence, abuse or a sex crime to come out and tell their stories.

Continue reading "Disturbing reports are very common particularly domestic violence issues wherein the victims are the wives and the children. " »

A man linked to New York crime families claims to have been the victim in a knife fight with a Brooklyn pizza maker. The mob-linked suspect even went so far as to show his knife wounds to a judge in court. He was charged with murder in this case that has confused both prosecutors and defense thus far.
The pizza maker had cuts all over his body from the scuffle on Smith Street in Carroll Gardens, and he faces charges himself – felony assault, with more that might be coming, a spokesman for the District Attorney revealed to NY City Criminal Lawyers.
“I got arrested because of all the publicity,” said the pizza maker as he lay in a hospital bed in Lutheran Hospital. “They think this is some kind of mob story. I was just trying to defend myself.”
Neither the pizza maker, owner of a famous shop which such people as Beyonce and Jay-Z patronize, nor the suspect have been cooperating with authorities.
While the pizza shop owner was hospitalized, the suspect was arraigned. The suspect’s attorney insists his client did not start the fight.
The suspect has already been linked to crime families. In court, he lifted his shirt to show his chest was covered with bandages, as his attorney pleaded his case.
Prosecutors say that the suspect is a “violent predator”. It is their case that the pizza maker “suffered far worse injuries.”
The suspect’s attorney claims the large knife found on the scene belonged to the pizza maker, but prosecutors insist it belonged to the suspect. Since the suspect is on probation until 2013 for his complicity in a series of bank robberys across the country, he was held in lieu of $250,000 bail.
The judge in the case took steps to make sure the bail furnished by the suspect did not come from any criminal sources.
Despite the protests of the pizza makers, the whole case looks very much like something in which the mob might be involved.
Not only does the suspect have ties to mobsters, but NY City Criminal Lawyers have learned the pizza maker may have given a no-show job to a mobster in another crime family.

Continue reading "Ex-con Claims To Be Victim in Knifing" »

Five Brooklyn high school girls stand accused of assaulting a talented music student with a padlock in a sock, all to keep her out of a talent show, sources told New York Criminal Lawyers.
“Yo, b***h, I got a lock,” one of the suspects reportedly said before they began beating the young singer.
The girl with the lock, 16 years old, and four of her friends are accused of attacking a 17-year-old senior at Brooklyn Academy High School. The singer was outside the home of her voice coach when the attack occurred.
Afterward, the victim had to have six stitches near her left ear. She also had a deep gash on her face, and bruising on her jaw.
“I wasn’t able to open my jaw. I wasn’t able to talk. I wasn’t able to sing,” the girl explained to New York Criminal Lawyers.
According to her, it was all about jealousy and the talent show. She even received a Facebook message, threatening her, saying “they were going to get her and hurt her so she wouldn’t ever be able to sing again,” her mother said.
Because of the attack, the talent show was cancelled. Witnesses say the attack happened quickly. The girls surrounded their victim and the ringleader began to hit her with the lock. The others joined in after that.
“I could see them hitting her and hitting her and hitting her with something,” a 22-year-old neighbor said. She was watching the whole thing from her apartment window.
“She started out on the stoop and you could tell she didn’t want to fight, but she came down and they fought with everybody hyping it up. She was bleeding.” In Manhattan, this crime would be treated the same way.
The victim’s friend tried to help, but she was also beaten, authorities revealed to New York Criminal Lawyers. Four of the teenaged attackers were arrested on the scene, with the fifth, the one with the lock, being arrested three days later.
One of the accused girls later confessed to being involved. “I did fight that day, but nothing was planned.” She is a student at Bedford-Stuyvesant Preparatory School. “There was a padlock involved.”

Continue reading "Five Teen Girls Face Assault Charges" »

A Brooklyn man is accused of strangling his girlfriend – while their 7-year-old daughter was in the house.
The 29-year-old victim was engaged in an argument with her 28-year-old boyfriend, just before 6 a.m. in their apartment on 50th Street in Sunset Park when the alleged attack occurred. Their young daughter was in another room in the apartment at the time, but she did not witness the murder.
The boyfriend said that his girlfriend attacked him with a knife and he was defending himself. Police have charged him with murder in the matter, nonetheless, leaving his fate and the circumstances of the woman’s death for a jury to decide.
A relative of the boyfriend speculated the fight may have been over the boyfriend’s suspicions that the victim was cheating on him. The relative also indicated that the pair had always had a contentious relationship, with arguments and breakups common.
The only one who knows the true story of what happens is the accused. He tells one story and the District Attorney’s Office has another. A jury will have to decide who has the more compelling story. The District Attorney already has trained lawyers for the prosecution, leaving the defendant to fend for himself or take chances with a public defender. It would be much better for anyone is a similar situation to be sure his representation is just as capable as the prosecution, if not more so. That kind of quality legal counsel can be found in a NYork Criminal Lawyer.
It may look like any given case is clearly one way, but there may be details known only to the accused. These details might not seem like much to the common person, but someone with the training of a NYork Criminal Lawyer can make all those minor details relevant to the case. It might result in a reduced sentence. It could even result in exoneration. None of that can happen, though, without first gaining the best legal counsel you can find.

Continue reading "A Brooklyn Man Murders Girlfriend When Daughter Was In The House" »

A suspected burglar has been caught on video tape in Queens and the search is on for a man who took some alcoholic beverages from a restaurant in Forest Hills, sources have revealed.
According to sources, the alleged thief broke in through the front window of the restaurant at 3 in the morning on March 29 and fled with some bottles of liquor.
In Brooklyn, a stripper and three of her friends, pole dancers, allegedly beat up an enemy of theirs in Sunset Park, authorities told New York Criminal Lawyers.
The 26-year-old woman and three other workers in her establishment are said to have attacked their victim at 4:10 a.m. on March 6 on the corner of 39th Street and Fourth Avenue.
Police explained in reports about the incident that the victim has been accused of pouring baby oil into the shoes of one of the women who later attacked her. No one yet knows why the victim would have done this, if it did indeed occur.
According to police, the vicious attack, in which the victim was punched and kicked in the head and face, resulted in brain swelling, some loss of vision, and a broken nose. She underwent surgery at Kings County Hospital.
The 26-year-old stripper later surrendered to police and faces charges of gang assault, menacing and harassment. According to her, she did nothing more than drive the vehicle which carried the other assailants. Police are still looking for the woman’s accomplices.
New York City Criminal Lawyers have heard of another alleged crime in Queens, this one involving a man who allegedly took cans of coffee from a Midwood supermarket at around 2 in the afternoon.
The 30-year-old suspect allegedly took 19 cans off coffee, packed them into a shopping back and walked past the registers and toward the exit, apparently not intending to pay for his caffeine craving.
Security confronted the suspect and he resisted, scratching a guard on the right cheek and nose in his attempt to get away, police indicated. The guard went to Lutheran Hospital, where his scratches were treated.

Continue reading "Stories from Queens and Brooklyn" »

Four shooting incidents that occurred in two New York City boroughs, Brooklyn and the Bronx, have resulted in hospitalizing four men in Crown Heights and wounding four others, police revealed to New York Criminal Law Offices.
All four shootings occurred over a time span that was less than three hours.
The first incident happened at about 4:20 p.m. on Utica Avenue in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, police have discovered upon further investigation. Two of the victims, ages 34 and 32, were transported to Kings County Hospital, where they are said to be in stable condition. The other two victims of the first shooting managed to transport themselves to Brookdale University Hospital. They were also considered to be in stable condition.
In the Bronx, an 18-year-old man was shot around 5:05 p.m. on Eastchester Road in the Bronx. He is being treated in Jacobi Medical Center and is in stable condition. According to police, two suspects were seen fleeing the scene of the shooting.
On Rockaway Avenue, in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, another man was shot in the leg around 6 p.m. He was also taken to Brookdale University Hospital, where he is listed in stable condition.
A dozen blocks away, yet another two men sustained gunshot wounds on Throop Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant at around a quarter to seven in the evening. One of the victims was only 17 years old, shot in the back. Both victims were treated at Kings County Hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
For all of these shootings, the police did not arrest anyone, and they had no further information to give regarding the victims or any suspects.
No one really knows the circumstances behind these shootings, but everyone has their own story of what really happened, including the shooters. Even the shooters have the right be heard in a court of law. Once there, they can trust in the public defender, or they could go the extra step and talk to a New York Criminal Law Office – someone with the experience and skill to make sure their clients are treated fairly.

Continue reading "Bronx and Brooklyn Shootings Leave 8 Wounded" »